All about the wind rose tattoo

The image of the wind rose has long been applied to their bodies by sailors and pirates. This symbol remains unchanged to this day - a stylized North Star with rays extending to the four cardinal points. Between them are drawn intermediate points, shorter ones. The wind rose can have a large number of rays.

When it comes to the "Wind rose" tattoo, a standard drawing with four arrows located perpendicular to each other is immediately presented. There is usually a small asterisk between north, south, west, and east markers.

Wind rose refers to a diagram that allows you to determine the type of wind prevailing in a particular area. In fact, it can have up to 360 directional rays. She can also look very diverse. The only thing that is always unchanged is that the symbol is made in the form of a star (parallel to the pole star in sea voyages) or a flower (from the name).

At one time, seafarers called the wind rose the sea rose. And they considered it their lucky talisman and an important attribute in life.

Its symbolic meaning is associated with heraldic traditions, more precisely with the art of drawing up coats of arms. This is where the roots of the interpretation of this symbol go. There are several areas of application for the compass rose symbol:

• navigation;
• heraldry;
• cartography;
• esotericism and occultism.

The four main rays are associated not only with the cardinal points, but also with four types of temperament, as well as with a similar number of elements.

In the old days, sailors were superstitious and considered the tattoo of the sea rose of the winds to be a personal amulet. They believed that the star compass would tell them the way home, would not let them go astray, would not allow them to die. In ancient times, the route along the sea had to be laid according to the stars, and not according to the maps. To help the sailors, fate sent only a tailwind and their own intuition.

Then the sea wolves were superstitious. Often they chose a certain star as a special deity. It was customary to express their reverence in tattoos. So superstitious thoughts were embodied on real bodies. According to seafarers, the correct tattoo helped to intuitively determine where to go, to withstand the raging water element, to tame the steep nature of the sea.

Later, this image was revered as a sign of the highest valor, belonging to the bravest warriors. Also this tattoo was used by pirates. In their circles, she was a symbol of courage and recklessness, which was fully enough in the representatives of this caste.

The generalized meaning of such an original tattoo is the focus on luck, the vector to the home, the position of the cardinal points. The wind rose is suitable not only for those who sail the seas, but also for travelers in general. Anyone who is trying to brighten up the routine in pursuit of impressions. For such people, such a tattoo is the personification of freedom. But sometimes it is interpreted as a symbol of the search for the right path.

Noticing such an image on the hand, one could assume the adamant character of this person. Surely he will not betray his principles for the sake of outside opinion. Today, the creative design of this tattoo is rather a symbol of a desperate traveler, a lover of freedom in all its manifestations. It may even be an inveterate bachelor.

By the way, there are such tattoos not only on the bodies of men, but girls. For the latter, the guiding star is often complemented by a luxurious rose. Also, quite often the tattoo is made in color in the style of old school.

As mentioned above, the wind rose can mean a connection with all cardinal points and elements, with four types of temperament. It is also possible that it indicates the seasons, etc. In general, this symbol is an indicator of diversity in all manifestations, emphasizing the importance of the center. This is a kind of pointer to the "golden mean".

The wind rose is a frequent choice of those who value freedom and show independence from their surroundings. He lives in his own environment, not relying on emerging situations or prevailing opinions of the public. The tattoo serves as a reminder that you are the master of your own destiny.

Also, the sea rose is interpreted as a search for the path of life, or, conversely, emphasizes the fact that a conscious choice has already taken place. In this case, the tattoo is the personification of confident success. The wind rose is a generalized symbol of the winner over enemies in the form of difficulties and obstacles. He clearly demonstrates the well-being of the decisions made and the tasks performed.

Some consider the legendary wind rose a sign of returning to their native harbor - home, a manifestation of love for their native land. To those places where you can always return, regardless of the circumstances. There are also those who believe that, together with the compass, this symbol can personify fortitude and domination. It is sometimes used as an indicator of well-being.

Many people confidently believe that such a symbol can be a talisman, a guiding compass that does not allow one to stray from the bright path. In general, the meaning of such a tattoo is based on honor and courage, valor and courage.

The wind rose is a common symbol in government structures. It is used in the structure of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Russian Federation and in a special power unit of South Africa. The four-pointed rose is featured on the NATO flag, while the 16-pointed wind rose is a legendary CIA symbol.

