35 Amazing Compass Tattoo Designs

If you are forever wandering, a compass will always guide you where you need to go. Now whether you take this literally or figuratively is up to you! Compass tattoos look great with their round shape and etched bearings and will remind the wearer that they are never lost, always simply on a journey to somewhere.

A compass is a pretty vital instrument that any traveler would need in his or her pack, making it one of the most common tattoos for a frequent traveler to get done. Compass tattoo designs are usually pretty common amongst nautical lovers, fisherman and of course military personnel as well. These compass themed tattoos comes in several styles such as the nautical star compass, rose compass, star compass and the prismatic compass. Interestingly, the first sailors to get compass tattoos were Spanish conquistadors. It is also believed that Celts along with some people of European origin used these designs in the early centuries.

It was believed that having a compass tattoo protected the wearer when they traveled over rough waters and ensured that they returned home in one piece. The design of the tattoo was also rendered on the ship to ensure safety. As such, many family members of naval officers and fisherman would also wear either tattoos or jewelry charms of a compass to support their loved ones and wish them a safe journey.

The compass tattoo with the star in it is used to represent the north star, which was the point of origin to guide people on directions. People on land and the ocean used the north star to guide them on the right direction. There is the aesthetic appeal that adds to the fondness for this tattoo design.

Since the compass is such a thing that is used by people from different walks of life, even the personnel from armed forces favored this as a tattoo design. Again it was believed that having a compass tattoo provided protection and much needed guidance. Today people often get a compass tattoo for the same reasons. In many designs with the compass in it you will find the letter N as it represents the north which is a significant direction. Armed forces would often look up to the N in the compass as something that would help them go home safely and without getting lost.

Since most compass tattoos represent a sense of direction they are also associated with time. Many compass tattoo designs have been drawn alongside other design elements that represent time as well such as hour glasses, clocks and sun dials. Some of the compass based tattoos also have things like floral designs and ribbons added to them.

Some compass tattoo designs my also have the globe in them. Plus stars are also linked with the compass and this could be inculcated in the motif. Plus since the compass is an important instrument for marine travel, it can be drawn in conjunction with the anchor which is also part of sea travels.

As far as meanings go, a compass tattoo has one very obvious and important meaning- that of stopping from becoming lost and finding the right direction. This could be taken on a philosophical level or literally. A person feeling lost in sense of direction or purpose could use the compass tattoo as a means of gaining a particular direction and fulfilling a noble purpose. Apart from having the weight and significance of history and many deeper symbolism associated with them, compass tattoos also look great.

Compass tattoo designs have often been used to symbolize being on the right life path and following in the most productive direction toward your dreams. That is why perhaps many people seem to opt for this design. It has also been seen that people in hazardous professions like armed forces and merchant navy personnel feel the need to get the compass tattoo. It is believed to be a good omen and portents safety and protection.

With people struggling to find personal and professional direction in life, the compass tattoo seems to offer a beacon of hope to people in finding the right path. Plus with such a huge amount of choice in terms of designs and categories, the compass design for tattoos has become very popular.

Some more designs related to Amazing Compass Tattoo Designs are as follows: