Ever since people were being tattooed, the moon has been a popular subject for your tattoos and it is understandable. It is a very powerful symbol with a great deal of meaning and symbolism.
You would have to imagine that something that is strong enough to control the tide, is something to note. The moon tattoo meaning is something that is important to those that get this tattoo, and the symbolism is just a strong as the moon itself.
In this post we are going to talk about moon tattoo meanings and talk about a few different ways the moon is captured in ink. We will try to get a better idea of the history behind the moon so we can understand why the moon is so important. By the end of this post, you should have some pretty good ideas for a moon tattoos. In addition to the topics of discussion below, there are pictures below to help you get an idea of what you might want.
Moon Tattoo Meaning
Because of the moon’s lunar cycle, transitioning throughout the month, the moon and women are inevitably connected. This correlation has authorized the feminine within ancient mythology in powerful and important deities. The moon is a long-standing symbol of the feminine divine and has been worshipped ritualistically as a female deity for thousands of years. In nearly all ancient religions, the moon is associated with both powerful gods and goddesses whose actions in the heavenly realm greatly influence human fate.
A moon tattoo can symbolize any or all of these deities. The moon, full, crescent, waxing, or waning, is a symbol of a brightness in the night and has come to represent a reliable guidance in a time of darkness. The moon is a constant and is often seen during the early day time as well as in the evening before the sun has set. For some, the moon is an icon and a remnant of the early beginnings of its celestial brother, the Earth.
The ancient Sumerians paid homage to Inanna, the goddess and daughter of the moon who was often represented as a star with a circle or crescent in the center. The moon and star are designed together to emphasize the significance of the moon’s place in the heavens. Diana, known as Artemis in Greek mythology, is the ancient Roman moon goddess who represents both virginity and fertility. She is also a skilled hunter, often depicted with a bow and quiver of arrows.
A full moon is often placed in the background of a majestic woman, holding an outstretched bow or accompanied by a deer. Along with the Roman moon goddess Juno, she is seen as a protector and healer of girls and women. She is closely associated with the ancient Roman titan Luna and the Greek moon goddess Selene. Along with the sun gods of these religions, they complete the coupling of masculine and feminine that is believed to balance the cosmos.
For a more obvious feminine design, flowers are incorporated into the design, either behind or adorning the moon. Crescent moons are often chosen because of their more delicate appearance which emphasizes the aesthetic of the flowers. Lace or gems are also included in larger pieces. Often, simply the shape of the crescent moon is used and created with floral patterns, leaving out any contour lines altogether. These designs are majorly greyscale or black with white accents but color may be used to create a bolder piece.
Traditional images of the crescent moon may be used that include a human profile within the inner curve. These designs usually have a vintage theme and utilize the centuries-old folklore of the man that lives in the moon, sparked by the resemblance of the craters on the moon’s surface to a human face. This image is often embellished with chains and jewels, stars, flowers, or a black cat that sits on the moon.
The simplest design, a circle or ring, is sometimes used to represent the moon and may be included among a few lines that serve as clouds or star shapes. The moon is one of the first figures noted within human history and the innate connection between the moon and creation is represented with this design.
Undulating lines rendered below the circle can symbolize waves, revealing the relationship between the ocean tides and the cycle of the moon. Some designs include the ocean in the image of the moon, fusing the waves into the full or crescent moon. The theme of this tattoo is natural relationships and the interconnectedness of the celestial bodies of the universe.
Despite the connections between the moon, goddesses and women, a rivaling number of male moon gods exist among the ancient religions as well. They are most often associated with a moon goddess, their female counterpart but are not always accompanied by a feminine idol. Yarikh is the moon god of the ancient Canaanite religion that flourished in the Middle East is constantly depicted with his lover Nikkal.
