The moon emerged as a symbol very early on. It has always occupied an important place in the cosmogonic mythology of almost all cultures (that is, in the mythology of the creation of the world). In ancient times, important deities were associated with the moon, and some natural phenomena were explained mythologically with its participation.
The moon was a means of demarcating time, and primitive rituals were associated with it. The moon has also been given a lot of symbolic meaning by the fact that the moon is one of the first and one of the most important occult symbols, and people have always been drawn to the mysterious. It is interesting as a symbol and because it has a masculine and feminine side of symbolic meaning.
The moon is used quite often in tattoos, and it is used, as a rule, in close connection with any culture, since what represents one set of meanings for a European can mean almost the opposite for a representative of Asian culture. The same applies to those who use pagan mythology and those who use exclusively Christian or other religious ones.
There are certain points in a tattoo that reveal which tradition a tattoo with the moon belongs to and what it will mean.
Space motives
The Universe is one of the most creative tattoo themes. Drawings in this category display images that are beyond the boundaries of our everyday hectic life. Here you can find the sun and moon, stars, UFOs and aliens, planets, views of the solar system and other worlds.
The crescent moon is the symbol most often used as the basis of a composition. The moon has always been shrouded in mystery. The priests used the cycles of the moon to count the months. And today many are confident that the Moon invisibly influences the destinies of people. The moon was feared and worshiped.
In different nations, the night luminary was endowed with special qualities. The Chinese believed that the Moon is the feminine principle. In Gabon they thought that she personified the forces of darkness and evil. The people of South America deified the Moon, suggesting that she could control the elements of the world. Yes, and we now tend to look at a small crescent or a huge pancake of the Moon with undisguised excitement, impressed by the mysterious movement of this planet across the sky, the change of phases, and its inextricable following of the Earth.
Meaning of moon tattoo
The moon is a symbol of sophistication because it reflects light rather than producing its own.
The crescent moon represents motherhood and fertility. However, you should not limit yourself to these meanings: a crescent-shaped tattoo does not have a single definition. Sometimes the image of a waxing crescent is used to bring something desired into life, and a waning crescent is used to free oneself from what is unwanted.
The waxing moon symbolizes growth, creativity, manifestation and achievement, while the waning moon symbolizes letting go, contemplation and reflection.
The full moon is especially popular among people interested in esotericism. They are attracted to spells and incantations, magical rituals, the occult and other things with which they can express their interests and aesthetics. In general, this planet has been associated with witches since ancient times, since it is during the full moon that they perform most of their rituals.
For girls
The Earth's natural satellite has always been an object of fascination for humanity. In various cultures around the world, comparisons of beautiful women with this mysterious and mysterious planet have often been made.
The meaning of a moon tattoo is purity, beauty, motherhood, feminine power, mystery, sensuality, subtle energy, fertility, mysticism, divine light, hidden strength of spirit.
Astrology considers this planet as the main influential force in a person's horoscope. In fact, her position in the horoscope signifies her relationship with her mother.
Also, the designation of a moon tattoo is associated with its phases, which represent sequence and regeneration. There is an opinion that the phases of the moon have a great influence on human life. Like the rise of tides in the oceans, lunar cycles can have an impact on emotional well-being, especially in women. This fact is most often noted by representatives of the water element, especially Cancers.
For men
In Eastern culture, the moon is associated with Yin, the energy of femininity and darkness, and the sun with Yang, the power of masculinity and daylight. In general, a moon tattoo personifies the masculine principle and is associated with inner strength, logic and intelligence.
Crescent
When choosing a sketch with a crescent moon to implement, you need to clearly understand what the tattoo will mean when it appears on the body. The perception of the image is greatly influenced by the place where it will be placed and the style of the drawing. In some cases, mystical motives, romanticism, and a tendency toward melancholy will be clearly visible, while in others - secrecy, consistency, strong will, and the desire for harmony.
What does a moon tattoo mean?
The symbol of the Moon tells about mystery, calm and harmony. If in the picture the moon peeks out from behind the clouds, this will tell about mysticism.
Regarding the astrological meaning of the Moon, it acts as a symbol of maternal warmth and love, light, tenderness and care, which will always be close to its bearer. From this position, the Moon will indicate the instability and impermanence of everything that exists in our world.
