Throughout arts and culture, there are many different symbols which have a rich background and many different associations and meanings that have been picked up through history.  To fully understand the symbols when you see them, it helps to have an idea of the background.  In this brief post I’m going to tell you about some of the meanings associated with the Nautical Star and the Nautical Star tattoo.

The Nautical Star as a symbol which is often used to represent membership in the US Navy or Marine Corps.  The symbol is a five pointed star, and it’s shows a resemblance to the stars on the US national flag, as well is also using the same distinctive colour pattern used on the compass Rose which showed directions on old nautical maps.The deliberate use of this association was demonstrated during John McCain's presidential campaign.

In the middle of the 20th century, the symbol had special significance for the gay and lesbian community. It is still popular symbol amongst these communities today, but its use by people who are not gays, lesbians or sailros has grown considerably in the recent couple of decades.

Throughout history of the symbol has been used by sailors and other people who make their living on the sea. It refers to the practice of navigating by stars, something which has been done by sailors are thousands of years, Also the symbol can be used to represent membership in either the port watch or the starboard watch.

However, more often the symbol is used in a symbolic way rather than literally.  For instance, it can be used to show the person is trying to find their way back home, or to show their intention to plot their own course in life.Usually the context or the way the tattoo is used will show you what the meaning is.To the superstitious ancient sailors, it was a symbol that represented a force or higher being that was guiding them to safety from all the dangers that they faced in their day-to-day lives.

With such a wide range of different meanings, it’s easy to see why someone could be confused by the nautical style symbol when used in a tattoo.