Getting a moon tattoo is by no means only a modern trend. The moon has been a powerful symbol in the arts, poetry, literature and mythology over centuries in all cultures across the globe.

If you are looking for ideas, feel free to jump to the designs below.

We do advise you to before that read more about the history and learn about the symbols you are planning to use.

Let’s jump right to it!

Moon represents a symbol that has been ocurring during the entire history of humanity: from Greek mythology as Selene, the goddess of the Moon, to the urban legends of nowadays such as the moon landing in 1969.

The moon is a feminine symbol, universally representing the rhythm of time as it embodies the cycle.

This Earth’s biggest satellite visible from the Earth has amazed and embellished  the history of many Amerindian and Oriental civilizations. This is why the moon has a lot of meanings, particularly according to the phase it is in.

In astrology, the moon is a symbol of the soul, and in the horoscope it determines the subject’s capacity for reflection and adaptation.

It is the middle ground between the light of the sun and the darkness of night, and thus often represents the realm between the conscious and the unconscious.

Universally, the moon is the symbol of growth and change.

Moreover, it symbolizes the night and passing of time, and it is a very popular image in tattoo art, unlike the sun as the symbol of permanency and eternal life.

It can be paired with other spiritual symbols like evil eyes, mermaids or the koi fish to get multiple meanings in there.

Moon is also a common theme in popular culture, especially for songs, with many songs dedicated to it. The variations of the name are famous in TV shows and novels, with writers naming characters Luna – like the cat in Sailor Moon anime series, or Harry Potter’s witch friend.

The phases of the moon symbolize immortality and eternity, enlightenment or the dark side of Nature herself.

Its round shapes gives it also the meaning of a circle – constant, eternal and life-giving.

As a result of its cycle of renewal and regular phases, the moon often gets linked with feminine aspects.

Such aspects are nurturing receptivity and life rhythms. It might reflect inner knowledge, or the phases of man’s condition on earth, since it controls the tides, the rains, the waters, and the seasons.

Below you can find all the moon phases as described in the amazing guide by YogiApproved.com.

New Moon

The Moon is positioned between the Earth and Sun so it cannot be seen from Earth. This moon phase signifies new beginnings.

Waxing Crescent Moon

‘Waxing’ means the Moon’s illumination is growing, and ‘Crescent’ means less than half of the Moon is illuminated. This moon phase signifies intention.

First Quarter Moon

Exactly half of the Moon is illuminated and the other half is shadowed. This particular moon cycle signifies decision making.

Waxing Gibbous Moon

‘Waxing’ means the Moon’s illumination is growing and ‘Gibbous’ means more than half of the Moon is illuminated. This moon phase signifies refinement.

Full Moon

The Sun illuminates the entire moon. This particular moon cycle signifies release and sealing of intention.

Waning Gibbous

‘Waning’ refers to the decreasing of the Moon’s illumination, and ‘Gibbous’ means more than half of Moon illuminated. This moon phase signifies gratitude.

Third Quarter

Exactly half of the Moon is illuminated and the other half is shadowed. We will see the opposite side than the First Quarter Moon. This moon phase signifies forgiveness.

Waning Crescent

‘Waning’ refers to the shrinking of the Moon’s illumination, and ‘Crescent’ means less than half of the Moon is illuminated. This particular moon cycle signifies surrender.

New Moon

The Moon is positioned between the Earth and Sun so it cannot be seen from Earth. This phase signifies new beginnings, and the moon cycle begins again.