You can call the Moon a maternal symbol, which is responsible for thoughts, feelings and emotions.
Tattoos with the image of the Moon tell about mystery and mysterious romance. The presence of such a pattern on the body indicates magic and is associated with night, mysticism and madness.
The moon in tattoos has the following designations:
- Superstitious: the image of the Moon, which hid behind the clouds, speaks of the mystical influence of otherworldly forces on human life.
- Astrological: symbolically, the Moon is a mother who loves her child and is ready to share her warmth, light and care with him.
- The moon, depicted together with predatory animals (wolves, owls, panthers or even an ordinary cat), has always represented the main companion of the sorceress.
- Also, a tattoo with the Moon can tell about a person’s Muslim affiliation. In such a situation, as a rule, an increasing crescent moon is depicted, to which a five-pointed star is added. This symbol is used to decorate the roofs of mosques.
And the most popular version of deciphering this sign has a connection with Muhammad. It is believed that when Muhammad secretly left Mecca and went to Medina, he found himself under the night sky. And the road to the ancient city was illuminated for him by a crescent moon, as well as a bright star.
- The heraldry of Western Europe linked the Moon with Christianity. Believers associated the crescent moon with the cradle of baby Jesus.
It is also very important what is depicted next to the Moon or against the background of a celestial body. For example, the image of a wolf howling at the moon symbolizes loneliness, determination, and in some cases, the loss of a loved one.
Often in images the mysterious lunar circle is replaced by a month - a symbol of the right path, because it is it that helps wanderers move in the dark.
Although the Moon is a traditional female symbol, sometimes it is chosen in tattoos by representatives of the stronger sex. In this case, girls usually depict the celestial body on the back and stomach, and guys - on the shoulder.
The meaning of tattoos for guys
The night luminary has been a sacred symbol since ancient times. Our ancestors painted their bodies with the image of the lunar disk, thus trying to protect themselves from evil spirits and make themselves luckier. Also, the symbol of the Moon could often be found on armor, clothing and children's toys.
As a rule, guys and men do not very often depict the Moon on their bodies. However, if they decide to do this, then such an image will be more brutal and aggressive in nature. In some cases, this tattoo can even cause real horror.
The meaning of tattoos also varies. Each representative of the stronger sex gives it its own special meaning.
So, for example, for some guys the Moon becomes a symbol of a successful career and business. And for others, the lunar disk is intended to attract increased attention from the fair sex.
Crescent symbolism
Young people love the crescent moon. This laconic and understandable sign can be filled, in addition, with a hidden meaning known only to the owners of the tattoo. It is wrong to think that the crescent moon is only suitable for girls.
Men also actively use this symbol, complementing it with brutal decor and masculine details. Thus, the idea can be considered universal, reflecting peace and quiet, loneliness and sadness, the coldness of infinity and affection.
If you see a crescent moon on someone’s body, you can be sure that you have met a good person, prone to creativity and reflection, who is not alien to a mystical view of the phenomena of life.
- Examining the photo of a crescent moon tattoo, you can immediately notice that this image looks more harmonious on the body of the fair half. The feminine principle of the Moon plays its role. The attitude of girls towards life, the people around them, and children is also of considerable importance. After all, girls are much more romantic than guys, so the crescent moon suits them much better.
- We, however, will not deprive men of the right to wear on their bodies the sign of the eternal satellite of our planet. A man, as a representative of humanity, may well use the crescent moon to display his awareness of the unity of the Universe and involvement in the eternal upward movement.
For girls
Among girls, on the contrary, a crescent moon tattoo is very popular. This is not surprising, because this symbol is more suitable for women. Even among the ancient Greeks in mythology, the Moon was patronized by the goddess Artemis.
A night huntress, a sharp shooter and simply a beautiful woman. In addition to combining the above qualities, a crescent (moon) tattoo adds mystery and romance to a girl’s image.
Variety of interpretations
The symbolism of the crescent moon cannot be explained only by words and logical conclusions. You can penetrate into the essence only with the help of intuition and imagination. The tattoo can be a contour mark, or it can be combined with other elements. Here are some typical examples:
- The crescent moon and howling wolf are a clear reflection of inexpressible melancholy and restlessness.
