Chloe Montgo from Fashion-era.com
There are 88 official constellations recognized by the AIU. With the billions of stars in the galaxy, it's amazing they've narrowed the constellations down that far!
Of those constellations, many believe 12 are patterns that line up with birthdays and personalities. These constellations, planets, and moons make up the zodiac.
Constellation tattoos are a popular fashion trend because of the attachment people have to their signs. It can be difficult to think of or find something unique.
Below we discuss the different signs and constellations in the zodiac and give unique tattoo ideas for each one. Keep reading to learn more!
1. Aries Tattoos
If your birthday falls between March 21st and April 19th, you are an Aries. A Latin word meaning "ram," Aries is the first sign of the zodiac.
This personality is bold, competitive, and passionate. Aries are optimistic hotheads who think the word is their oyster.
Literal interpretations of the Aries sign include a V for the constellation or a ram for the Latin meaning. If you'd rather take inspiration from the sign for your tattoo, try incorporating some of its elements instead.
A triangle represents the fire sign. Mars is the planet that rules Aries.
The honeysuckle is this sign's birth flower. Learn about your birthstone and include that as well.
2. Taurus Tattoos
The Taurus zodiac sign is an earth sign that includes birthdays between April 20th and May 20th. Represented by a bull and ruled by Venus, these personalities live for pampering.
Known to be resilient and obstinate, they are loyal and devoted partners and friends.
If you are looking for a small, simple tattoo, choose the Taurus symbol. It is a circle with two wavy lines coming from the top.
The symbol resembles the bull in a line format. You can take it a step further by using the symbol outline to construct a very simple bull face.
Work the constellation into a bouquet of poppies to incorporate the birth flower for a different Taurus tattoo idea. Try a minimalist tattoo with no lines and only circles for the stars.
For a delicate but more involved tattoo, imagine a horned, bull goddess with a simple, pet bull. Add a splash of color by opting for a purple moon and a complimentary blue constellation on your forearm.
3. Gemini Tattoos
Birthdays from May 21st to June 20th are Geminis. The Gemini constellation is twins, which translates to two souls in one body.
Because of this, these personalities can be seen as being two-faced. However, this air sign is charismatic, witty, and curious.
This birth flower is lavender, and Mercury rules this sign. The Mercury glyph surrounded by lavender makes a wonderful Gemini tattoo idea.
Go bigger by choosing two faces or two people on either arm to represent the Gemini twins. If done abstractly, the faces can make a dainty spine tattoo.
4. Cancer Tattoos
Represented by the crab and ruled by the moon, this water sign makes up birthdays from June 21st to July 22nd. These personalities are emotional artists who guard those emotions with a hard exterior.
Delphinium is Cancer's birth flower. This could be manipulated to match Cancer's glyph for a tattoo that uses both.
The most obvious choice for a Cancer tattoo utilizes the crab. However, you could also pull inspiration from the ocean.
Waves represent both the crab and the water sign. Because the moon rules this sign, there is a great artistic opportunity to incorporate that as well.
A tattoo depicting the different phases of the moon speaks of Cancer's changes relating to the moon. A unique Cancer tattoo idea is to construct the moon out of yin and yang, which looks like the glyph.
5. Leo Tattoos
Leo, which covers birthdays from July 23rd to August 22nd, is a fire sign represented by a lion. Leos are natural leaders with powerful personalities.
Their ambition and ego can sometimes get in the way of relationships. But they are consistent and loyal.
A bold Leo may want a big, bold tattoo. In this case, a large thigh tattoo will get the job done.
Half of a lion's face with the sun making up the other half is big and expressive just like the Leo sign. A shoulder sunflower tattoo is another large tattoo location option.
A geometric lion is perfect for all genders. For something small, think about the Leo glyph on your tragus.
6. Virgo Tattoos
August 23rd to September 22nd birthdays fall into the earth sign, Virgo. These perfectionists are governed by Mercury and represented by the maiden.
Virgos are logical and methodical but are kind, supportive friends. Virgo's weather well with their strong character.
A tree to take on the interpretation of the earth sign is a beautiful way to pay homage to Virgos. Another earth idea is a linework maiden holding a wheat stem.
