The groups who have predominantly adopted nautical star tattoos are the military, lesbians and gays as well as punk rockers, but taken separately they all consider different meanings of the symbol. For those in the army, the connection is pretty similar to the symbolism given by sailors; the military are also looking or waiting for their return home. The lesbian connections with the nautical star tattoos are about choices. In the 40s and 50s, when people didn’t have that much liberty to show their alternative orientations, lesbians would tattoo the nautical star on the inside part of the wrist where it could be easily camouflaged by a watch. But in the evening when they went out, the nautical star tattoo could be seen and recognized by others just like them.

As for punk groups, nautical star tattoos represent a symbolic way of expressing their differences. With the same hints to the North star, these tattoos show individual attempts to find one’s path in life even if that means being different. Many full sleeve tattoos that are so common among punk rockers also include a nautical star, the elbow area is otherwise preferred for the decoration. Besides these categories of people who wear nautical star tattoos for a purpose, there are many others who simply take a liking in the pattern. The preference for one tattoo or another is highly personal and it should stay as such.

One interesting aspect remains the denial of the symbolic charges of the nautical star tattoos. Thus, the military often have a very strong rejection and debunking reaction towards the possible associations with gay or lesbian groups. Yet, other people wear such tattoos without even giving them a meaning other than their personal liking for the design. The thing that stays valid is the presence of nautical star tattoos in different moments in the history of mankind, which no one can deny.

The Nautical Star is also associated with those in the United States forces. It became another way for people that served this country to identify themselves and many thought it would guide them home safe and sound after war just as sailors believed while they were at sea.

Later on in history, the Nautical Star Tattoos were deemed as a way to identify gays and lesbians in the 1940s. This was a time period when being homosexual was completely unacceptable and this tattoo symbol was a subliminal way to help them recognize each other without disclosing their gender preference. The tattoo was often placed on the inside of the arm or wrist.

Over the last twenty or so years, the punk evolution surfaced and the Nautical Star Tattoos were used to express the Punk's individualism. They often wear them on their elbows, back of their calves, and near their wrists. Today, you can find a wide arrangement of people sporting this very historical symbol.

Getting a meaningful tattoo that has a long, established history and meaning is something tmany are proud of. For a long time, this design has been used for anyone that wants a unique symbol tattooed on their skin that guides them along the right path. Nautical Star Tattoos are done in different colors, different shades, different sizes but all with the same history. It is a great universal tattoo that looks great on anyone. Tattoos are permanent and they should have a special meaning to the owner and this tattoo has carried it's significance over many decades and continues to represent life guidance today.

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.

What is the Zodiac? The elements of the Zodiac are what you see when you look at your horoscope in the daiy newspaper. The month and day you were born determines your astrological sign and Zodiac symbol so if you are considering getting some tattoo designs you need to stick with your sign unless you are paying tribute to a loved one. Ultimately, your choice of tattoo images is up to you and the design you decide upon is determined by your style and personality. Choosing your Zodiac gemstone's color is another option you have. There is no limit to the variety of Tattoos Zodiac graphics and designs that you can use.

The Signs and Symbols:

Aries – Ram; March 21 and April 20; Motto: “I Am”; Color: Red; Element: Fire

Taurus -Bull; April 21-May 21; Motto ‘I have’; Color: Blue/Green; Element: Earth

Gemini – The Twins; May 22 to June 21; Motto ‘I communicate’; Color: Lt Green/Yellow; Element: Air

Cancer -Crab; June 22-July 22; Motto: ‘I feel’; Color: White/Cream; Element: Water

Leo -Lion; July 23-August 23; Motto: ‘I create’; Color: Gold; Element: Fire

Virgo - The Virgin; August 24 to September 22; Motto: ‘I Serve’; Color: Violet/Silver: Element: Earth

Libra - The Scales; September 23 to October 22; Motto: ‘I weigh”; Color: Dark Blue/Pink; Element: Air

Scorpio - The Scorpion; October 23 to November 21; Motto: ‘I Control’; Color: Black/Dark Red; Element: Water

Sagittarius - The Archer; November 22 to December 21; Motto: ‘I philosophize’; Color: Beige/Bronze; Element: Fire

Capricorn - The Goat; December 21 to January 20; Motto: ‘I master’; Color: Orange/Brown; Element: Earth

Aquarius - The Water Bearer; January 21 to February 19; Motto: ‘I universalize’; Color: Amber/Aquamarine; Element: Air

Pisces - The Fish; February 20 to March 20; Motto: ‘I believe’; Color: Mauve/Purple; Element: Water

These signs are significant in showing off who you are and there are many graphics that can be used with tattoos zodiac signs. The list is designed to give you some ideas for colors, signs, designs and mottos. Feel free to tattoo you with the Zodiac!

The Christian Faith has used cross-shaped tattoos as a symbol of their religion since the beginning of the faith. Followers of all backgrounds have worn the cross of Christ, as well as the Icthus and the Trinity Circle.

Catholics also use different versions of the cross as a popular tattoo design. A number of Catholic traditions rely on the symbol of the cross as a way to observe rituals of the Church. The Papacy uses a number of different versions of the cross, and each has its own distinct meaning. It’s extremely unlikely to see a clergyman with a tattoo of a cross or any other design, the symbol is commonly worn in jewelry or embroidery.

While tattoo crosses continue to be popular today, their history goes back much further than the Catholic faith. Some of the first druids marked themselves with a cross as a symbol of many different things. Father and Mother Nature were often worshipped in the early days of the Druids, although the symbol could also stand for various mystical concepts.

Ancient Egyptians used a style of cross known as an ankh to represent eternal life. You often see cross-like engravings of on ancient mummy casings, and historians believe that the same style of tattoo images were found on many of the priests of Pharaoh. The Egyptian Ankh was eventually used as the symbol for the Roman God Venus, and is still used today as the symbol for female.

From the Druids to the Modern Christian church, tattoo crosses are still as popular as ever in today’s culture. The meanings can stand for so many different things, and the designs range from the occult to the significance of a nationality. The cross is a universal symbol to so many people, and it likely will remain the most popular tattoo in the world.

Copyright 2009 – Author Robert Walker has had a keen interest in tattoos and body modifications of all kinds for some time. Please visit the tattoo blog here http://www.nauticalstartattoosblog.com”>http://www.nauticalstartattoosblog.com