The nautical star design is one of the oldest and most original of all the star tattoo designs. It is interpreted as a dominant symbol and has a long history. The first use of nautical star tattoos date back to ancient mariners when they used to have them positioned on their body to align with the northern star and from this they could figure out if they were going in the right direction and hence guide them home.

Today the nautical star has been adopted by many groups. The Punk Rocker movement adopted Star tattoos and was originally influenced by Sailor Jerry, who was one of the original and revered tattoo artists of the modern age.

Star tattoos are generally connected with masculine groups but the powerful emotions of strength and unity are also very strong among lesbians who have now also adopted the star tattoo and tailored the design to their identity.

The most commonly used star tattoos are the 4 and 5 pointed designs, but also Moon Star Moon designs are also popular and can look more feminine than the nautical star.

The increasing number of people who are having individual star tattoo designs is down to the fact that it us such a versatile shape that can be adapted and incorporated into many ideas. Many people have small ones done in discreet areas like on the wrist which can be hidden by a watch or bracelet. They are also great for covering up an old tattoo that was maybe done badly. Another great idea is to incorporate it into an existing design to enhance or add detail.

Other groups that use the star are the occult or people that practice witchcraft. They use the Pentacle star design which has 5 points and is taken from the Greek word Pentegrammos which means 5 lines. The lines suggest a link to the devil at the points where the lines cross.

But don't worry, if you still want a 5 pointed star tattoo design without the dark meaning there are plenty of other more light hearted designs out there that can adapted to suit you.

Here are some ideas on combining star tattoos with other designs.

Place the stars in descending sizes on either side of 2 swallows with a heart in the middle. Looks stunning.

Shooting stars but where the stars are replaced with delicate flowers and the flowers are connected by small tendrils that cascade to the left or right. Looks great on the shoulder or hip.

Tribal Tattoos with a pentacle star in the centre. The tribal design is then framed around the star to look like barbed wire.

My favourite is the design that has 5 pentacle stars in a straight line in descending sizes going down the centre of the back.

Star tattoos are a great first tattoo design to get done because they are so adaptable and regardless of their size still have the same powerful meaning.