20 Unique Compass Tattoo Designs For Men and Women

The compass has been a classic symbol for travelers for as long as navigation of the planet has been around. The symbol is ideal for travelers, adventurers and free spirits. Compass symbols can be used to decorate your home and your body with jewelry and even tattoos. Since ancient times when the compass was first created, it has been viewed as a symbol of safety and protection. From the earliest sailor tattoos, compasses have been a popular option. These nautical inking have a deep meaning and a cool vibe. They have an understated, masculine look and suit a variety of different placements on your body, as they look great in both large and small sizes. It can always guide you home safely and protect you from getting lost. So, people usually choose compass tattoo to help them stay focused in life.

Below given are a collection of compass tattoos and their meanings. Choose the one that you like the most.

1. Anchor compass tattoo

One of the classic nautical tattoo combinations is an anchor and compass. Traditionally, anchors symbolize home, safety, and hope, and were also often tattooed after successfully crossing the Atlantic Ocean. An anchor and compass tattoo represent the guiding and grounding forces in your life. For that reason, many men choose to add initials to represent family members and other loved ones. Adding water color to the tattoo just makes the whole thing even more beautiful.

2. Compass tattoo with birds

Birds represent freedom, independence and the feeling that you are on your own now. And compass indicates guidance, a way out, protection. So, the combination of both makes a perfect tattoo. It signifies that while you have the freedom and independence to go anywhere, you must have certain guidance, someone to show you the way.

3. Compass tattoo with knife

The symbolism behind the basic knife tattoo is of liberation, sacrifice, death, division and severance. In the Buddhist religion, using a knife to cut symbolizes deliverance like you the bonds of ignorance have been cut. In Christianity, the knife can symbolize martyrdom. Thus, including this with a compass tattoo gives a wholesome idea to sudden freedom you have, to use that in a good way and stay focused in your path.

4. Unique compass tattoo

A compass and flower tattoo design combine two of the most popular tattoos. While some guys might opt for this tattoo for its cool look and classic appeal, others may choose it for a deeper reason. Combing that whole concept with legs and hands, makes it a unique tattoo design. This looks classy and not many people opt this. You can also add some specific date or quote to it, to make it more personalized.

5. Simple bird compass tattoo

Ideal for guys and girls who want a minimalist tattoo, a simple compass combines crossed arrows with letters representing north, south, east, and west. While it is a stripped back and basic design, this tattoo is still instantly recognizable as a compass. Plus, two crossed arrows represent friends who have traveled in different directions in life yet have an everlasting bond. For that reason, it’s an excellent option for a best friend tattoo. Adding a bit of color here and there makes it even more attractive.

6. Wings compass tattoo

Feathers or wings together with a compass, they express both the freedom and the confidence in always finding your way. Wings are another element that reinforces this symbolism. Knowing where you’re going and having the strength to chase your dreams is the underlying meaning of this tattoo. We can safely say that the symbol of the wings is an expression of the desire to rise above earthly difficulties and problems, and compass also explain the freedom from the material things and get lost, somewhere far and beautiful.

7. Mandala compass design

The mandala design represents balance, eternity, and perfection. Fusing a compass with a mandala design enhances the thought about the vision in your life. This makes a great combination as while compass guides you throughout your path, the mandala signifies the balance in your life. This looks beautiful. So, although it can be painful, it is worth the try.

8. Back Compass Tattoo

As compasses are a classic tattoo design, they suit a traditional placement. The back is one of the best-known and most popular placements for both women and men. Simple to conceal or show off, a back tattoo looks traditional. Plus, your back is one of the least painful places to get a tattoo, so it’s an ideal choice for your first inking. It can be easily covered, so most girls opt for this place to get inked.

9. Flower compass tattoo

Since ancient times when the compass was first created, it has been viewed as a symbol of safety and protection. It can always guide you home safely and protect you from getting lost. Whereas the meaning of flowers is multi layered.

10. Geometric Compass Tattoo

The geometric details can enhance any tattoo, giving them a fresh and futuristic look. These tattoos use lines, shapes, and dots to create intricate patterns that draw the eye. A geometric compass tattoo is an excellent option for guys who want a minimalist black-ink tattoo that still has an exciting and unusual vibe. Some extra addition to it will give no harm.

11. Compass tattoo with map

Because both are used for navigation, a compass and a map are the ideal tattoo combination. Guys who love the outdoors, traveling, and adventure would suit this tattoo. It is also an exciting and unique option for guys who ‘make their own way’ in life and aren’t afraid to forge their path. Bold and fearless, a compass and map tattoo combines bravery with a sense of discovery and optimism. For the people who love traveling, what can be a better tattoo design for you than this? It will cover all the places you wish to travel.

12. The ship and compass tattoo

A classic nautical compass tattoo connects to the sailor roots of the design. Compasses were instrumental in the long ocean voyages of the past, so a nautical compass tattoo could represent hope and faith in finding your way home. This gives the origin of the compass tattoo.

13. Star Compass Tattoo

For a classic minimalist compass design, consider a star compass. It features long, triangular points with black accents to create a subtle 3D effect. The star compass is often associated with travel and the Navy, as it was traditionally used on ocean maps. For the same reason, the design is often accented with nautical symbols like a rope. It has a sophisticated and disciplined look. The extra lines just enhances the whole look of the tattoo.

14. Compass with eye tattoo

The eye tattoo could simply represent what you believe in and want it to signify. This could include things like vision, life, religion, proper focus, clear thinking and vision, the inner being, smartness, protection, intuition, protector or even foretelling the future. And compass tens to guide us in our path. Thus this combination signifies that one should be clear about their future and stay focused. This tattoo will remind you to follow the right path. You can definitely add some extra shades to it.