The nautical star is a traditional sailor tattoo and one that you will still see many people get today for a variety of reasons. It can be a very simple design or a complex piece with intricate line work and shading, but regardless of the look you can be sure that it holds special meanings to the person who has it on their skin.

The nautical star is derived from the four-pointed star that rested in the center of a compass, pointing to the four directions. The star is designed in such a way that it appears raised. Dark and light colors, traditionally black and white, are placed together to create a sense of dimension. White tones are sometimes added to further highlight the depth of the image, introducing more detail.

The nautical star has been used as a tattoo staple for decades and has become a commonly added element to larger tattoo designs. The simple image of the nautical star makes it a diverse symbol that can be integrated into nearly any size or style of tattoo.

If you are interested in getting a nautical star tattoo or you simply want to know some of the meanings attached to it, check out the info below.

Popular Nautical Star Tattoo Meanings

The nautical star is most commonly known as a symbol of good fortune while sailing the open seas. This is why it is one of the most popular military tattoos around. Of course, you could also get one of these stars if you simply love being out on the water away from the mainland. People who do get their nautical star tattoos as military tats will sometimes include other military designs, such as flags, guns, and aircraft carriers.

The nautical star can also symbolize protection. This is because back before compasses sailors would look up at the stars to see which direction they were going. Even if they were in terrible shape, they could always be sure that they could depend on the stars to point them where they needed to go. You could use this meaning if you want to show that you protect those closes to you, or you could even get it to show that you need a bit of protection from the negative things around you.