Although they are increasingly popular today, wind rose tattoos are not a recent phenomenon. According to various accounts, they first appeared among sailors, who believed that these symbols would bring them good luck and prevent them from getting lost. In fact, in order to survive unpredictable conditions such as the seas, winds, food, and other risks, a little luck was welcome. Over the years, this rose has become a symbol of guidance, direction, independence, and even motivation.
The wind rose and the compass
Most tattoos featuring a wind rose are structured in the shape of a compass. That is, there is a circle with one or more stars inscribed inside it, with different directions and sizes. The colors chosen vary from blue to green, red to pink to purple.
Why do it?
First of all, this type of tattoo can become a real masterpiece if the tattoo artist is skilled. We are talking about particularly attractive contemporary styles, such as the 3D style, the watercolor style or white tattoos.
At the same time, we must consider the meaning represented by the compass and the stars. On the one hand, the compass indicates the need to focus on the present and the future, for example, overcoming a difficult time such as the loss of a loved one. On the other hand, the stars are made up of points whose directions symbolize the different paths that can be taken in life, but also the possibility of retracing one’s steps and learning from past mistakes.
Meanings of the wind rose
There is no single meaning associated with the symbol of the wind rose. Let’s consider the main ones.
Orientation and guidance
Just as sailors in centuries past relied on compasses to stay on course during a voyage, the wind rose symbolizes the guidance needed at certain stages of life to avoid making wrong decisions and stay on the right track.
Independence and travel
Independence is a topical issue in many areas and sectors. Applied to everyday life, it can refer, for example, to the desire to step outside one’s comfort zone in order to learn, or the need to feel fulfilled and successful in work, private life, or sports. All of this can be represented by the wind rose, which is also a symbol of a traveling companion when embarking on a new path with unknown consequences.
Where to get a compass rose tattoo
Considering that tattoos are extremely personal, some areas are preferred for these tattoos. We are talking, for example, about the forearm, a very visible area. The shape and size of the forearm lend themselves very well to tattoos of this type, both individually and together with other symbols such as arrows, dates, or names.
Another area where the compass rose is popular is the back. This choice is mainly due to the large area available and the possibility of easily hiding the tattoo.