Instead of a normal constellation tattoo, imagine it floral. The lines of the constellation could have leaves. Replace the stars with flowers.
7. Libra Tattoos
The air sign, Libra, consists of birthdays from September 23rd to October 22nd. Libra's sign is the scales of justice. This explains their penchant for justice and equality.
Seeking balance in everything, Libras trend towards symmetry and resolution. They must be careful of people-pleasing with the way they observe all perspectives.
A tattoo of balanced scales intertwined with roses, Libra's birth flower, satisfy the need for symmetry. Scales could be tattooed on either arm on the back of the arm above the elbow.
Consider an hourglass with equal amounts of sand inside the Libra glyph. Simply tattoo the word balance with the Libra glyph replacing the a.
8. Scorpio Tattoos
Scorpio is a water sign, governed by Pluto, that has birthdays from October 23rd to November 21st. This misunderstood sign is represented by the scorpion.
This personality is intuitive, verging on the clairvoyant. Scorpios are enticing but have a deep desire for control.
A tattoo of a scorpion inside a lollipop speaks to both the sign symbol and the allure of the Scorpio. A scorpion with Pluto where its head should be is a nod toward its governor.
The M glyph hidden on a finger is an option for Scorpios wanting a smaller symbol tattoo. A watercolor constellation on the rib cage acknowledges the misunderstanding of the sign.
9. Sagittarius Tattoos
Representing birthdays from November 22nd to December 21st is the last fire sign of the zodiac, Sagittarius. Represented by the archer and ruled by Jupiter, this personality is ready to explore every great unknown.
Sagittarius signs are passionate, curious, and adaptable. They're known for being brutally honest.
Bow and arrow and an archer are the first tattoo ideas that come to mind for Sagittarius. A map and/or compass tattoo highlights their wanderlust.
A linework constellation turning into a realistic-looking bow and arrow is a unique idea. A flaming arrow coming down the back of the leg or arm acknowledges the fire sign.
10. Capricorn Tattoos
Capricorn is the final earth sign with birthdays ranging from December 22nd to January 19th. This honest and loyal sign is represented by the sea goat and is ruled by Saturn.
These personalities have incredible determination and tenacity amid adversity. They're known for being restrictive with themselves. But, Capricorns are mischievous troublemakers when they let loose.
Sea goats are mythological creatures. But, they can be depicted in tattoos as mermaids with horns. Think of a mermaid holding Jupiter as a possible tattoo idea.
Put your twist on these circular picture tattoos. Place the night sky inside of a pocket watch with the Capricorn constellation.
11. Aquarius Tattoos
If your birthday falls between January 20th and February 18th, then you are the last air sign of the zodiac, Aquarius. This sign has the water bearer as its sign and is ruled by Uranus.
These humanitarian personalities are innovative and rebellious. Extremely interested in interpersonal dynamics, Aquarius signs root themselves in community and teamwork.
Water slipping through hands is a tattoo that honors the water bearer and how this sign pours out innovation. For a larger tattoo, place a garden underneath the hands to signify how Aquarius signs give life to the community.
Use the simple water symbol on your ankle to honor the Aquarius sign. Spread it across the front or back of your shoulder for more of an impact.
12. Pisces Tattoos
The penultimate sign of the zodiac is the water sign that covers birthdays from February 19th to March 20, Pisces. This sign, governed by Neptune, is depicted as two fish swimming in opposite directions.
Pisces is the culmination of the lessons learned by the other signs. Empathetic and compassionate, this sign is prone to drowning in emotions.
Because Pisces border fantasy and reality, think about a tattoo that incorporates both. One fish could be completely in color, while the other is black and white.
The entire tattoo doesn't have to be about Pisces. For example, use scales to fill in a sleeve tattoo.
Final Constellation Tattoos Thoughts
Though the zodiac puts birthdays into certain categories, each person is unique. You know what's important in your life.
Consider what holds significant importance in your life. Then, incorporate that into your constellation tattoos.
Good luck crafting your perfect constellation tattoo! Since the 90s have been making a comeback in fashion, check out some of these 1990s fashion trends while you're here.
images illustrated by Juliana Diaz, all rights reserved.
