65 ideas for a beautiful and meaningful compass tattoo

by John Griffith
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Tattoos are a wide-spread phenomenon. They have been around for a very long time and are definitely here to stay. Whether you have one, or not, there is no way you haven’t seen a tattoo, which made you gasp. Some designs are so out-of-this-world beautiful, that they are impossible to hate. So far, we have covered many different tattoo types – mandala tattoos, watercolor tattoos, etc. Today, however, we are focusing on the compass tattoo. It is one of the most versatile and meaningful designs out there. So, keep reading to find out what it means and scroll through our gallery to find some inspiration.

Compass tattoo – versatile and meaningful

compass tattoo, ankle tattoo, girl wearing jeans, black sneakers

What is the meaning of a compass tattoo?

  • Direction and guidance. In general, the compass is a tool, which shows, which direction you are headed. For many sailors, the compass is the only survival tool they need. As a tattoo, the compass shows the owner’s sense of having found a direction. It showcases the willingness to have a sense of direction. Furthermore, it can also be a metaphor for searching for purpose. It can also mean that you are staying on your path, even in the face of adversity and problems.
  • Inspiration and luck. The compass is a very practical tool. It shows direction and most importantly, it always points north. Which is why, it is a symbol of luck and inspiration. What’s more, if you are lost, metaphorically, the compass will bring you luck and show you the right path.
  • Protection and security. Since it has been used since medieval times, the compass is a reliable tool. Which is why, it can be used as a protective charm. For many years servicemen have used this tattoo as a symbol of protection on their military path.

Beautiful protective charm on your body

side by side photos, compass tattoo, jigsaw puzzle, female face, arm tattoo

What are the most popular compass tattoo designs?

  • Compass rose tattoo. This design showcases passion for romance and search for love.
  • Nautical compass tattoo. Symbol of peace and harmony.
  • Anchor compass tattoo. This design represents faith in the religious guidance, because the anchor is a symbol of Christian faith.
  • Celtic compass tattoo. Symbol of pride of one’s ancestry.
  • Heart compass tattoo. Showcases the owner’s willingness to let his heart guide his way of life.
  • Map compass tattoo. Whether it is going to be a map of the world or a specific piece of it, this design symbolises a love for travel and adventures.

Watercolor map of the world compass tattoo

map of the world, back of the arm tattoo, girl with grey sweater, compass tattoo

To sum up, compass tattoos are very versatile and carry lots of different meanings. What’s more, they can be used with many additional symbols. They also make for great accessories to larger tattoos. So, if you have decided on this type of tattoo, we say, go for it. Not only can you play around and get creative with the design, but you can also fill it with meaning. If you have felt inspired by one of our ideas, then, by all means, get one of them. If, however, you are looking for something a bit more personalised, don’t be afraid to ask your tattooist for ideas. Now, scroll through our gallery and get inspired!

Take inspiration from our photo gallery

watercolor tattoo, leg tattoo, compass tattoo, white leather bed

Not all that wander are lost

not all that wander are lost, watercolor tattoo, back tattoo, compass tattoo, girl with black hair

Intricate design with a gorgeous final result

back tattoo, compass tattoo meaning, north and south, east and west, mountain and skull, tree and moon

For the lovers of nature and hiking

black and white drawing, compass tattoo meaning, mountain landscape, forest landscape, white background

The leader of the pack always knows the right way

black and white photo, compass tattoo meaning, wolf tattoo, forearm tattoo, geometric design

Let your tattoo be your guide

map of the world, blue and pink flowers, compass tattoo meaning, forearm tattoo, blurred background

Beautiful and elegant little accessory

sea wives, ship pier, compass tattoo meaning, wrist tattoo, white boat, cloudy sky, in the background

Intricate design for a larger tattoo

black and white drawing, compass rose tattoo, mountain landscape, with a river flowing

Beautiful watercolor forearm tattoo

compass rose tattoo, watercolor tattoo, blue and purple colors, forearm tattoo, black leather bed

Geometric design

geometric design, compass rose tattoo, forearm tattoo, black and white photo, wooden table

inside arm tattoo, compass rose tattoo, white brick wall, man with grey t shirt

Add some coordinates to your tattoo, which carry a special meaning for you to make it extra special

geographical coordinates, compass rose tattoo, inside arm tattoo, grey background, half watch, half compass

Just look at this gorgeous design

watercolor tattoo, forearm tattoo, compass meaning, white background, geometric design

arm tattoo, compass meaning, large feather, man with green pants, black t shirt, wooden floor

White tattoos have become very trendy and this is a perfect example as to why that is

compass meaning, white tattoo, forearm tattoo, sea waves, hand with bracelets

pink roses, drawing on white paper, compass meaning, black pencil, north and south, east and west

flying airplane, map of the world, compass meaning, forearm tattoo, white sheet of paper

nautical compass tattoo, map of the world, ankle tattoo, north and south, east and west

