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If compass tattoo designs are something that inspires you, here is an archive of elbow compass tattoo ideas for you.
The compass has always been a helpful device.
Its use is exceedingly significant in a traveler’s or seaman’s life. The compass has historical and cultural implications.
Maritime people started getting compass tattoos to express their faith in finding their way back home. But compasses are not a new invention as they have been around since 206 BC. It was supposedly first invented in China during the Han Dynasty but was only used for divination or fortune telling. Then it was used for navigation in the Song Dynasty. In China, it was first used as a maritime navigator in 1111-1117. The Western world first started using it around 1190.
The device was popular mostly among seamen and warriors. They would consider the compass as a guide for true direction, the right journey, and good luck. They would often get compass tattoos to take their faith with them wherever they went. Compasses are used as tattoos all around the world for their spiritual and cultural connotations. Travelers, wanderers, and lost souls still believe in their power to find the right way. Compass tattoo designs are in vogue. With varied shapes and colors, here is a list of a few such trendy compass tattoo ideas that are bound to make an impression on anyone.
Beautiful Compass Rose Tattoo
The first tattoo on the list is that of an aesthetic rose compass. This tattoo is skilfully done, mixing rose and compass together. The rose petals and the compass hands are indistinguishable. The colorful flower stands as a compass against the mandala background art.
The Compass Rose is a symbol placed on nautical charts and maps to better understand the directions. It is also popularly known as Wind Rose or the Rose of the Winds. But it has nothing to do with rose. The significance of the Compass Rose symbol lies in its power to point to new paths in life, to enlighten and awaken the soul. Getting this elbow tattoo will help you master the courage to move forward and also be aware of the spiritual awakening you earn.
Sea Watch Tower And Nautical Compass Tattoo
This magical elbow tattoo of a watch tower and a compass will take your breath away with its vibrant colors and exquisite effects. The mandala design makes it even more perfect. All those colors in all the right places provoke anyone to want to look more at the tattoo.
A sea watch tower symbolizes observance and perseverance. The need to stand guard and watch whatever is going on the shore of life could be the hidden meaning behind this symbol. Secondly, the compass, the emblem of guidance and inspiration, pushes the meanings of the tattoo further. The combination of such powerful images makes the compass tattoo cool and unique.
Fantastic Lord Of The Rings Compass Tattoo
Creativity is on a whole new level in this compass tattoo. This gorgeous compass tattoo is placed on the inner side of the elbow. It is still a vulnerable area to get inked on. The tattoo is mostly done in black outline, but the tinge of green and blue makes it surreal.
Lord of the Rings has a tightly reserved space in children’s hearts. Adults are no exception, either. There would be very few people who do not like the Lord of the Rings movies or books. This compass tattoo is inspired by J.R.R. Tolkein’s “Lord of the Rings”. It is definitely a unique and outstanding piece. If you are a Tolkein fan, you will value this compass tattoo.
Historic Cartography And Compass Tattoo
This cartography and compass tattoo looks like it has been torn from an Atlas. The details on this one are minutely done with careful execution. The skilled hands of the tattoo artist have transformed the arm of the tattoo bearer into a canvas. Everything looks phantasmagoric from the golden compass with its cardinal hands and the map of Shropshire to the little names of places on it.
The small golden nautical compass placed on the inner elbow or the arm is a beautiful image. Adding the map in the background makes it seem historical. In ancient times, mariners would explore new countries and use the navigator compass to find their way back to their own countries. The countries in Europe first started exploring the world with the help of sea navigation. If you are someone who seeks adventure, thrill, and inspiration from such a journey, then this tattoo would be a perfect match for you. Both men and women can get this tattoo design.
Inspirational Nautical Compass Tattoo
This next one of the large tattoos on the list. The shading and detailing of the two compasses are done with skillful perfection. The elbow tattoo features Lord of the Rings quotes in cursive fonts. The red roses stand, contrasting to the black ink tattoo.
This tattoo concept of two compasses and the LOR quote is something to behold. The quotation “Not all those who wander are lost” was a line from a poem that was written about Aragon. It was Gandalf who wrote these lines in a letter to Frodo. Those who seem lost are actually on their way to reaching their true destination. The right path will lead the soul and it will find itself. That is the whole matter this quote is trying to mean. Even though this tattoo idea looks feminine, both guys and women can ink this elbow tattoo.
Viking Compass Tattoo Elbow
The Nordic Compass is the main focus of this next elbow tattoo. The compass is drawn with black ink. It has eight common staves and eight runes at the end of each arrow-like stave. The Viking Compass Tattoo design looks cool as an elbow tattoo.
The Viking Compass or the Vegisir used to be a guiding device for the Nordic Vikings. It originated from two old Icelandic words, “vegur” and “visir”, meaning pathfinder. The Nordic people used to carry this instrument to have the ability to find their way back home in extreme natural calamities. The straight arrow-like staves were used for cardinal navigation. The Vegvisir tattoo designs give you the sense of guidance to create your own way in life. Also, these elbow tattoos are done to honor the culture and history of the Vikings.
Nautical Compass And Anchor Tattoo
This next elbow tattoo presents a nautical compass and an anchor. The tattoo idea on the right elbow is perfect. The shading and outline of this tattoo give it a depth that creates a three-dimensional effect.
The images of an anchor and a compass are complimentary. They go well together. The anchor is the sign of grounding forces in life. Whereas the compass represents a new journey towards the right way. The style of this tattoo idea gives a feeling of inspiration to the tattoo bearer. The most important thing about elbow tattoos is that they should look really fantastic and cool. Guys will be perfect for these tattoo designs.
Dagger And Compass Elbow Tattoo Ideas
The next elbow tattoo features a dagger and a compass fashionably. The magnificent colors will draw anyone’s attention easily. The style of this portrays an impression of church art.
This tattoo will create the image of the pirates with their daggers and compass. Earlier, seamen used to carry daggers for protection and a compass for navigation. This dagger and compass tattoo would be suitable for guys who look up to scary seamen for their bravery and strength. Even though elbows are a great place to get your tattoos inked, they inflict a lot of pain.
Floral Nautical Compass Tattoo On Elbow
This flowers and compass tattoo on the elbow in colorful ink looks alluring. The tattoo starts on the ‘elbow and stretches down to the arm. So it could be called a sleeve tattoo too. Even the minuscule details are done with such grace and skill that this tattoo looks like a picture.
Tattoos on the elbows, if done right, look special. Floral compass tattoos are used as an emblem of aesthetic inspiration in life. These are great feminine tattoos, and if you are a woman, this tattoo design will suit your personality.
Cool Geometric Compass Tattoo
The last cool elbow tattoo design is the geometric compass tattoo art. It is done in black ink and mostly in a black outline. The geometric pattern of this tattoo looks well-handled and thoroughly detailed. Its placement on the elbow makes it look badass. Guys can get this tattoo.
Even though geometric patterns in body art have been here for a very long time, Geometric compass tattoos have been quite in demand for the past few decades. They represent the urge to abandon the wrong path and choose the right one. As stylish as these tattoos look, they certainly have spiritual associations too. This geometric compass tattoo design is a gem. And if it has inspired you, you should consider getting it done anywhere on your body.
If you are still wondering, how bad does a compass elbow tattoo hurt? Then you should know that the elbows are one of the most painful areas of the body to get inked on. They have bones underneath and veins that would hurt like hell if you needle the skin. But it is totally alright as long as you can tolerate it. But if you cannot, never force yourself just to get a beautiful tattoo.
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