In general, the earliest version is considered the most fundamental interpretation of symbolism. Today, a tattoo means:

• the traveler's amulet;
• way out of any situation;
• the desire to return home, having overcome all obstacles and distances;
• passion for wandering by sea;
• attitude to the maritime profession;
• craving for adventure;
• the need to change places.

Moreover, most tattoo lovers use this symbol purely for aesthetic reasons.

Like a clock or compass tattoo, the wind rose has its own basic design. Based on it, the craftsmen boldly experiment, applying new colors and different styles. A sketch of a tattoo can be supplemented with: a rose, a skull, a feather, etc. The details depend on the specific idea of ​​the customer and the skills of the tattoo artist. The drawing is equally effective in black and white and in color.

Decorations for these tattoos differ mainly by gender: feminine and bright elements in the form of flowers, marvelous birds, intricate patterns and iconic inscriptions are suitable for girls. For men, more restrained sketches are preferable.

The wind rose tattoo is usually perpetuated by men on the shoulder. Most often it is a one-color execution of a sketch. A romantic female nature can also gravitate towards this sign, if the vector rays in the sketch are replaced with a lush rose. Such a tattoo is interesting precisely in color. In which one - you can choose without restrictions. This will emphasize the beauty of the tattoo applied in the décolleté area.

A tattoo on a scar is one of the frequently demanded solutions among the male and female clientele of tattoo artists.

By the way, it was customary among sailors to fill the wind rose on the shoulder. And the current sketches have no limits. Tattoos in a modern interpretation can be applied on the forearm, on the neck, or perpetuated on the wrist. You can even completely fill the "sleeve" with a painting. Or depict a large-scale tattooed work on the back.

Less often, the wind rose is stuffed in the area of ​​the ribs, on the brush or on the calf, combining with other images. Sometimes a feather or sea waves are depicted around the symbol of wanderings. Often, with the help of a large-scale symbol of freedom, they overlap the tattoo already on the arm. For example, one that is already unattractive or irrelevant.

In a situation where a sketch is drawn using the old school technique, it is often complemented with spectacular details characteristic of this style. Simple elements include a rose, a flying swallow, a skull, and climbing plants. If the meaning of the tattoo is the desire to take its place in life, a standard wind rose can be combined with an anchor. And when a traveler is supposed to wear a tattoo, it is worth taking a closer look at the combination of a sea rose and a topographic map. It is often customary to decorate tattoos for girls by adding stars, flowers, and an original ornament.

Each symbol complete with a wind rose also has its own meaning:

• card - confidently says that we have a nature in front of us, which cannot imagine life without travel;
• skull - the choice of extraordinary personalities who are not afraid of public opinion and do not hesitate to shock the public;
• feather - personifies flight and directly indicates travel, symbolizing freedom of movement.

Instead of a monochrome scheme, you can use bright colors. But here you need to take into account that the combination of colors on the monitor may not be at all the same as on the body. Especially when everything heals. The tattoo can be arranged with elements in different styles. As for the execution of sketches, often the sea rose is depicted not as an independent subject, but as a complemented by a whole composition.For example, surrounded by ships, near a lighthouse or near a compass. This gives the drawing a creative and unique look.

You can try to replace the Central Pole Star with your zodiac sign. Indeed, by themselves, these drawings are not original, but in a duet they "sound" atypically and individually. You can replace the asterisk with any other central symbol: a heart, a key, a wave or a flower. Any variety is allowed, not just a rose. The main thing is that the creative element stands out beautifully in the tattoo.

The traveler's symbol can be stylized to match the planets layout. The central star will be nicely replaced by the Sun. This will give the drawing a cohesiveness and make it original. It is worth taking a closer look at the old maps. Surprisingly, so many variations of the image of the wind rose can be found on the pages of old sources. Many of them look incredibly stylish. You can also experiment with the place where the tattoo is applied. 70-80% of them are applied to the hands, or rather, to the forearms. Therefore, even the fact that the drawing is applied to the neck, on the foot, behind the ear or on the chest will be original.

• An old sea vessel looks very beautiful with a wind rose.

• The tattoo can be with an eye instead of a star in the middle of the wind rose.

• Seabirds - seagulls, cormorants.

• The inhabitants of the depths are octopuses.

• The wind rose looks original against the background of sea waves in the appropriate color shades.

• Instead of the sea, the sketch is complemented by mountains, which is also an indicator of dedication and ambition.

• Arrow tattoo.

• Pirate paraphernalia.

• Inscriptions, in any of the languages ​​of the world.