Compass Tattoo To Give You Direction – A Guide For 2023

Compass tattoo has been a long time staple choice in the tattoo community. Why is it such a favorable choice to include in tattoo designs?

Compass is an instrument for navigation and orientation. The first compass was invented in China during the Han Dynasty between the 2nd century BC and 1st century AD. At first, it was used for divination, fortune-telling and geomancy, for finding precious gems and in Feng Shui but in time people discovered that it can be used for navigation and orientation.

As the compass points in four directions (North, South, East, and West), the compass is an important element of sailor life, helping their ships sail through the stormy seas on their way home from a long journey.

The compass holds meaning for a traveler, being a symbol for guidance, the ability to point you in the right direction.

Fitting symbol for a tattoo for an adventurer, no?

The four directions – north, east, west and south – have had a long standing and important role in the folklore around the world.

In Chinese Feng Shui, each direction correlates to the Chinese zodiac animals:

• North (rat) – adaptability, charm, creativity, sociability, wit.
• East (rabbit) – trust, sincerity, love, compassion.
• South (horse) – physical strength, health, adventure, loyalty.
• West (rooster) – confidence, business, energy, persistence.

In ancient Celtic symbolism and tradition, the cardinal directions were acknowledged in several ceremonies and festivals. Here is a brief outline of these directional representations:

• East – air, communication, new beginnings, new growth
• South – fire, energy, passion, creativity
• West – water, emotion, psyche, movement
• North – earth, home, security, fertility

Native Americans have their own meanings of cardinal directions that you can use in your Native American inspired tattoo.  The Lakota, for example hold to the following guideline:

• North – wisdom/thought
• East – salvation/spirit
• South – beginnings/purity
• West – conclusions/fullness

This well known phrase is the second line of J.R.R. Tolkien’s poem “The Riddle of Strider” from The Fellowship of the Ring.

So, here is the full quote:

All that is gold does not glitter;
Not all who wander are lost.
The old that is strong does not wither.
Deep roots are not reached by the frost.

In Tolkien’s epic fantasy works is the wandering souls are an important element, even though he does not always celebrate them. Indeed, he often warns against the danger of wandering far from guidance.

When one wanders, one should still be keen enough to know when to continue wandering in a particular direction or when one’s fate is in jeopardy. That may come through the assistance of maps, compasses and guides.

But one big takeaway from this lyric not all who wander are lost is the concept accepting even what is deviant from current societal norms

The perception of (ab)normal behaviors continue to change over time (e.g. living together before marriage, smoking in public, gender roles, etc.).

When we meet someone, who seems to be aimlessly drifting, we should consider they are on a personal quest to find their real self.

One other way to look at this is that those who are willing to face the adventure, to wander off the hardened road, have the the faith to follow one’s heart (true north).

Compass tattoo design, depending if it’s a single element, or a part of a big elaborate navy scene, can be inked on different body parts.

Many will use compass in combination with maps or anchors and that is when the inner forearm, shoulder or a calf is a great placement to have enough room for all the intricate details. For a larger scene it can even be a full arm tattoo sleeve.

This is where many styles can come in, from realism (for the maps) all the way to geometric style for a more abstract design.

Smaller, simplistic compass tattoo designs fit beautifully on the wrists, triceps and chest, making it a great option for a girl’s tattoo.

If you are looking just for the compass on a vintage map, you can also go for the chest, or upper back.