Sun and Moon Tattoo

What does the Sun and Moon tattoo symbolize?

The Sun and Moon design combines two central astrological themes to create a beautiful image that has a number of different symbolical meanings.

Sun and moon tattoos range from being light hearted and simple, to being deeply meaningful and highly elaborate. However you so choose to depict these ancient and extraordinary symbols you will certainly be making a bold and beautiful statement.

Images of the sun and moon have proven to be consistently powerful and popular throughout time and cultures for a variety of reasons. The combination of these two images in a Sun and Moon tattoo creates a compelling body art piece that invokes thought and speculation (and usually a lot of questions into the meaning and purpose behind your tattoo choice).  To better understand the grouping of the two images together in one tattoo design, it is best to examine their individual meanings a bit further.

The Masculine Sun Tattoo

The sun has generally been defined as a masculine symbol associated with heroism and courage, the source of all life. The Earth is dependent on the sun for energy and light. The sun is unchanging and eternal.

The Feminine Moon Tattoo

The moon is defined as a feminine symbol. The lunar cycle influences the physiological cycle of a woman, as well as the tides of the ocean – both of which are generally understood as deep and mysterious events. Because of its close association with the mysteries of the night and the hidden, subconscious quality of water, the moon is associated with imagination, mystery, and magic.

Therefore, the sun and moon tattoo is generally chosen for its Yin/Yang, or opposites, symbolic qualities. The “lunar way” is considered feminine, relying on intuition and magic, whereas the “solar way” is masculine, relying on reason and objectivity.

Deciding on your Personal Design

Once you have decided on the subject matter for your tattoo, the ancient symbolic grouping of the sun and moon, then comes the tough part - deciding on your personal design and its location on your body. Entwined? Opposites? Tribal? How big or how small should it be? A back piece? A full sleeve or half sleeve? There are many sun and moon tattoo designs and configurations to choose from, and a lot of room to get creative. But be sure that whatever you decide, it is something that will always have significance for you.

About Tattooing

Tattooing is an ancient body modification technique practiced by cultures and civilizations all over the world. Tattooing is the process of marking and changing the pigmentation of the dermis layer of the skin by inserting indelible ink via needle into your skin.

Jamie Farrell, Dynetics

Sources

1. Miller, Jean-Chris. The Body Art Book. New York: Berkley Books, 2004
2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tattoos
3. http://tattoos.lovetoknow.com/Sun_Moon_Star_Tattoos
4. http://tattoos-and-art.com/

 

Return from Sun and Moon Tattoo to The Moon

Return Home