Star Tattoos
Star Tattoos
Star tattoos can have a variety of different meanings. Spirit, hope or truth are just some of the meanings that are often associated with star tattoos. Whether it be a symbol of reaching one's goals, a point of guidance or a light during a time of darkness, this popular tattoo choice can be a reflection of personal significance.
History of Star Tattoos
Star tattoos have been a very popular choice dating back almost 100 years. Vintage photographs of the work of tattoo artists from the early nineteen hundreds up into the late ’50s, reveal the many uses of
stars in early tattoo art. Tattoo artists like Percy Waters, Cap Coleman, Paul Rogers, Bob Shaw, Bert Grimm and Lyle Tuttle can be seen using star tattoos to fill in empty spaces on larger tattoos. These small five pointed stars eventually gave way to the more intricate star designs. As a result, one of the more popular star tattoos is the nautical star.
Religious Star Tattoos
Different religions have various meanings for star symbols. The Jewish Star of David is a six-pointed star that represents God and his ability to command the universe. The points signify his guard in all directions of North, South, East, West, upward and downward. Christians associate the five-pointed star with the Star of Bethlehem and the birth of Jesus Christ. To Roman Catholics, a six-pointed star is correlated with the Blessed Virgin Mary. In the Islam religion, the inside of the star represents Mecca, the holiest city and the direction to which Muslims face when they pray.
Nautical Star Tattoos
The nautical star is a five-pointed star that has the points cut in half and shaded with a different color in 
order to create a three-dimensional look. It has long been seen as a representation of hope, safety and guidance. Before navigation, sailors used the stars in the night sky to find their way back home. These sailors believed their nautical star tattoos would aid in bringing them home safely. Over the years, soldiers have also adopted the masculine nautical star tattoo as a symbol of protection. Nautical stars are also favored by punk rockers who see them as a symbol of finding their own path in life. Nautical stars also have special significance for the Irish who view them as representations of good health.
Shooting Stars Tattoos
Astrologers know these stars as meteors and they hold a particular attraction for those intrigued by the world of astronomy. Choosing a shooting star tattoo can be a tribute to the celestial bodies or it may be a representation of the hope for good luck, fame, success, or reaching one's destiny. Shooting star tattoos can also symbolize life-changing events such as births or romances.
Other Types of Star Tattoos
Pentagram Tattoos
This star can have different meanings depending on where it points. When the star looks upward, it is thought that the points are the four elements with the top point symbolizing the Spirit. Christians see the pentagram star as a figure of the birth of Jesus Christ or the Star of Bethlehem. Celtic beliefs state that when this star points up, it is a sign of the supernatural, protection and storytelling. However, when the star points downward, it is seen as a ram's head and is viewed as a sign of the devil.
Hexagram Tattoos
The Star of David is a powerful symbol of Judaism. This symbol draws significance from the ancient battle of David and Goliath since David carried a hexagram shaped shield when he conquered Goliath. The hexagram star also has strong ties with the Kabbalah religion. Additionally, it is known as the Creator's Star, with each point representing the days of the week and the center of the star embodying the Sabbath.
Septagram Tattoos
This seven-pointed star is seen as the mystical star. Because of its seven points, it is also linked to the seven planets of astrology. Cherokee people see this star as sign of achievement and victory. Wiccan people who practice the Faery tradition know these stars as the Fairy Stars or Elvin Stars.
Octogram Tattoos
Often seen as a symbol of regeneration and abundance, this star is associated with the Ogdoad of ancient Egypt. It is also linked to the pagan wheel of the year. American firefighters associate this star with great significance to those who wear it.
Nanogram Tattoos
The Nanogram star can be a representation of balance and achievement. It can also been seen as stability that is able to shift to change. Because of its nine points, it is associated with nine-fold systems like the Taoist kanji. This nine-pointed star is also thought to represent the nine worlds in Norse mythology.
Celebrities with Star Tattoos:
Rhianna / Singer: Star tattoo on the inside of her left ear
Eva Longoria-Parker / Actress: Star tattoo on the inside of her left wrist
Kate Hudson / Actress: Star tattoo on the top of her left foot
Victoria Beckham / Singer: Five stars on her lower back
Gisele Bundchen / Model: Star on the inside of her left wrist
Bruce Willis / Actor: Three stars on his left shoulder
Pink / Singer: Shooting stars tattoo on her hand and back of her left shoulder
Brittany Spears / Singer: Star tattoo on her right hand
Sienna Miller / Actress: Star tattoos on her lower right bikini line and on her right shoulder
Ashlee Simpson / Musician: Star tattoo on the inside of her left wrist
Avril Lavigne / Singer: Star tattoo on the inside of her left wrist
Richie Sambora / Musician: Star tattoo on his right hand
Norah Jones / Musician: Star tattoo on her lower back
Sophie Howard / Model: Star tattoos down her back and on the inside of her left wrist
Peter Fonda / Actor: Three star tattoos on his forearm
Aaliyah / Singer: Star tattoo on her hand
Nick Carter / Singer: Half moon and star tattoo on his shoulder
Daryl Hall / Musician: Star tattoo on his shoulder
Geri Halliwell / Musician : Star tattoo on upper back
Lindsay Lohan / Actress: Star tattoo on inside of her left wrist
