20 Moon Tattoos You’ll Want Immediately

So you wanna get a moon tattoo, eh? Moon tattoos can be dark, sexy, and mysterious. Some people choose them because they feel a particular affinity for the moon; others just think it’s pretty.

Sometimes moon tattoos stand for intuition or someone watching over you. Not to deter dudes, but moon tattoos can symbolize the feminine (the sun is its masculine counterpart). That’s because the moon is tied to the menstrual cycle…and the tides, for that matter.

Moon tattoos fall into a few broad categories: the tiny crescent moon on a knuckle or wrist, the phases-of-the-moon series, or an intricate, detailed moon. Sometimes moon tattoos are part of a bigger nature scene, often with a tree and stars. Whatever you choose, moon tattoos are recognizable enough that strangers won’t ask you, “What IS that? What does it mean?” (Avoiding annoying questions ftw!)

Here are 20 moon tattoos that’ll make you want to go out and get inked immediately.


 Phases of the Moon Tattoos

A moon cycle tattoo can symbolize rebirth, immortality, or the circle of life. Those who follow mythology associate the phases of the moon with the goddesses Demeter, Kore-Persephone, and Hecate. These three goddesses represent different parts of life: the maiden (youth), matron (motherhood), and crone (old age). They’re echoed in the waxing, full, and waning moon.


Crescent Moon Tattoos

Crescent moon tattoos can represent starting over…or just wanting something cute on your ankle.

 

 

Some crescent moon tattoos draw inspiration from tarot cards.

 


Full Moon Tattoos

Full moon tattoos often mean everything is seen. Or, you know, just that someone listened to that Leann Rimes song too much.

 


Detailed Moon Tattoos

Moon tattoos range from cliche flash art from a generic design to incredibly detailed, one-of-a-kind designs. Here are some of the latter.

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Holly Richmond
Holly Richmond
Holly Richmond is a writer and tattooed cat lady in Portland, OR. Currently she slings syllables for DelMain Analytics. Follow her on Twitter.