- The month behind the cloud is mysticism, a veil of secrecy.
- Smiling crescent moon - romanticism, hidden wisdom.
- The month in combination with the starry sky is a symbol of heavenly harmony.
- One star combined with a crescent is a hint of the religion of the East.
- The moon, executed in a gloomy style, is an appeal to otherworldly forces.
- The presence of an eagle owl near the month is reliable evidence that the owner of the tattoo is nocturnal.
In the "zone"
Do not forget that the tattoo came from the criminal world. The exception is the tattoos of the natives from Oceania. Nowadays, tattoos in the criminal world no longer have their former great significance and influence. Especially considering the fact that many seasoned recidivists and professional criminals do without them completely. However, previously there was often a “demand” for “partaki” in the “zone”.
What is the significance of the crescent symbol (month) among criminals? Most often, a crescent moon tattoo is found in the form of a “ring” on the finger of a criminal . The crescent indicates that the criminal is either a Muslim, or means that the sentence has been served in a high-security correctional facility. This is the meaning of this tattoo.
Where is the best place to place it?
Any part of the body is suitable for a tattoo of this theme. Small images look nice behind the ear, on the lobe and finger. Larger compositions are stuffed on the thigh, shoulder and stomach.
Artistic canvases in which the Moon is involved in the plot are placed on the back. Extreme enthusiasts can also try placing a crescent moon tattoo on the scalp, but to do this they will have to shave off their hair.
Performance technique
The moon tattoo (see photo in the gallery below) is usually performed using the realism technique. Thanks to the detail, rich colors, play of shadows and shades, the drawing looks very beautiful and original. The moon and stars, as well as outer space, look good in watercolor style. Such work resembles a painting by a talented artist. The technique is distinguished by airiness, lightness and smooth lines. The inscription will help convey the whole meaning of the tattoo. Such large-scale complex compositions are best done on the arm or on the back. Tattoos in the Polynesian style are characterized by original ornate patterns and ornaments, as well as a predominance of black and gray colors. It is believed that such drawings have a special sacred meaning and can change a person’s fate, so the choice of sketch should be approached with special care.
Fans of monochrome miniature tattoos can opt for the minimalist style. Its main features: simplicity and conciseness, clear, neat lines. The image looks beautiful on the wrist, neck or finger. The moon tattoo goes well with the image of the sun. Usually one luminary is applied to one hand, and the second - to the other. This stylish composition will be a spectacular body decoration for both sexes.
Cool video about tattoo artists
Topic selection problems
Common speculations give tattoos an inexorable positive force, thanks to which, by choosing the appropriate sign, you can attract wealth, fame, and happiness into your life. However, in reality, everything may turn out to be completely different: frivolity when choosing a topic leads to destructive consequences, casting a thick shadow over the life line.
You need to study your chosen topic very well, watch a video depicting the work of a tattoo artist, identify “pitfalls”, exclude forbidden drawings, for which not only higher powers, but also completely earthly representatives of the criminal community can be punished.
We would recommend that you discuss the project with the master at the earliest stages of development in order to immediately discard unpromising areas and focus on the main thing.
New moon
This is another phase that we couldn't leave in the inkwell. It may not be very common to find a tattoo dedicated to this particular phase. Because the previous ones are always the main ones when we talk about Moon tattoos. But even so, it should be noted that it symbolizes the beginning, although from a slightly opposite point of view from that of the full moon, because the New Moon does not have the same brightness as the Full Moon. It must also be said that the New Moon phase relates to protection or creativity and, of course, motherhood.
Tips for Sketching
When looking for ideas for a month tattoo, you can take sketches from medieval engravings. The movement of celestial bodies or the change of phases was often depicted by Albrecht Durer and Lucas Cranach. Many original pictures with a crescent moon can be found in historical analogues dedicated to mythology.
We recommend reading: Glowing tattoos
By contacting a specialist, you will receive sketches and color combinations that suit you. The master will take into account your individuality and create a drawing emphasizing the original qualities of your character. Using the help of a professional, you will receive the most customized work for you. The result will delight you and inspire you to new successes for years to come.