They thrive together in the heavens, creating moisture to quench the deserts. Thoth, the ancient Egyptian moon god, is a protector of both the function of the universe and also the sun god Ra who required guards to accompany him on his nightly voyage across the sky. More masculine designs often include symbols of royalty like crowns. Bare or dead trees, often just the silhouette, is sometimes incorporated to create an ominous design.
Phases of the Moon
Within the meaning of the moon tattoo, there are different phases that all have significant meaning. Below are the explanations of the different phases of the moon and what they symbolize. You might see the phases of the moon tattoo be done with all the phases in one tattoo but periodically you will see some of the phases tattooed by themselves.
New Moon
The new moon provides no light. In fact, the only time you will be able to see the new moon is during a solar eclipse. The new moon is a symbol of the beginning because it is dark. In the same way a seed grows from the darkness of the ground, the new moon is just about to come out and show itself to the world.
The new moon tattoo represents new beginnings and it is said that the new moon offers the perfect time to set your intentions and goals. The energy of the new moon is just about to start and it will keep increasing, which makes this the perfect time to start your voyage.
Waxing Crescent Moon
The waxing process starts as soon as the new moon has run its course. The moon is building up strength and intensity at this point of the moon phase process. You can only somewhat see the waxing crescent moon and there is less than half of the moon exposing itself. If you set goals during the new moon, the waxing crescent moon is the time to push forward. In this phase, our process is moving forward and this is the time to really think about the parts of life you’d like to improve in.
You should set new intentions during the beginning of the waxing process. The power of the moon is growing, and you should focus on those things.
First Quarter Moon
In addition to being the first quarter moon, it is also called a half moon. Just like the growing seed, this phase of the moon cycles is a continued show of strength and progress, and while you are going through this phase know the first quarter moon is representative of concentration and focusing on the goals you set.
At this point of the voyage, obstacles and fears start to creep in but this is the best time to keep pushing through. It is crucial to not let those obstacles get in the way or the fear to hold you back. See your goals and press ahead.
Waxing Gibbous
The moon is almost fully lit up but we’re not quite there yet. The waxing gibbous stage of the moon cycle is representative of gaining and attaining. Whether its money, friends or relationships, you can use this idea and apply it.
At this point you should fine tune your ideas as the next step is complete illumination. The buds aren’t quite in bloom at this point, but they are almost there.
Full Moon
The full is the point of full illumination because of its being opposite the sun and the position of the moon. The full moon represents a completion of the goals you set out to finish. The flower has finally bloomed and is show its buds in all their glory.
At this point, the waning process has already started and over the next two weeks, the moon will show less and less. It will never be quite as strong as it was at the peak of the full moon and they energy starts to dissolve. At this point in time, release all that negative energy you were holding on to. This can mean any bad relationships or negative energy.
The full moon is also a time when strange things happen so you should be weary. The energy that comes off the moon can create tension and intensity. Instead of getting swallowed up by these feelings, use that energy to expel bad energy and prepare for the next phase.
Waning Gibbous Moon
The illumination of the moon isn’t quite half gone but it is getting there. Focus on continuing to let go of that bad energy and habits that you might have started during the full moon phase. This phase is also known as the dissemination moon and it allows for heightened communication and revelation.
Last Quarter Moon
During the last quarter, the moon is half illuminated and is in the process of going away. You can reflect on far you’ve come during this time. It has been a struggle but you made it. The harvest has taken place from the seeds you planted during the new moon. The next cycle is coming, and you should still be letting go of that negative energy.
Waning Crescent Moon
The waning crescent moon is also called the Balsamic moon. It is the last step of the moon phases before there is no light and we are at the new moon again. You should renew and recover from the journey you had just went on because a new moon is coming and it will be time to set new goals and intentions.
Regardless of gender, the moon is an incredibly powerful symbol of strength and influence. In addition to having been a greatly used idol for ancient god and goddess worship, the moon’s gravitational pull creates the retreat and return of the ocean tides. The strong influence of the moon over Earth and humanity makes it an ideal tattoo image for the strong-willed and caring person.