Compass tattoo meaning

back tattoo, nautical compass tattoo, surrounded by flowers, east and north, girl with blonde hair

black and white drawing, nautical compass tattoo, surrounded by flowers, north and west

black and white drawing, vintage map of the world, nautical compass tattoo, anchor with rope

watercolor drawing, red and blue, nautical compass tattoo, north and south, west and east

map of the world, small compass tattoo, north and south, east and west, shoulder tattoo

Sometimes you have to lose yourself to find yourself

sometimes you have to lose yourself to find yourself, black and white drawing, small compass tattoo

watercolor tattoo, map of the world, small compass tattoo, white sheet of paper, forearm tattoo

black and white drawing, mountain landscape, map of the world, small compass tattoo, birds flying

Don’t be afraid of the time

don't be afraid of the time, small compass tattoo, black and white drawing, north and south, east and west

anchor and compass tattoo, wanderlust cursive text, black and white drawing, west and east, north and south

thigh tattoo, anchor and compass tattoo, half flowers, half compass, white background

Fly with me to Neverland, sister – matching sister tattoos

matching tattoos, fly with me to neverland sister, anchor and compass tattoo, shoulder tattoo, forearm tattoo, watercolor tattoos

half watch, half compass, large arrow, anchor and compass tattoo, forearm tattoo, blurred background

anchor and compass tattoo, compass arrow, piercing a skull, white sheet of paper

watercolor tattoo, compass arrow tattoo, half watch, half compass, forearm tattoo, black leather chair

Small compass tattoo

forearm tattoo, compass arrow tattoo, man with grey t shirt, map of the world, grey background

hip tattoo, pink and purple roses, woman wearing jeans, compass arrow tattoo, angel cursive text

black and white drawing, compass arrow tattoo, large ship, rope and anchor, map of the world

shaking hands, rose covering a compass, compass arrow tattoo, leg tattoo, black background

Compass tattoos for men

side by side photos, black background, compass tattoos for men, vintage map of the world, leg tattoo

compass tattoos for men, leg tattoo, half compass, half watch, arrow going through the middle, blurred background

map of the world, compass tattoos for men, old feather, 3d tattoo, back of leg tattoo

map of the world, ankle tattoo, compass tattoos for men, white background

Not all those who wander are lost – very common phrase used with this type of tattoo

not all those who wander are lost, compass tattoos for men, forearm tattoo, white sheet of paper

photo collage, simple compass tattoo, anchor and compass tattoos

simple compass tattoo, purple and pink flowers, shoulder tattoo, white background, black top

watercolor tattoos, photo collage, simple compass tattoo, forearm tattoos, leg tattoos

Small, elegant and simple, need we say more

small tattoo, forearm tattoo, simple compass tattoo, black and white photo, rubber gloves

Gorgeous sunflower design

sunflower drawing, compass in the middle, simple compass tattoo, wooden table, white paper

compass tattoo forearm, vintage map of the world, arm tattoo, white top, 3d tattoo

map of the world, compass tattoo forearm, wanderlust cursive text, back tattoo, black and white photo

watercolor tattoo, blue color, compass tattoo forearm, black background, white t shirt

watercolor tattoo, blue and red colors, forearm tattoo, yellow background, compass tattoo forearm

large wave, watercolor tattoo, blue color, compass tattoo forearm, leg tattoo, blue sheet of paper

Watercolor map of the world can often be found in combination with a compass tattoo

back tattoo, compass tattoo ideas, map of the world, black straps, yellow plaid top, blonde hair

compass tattoo ideas, watercolor tattoo, forearm tattoo, black background, map of the world

deconstructed compass, simple design, compass tattoo ideas, forearm tattoo, white background

black and white drawing, compass tattoo ideas, lotus flower in the middle, white background

map of the world, compass tattoo ideas, forearm tattoo, white t shirt, white background

compass tattoo design, thigh tattoo, vintage map of the world, blue shorts, white tiled floor

purple orchid flowers, map of the world, compass tattoo design, inside arm tattoo, white towel, black t shirt

Small tattoo design for the nature lovers

wrist tattoo, compass tattoo design, wooden table, mountain landscape

not all those who wander are lost, wrist tattoo, compass tattoo design, silver bracelets, white background

map of the world, wrist tattoo, compass tattoo design, rubber gloves, black and white nail polish

John Griffith
John Griffith

John Griffith is a young, passionate journalist. Writing has been John’s hobby ever since he was a boy. He has worked in some of the UK’s most successful news portals over the course of his professional career but found his forever home at Archzine.

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