Nautical Star Tattoos have been popular for many years because people like to choose a tattoo that is personal to them and carries significant meaning. Tattoos are more than just body art. Nautical Star Tattoos are simple but beautiful and their meaning has carried this symbol through many different eras of history.

A nautical star symbol can be dated back to the sailing days when seamen wore them on their chests like badges. These ink badges represented the symbol of the compass that was used to direct them home and dually represented the north star which was also a means to help those lost to find their way home. It further became a design to create hope and guidance. The belief was that the Nautical Star would guide him home safely. This idea carried over to the military when soldiers went abroad. Many wore this tattoo with pride and they prayed it would protect them and bring them back to their friends and families after the end of the war. It was then used as a method to identify lesbians and gays at a time in history when that lifestyle wasn't acceptable to the majority of people. The star's meaning further transcended into the punk movement who wanted others to recognize their individualism. They used the star to separate themselves from others and identify with each other. The number of tips on a nautical star also has different meanings. The star of David is identified by the six points on the Nautical Star while eight points was often associated with the cross of St. John. Some of the mystical meanings that are found behind the 5 and 7 point nautical star have been debated and interpreted in many ways by many people.

Currently, Nautical Star Tattoos can be found on most anyone without being linked to sailing, membership to the armed forces, gay affiliated or punk related. It has a very simple but artistic design and anyone can get this image inked in whatever shades, colors, shapes or sizes on any location of their body they choose. This tattoo can be worn for it's significant meaning or as a fashion statement because of it's unique and recognizable design. The history involved with this design may be exactly what your looking for as your next tattoo choice.