Tattoo Inspirations Every Zodiac Sign Will Love
People who believe in astrology believe that the way we express our creativity and engage in various forms of creative pathways has got a thing or two to do with the planets. Astrology, spirituality, and numerology expert Tiffany McGee told The List that people of each zodiac sign have a unique approach to expressing their creativity, saying, "It's fascinating to see how their personalities influence their artistic pursuits." This uniqueness also extends to preferences in tattoo styles and designs.
While in the past, tattoos were associated with immorality and waywardness, this is not the case anymore. Nowadays, celebrities, scientists, politicians, other public figures, and even royals are getting tattooed. Yes, tattoos are cool, but they are so much more than that. They are a medium of artistic expression. They are important elements of a person's personality, style, and gender expression. Tattoos are also a big commitment and it takes considerable head space to finalize a design. The process of choosing a tattoo is deeply personal and can mean various things to the wearer. There are several factors you should consider before getting a tattoo.
When done with purpose and intent, a tattoo is like an extension of yourself, your creativity, and your values. If you have been contemplating getting inked, here is some zodiac sun sign-based tattoo inspiration for your first or next tattoo.
Aries: Arrow
Aries, the first astrological sign of the zodiac, is ruled by the planet Mars. If you were born between March 21 and April 19, you are an Aries. This cardinal fire sign is known to be confident and energetic. Speaking with The List, astrology expert and tarot card reader Matthias Dettmann explained that Aries often express their creativity through physical activities like sports, dance, or martial arts. They may also turn to daring artistic pursuits like graffiti art, streetwear design, or rock music.
When it comes to tattoos, Aries tend to go for bold, graphic designs that reflect their fiery and confident nature. A colorful, prominent design of a single arrow or a quiver of arrows would be perfect for an Aries-born. Alternatively, they can opt for any imagery featuring fire, warriors, or their zodiac symbol, the ram.
"Aries tend to prefer bold and eye-catching designs with strong lines and shapes," Dettmann said. "They may also gravitate toward designs with vibrant and energetic colors. Aries may resonate with bold and fiery imagery such as flames, arrows, and warrior figures."
Taurus: Stones
Taurus, the second astrological sign, is symbolized by the bull. This fixed earth sign is ruled by the planet Venus. If your birthday falls between April 20 and May 20, your sun sign is Taurus. People with this sign tend to be sensual, grounded, and in touch with their emotions. They are known for their love of beauty and material possessions, and their creative expression often revolves around aesthetics.
According to Dettmann, Taurus has a natural eye for design and enjoys creating art that is both beautiful and functional. They gravitate toward artistic mediums that engage the senses, such as painting, sculpture, or cooking. When it comes to tattoos, Taurus generally goes with earthy, organic designs that reflect their sensual, grounded nature. They like to experiment with intricate details and textures.
"Taurus resonates with natural and earthy imagery such as trees, flowers, and landscapes," Dettmann told us. As such, a detailed design featuring elements of nature is perfect for them. Designs featuring rocks, stones, hills, flowers, animals, or scenery will make a great fit for Taurus.
Gemini: Two-sided face
The third astrological sign of the zodiac, Gemini, is a mutable air sign. They celebrate their birthdays between May 21 and June 20 and are represented by the twins, Castor and Pollux. Geminis tend to be curious, adaptable, and skilled communicators. This is because Gemini is ruled by Mercury, the planet of communication and intellect.
McGee clarified that Geminis make use of these core qualities in their creative expressions. They express their creativity through writing, journalism, podcasting, or other forms of storytelling and communication. "They enjoy creating clever wordplay and using their imagination to bring their ideas to life," she told The List.
When it comes to tattoos, Geminis often go for designs that are versatile and adaptable, with dynamic and playful elements. They prefer designs with bold patterns and colors. Designs featuring the twins or creative variations of dual-face imagery are a perfect fit for Gemini. They may also resonate with intellectual imagery such as books, puzzles, and communication devices.
Cancer: Close person's signature
The fourth astrological sign of the zodiac, Cancer, is visited by the sun between June 21 and July 22. This cardinal water sign is represented by the crab. Cancers are known to be highly emotional, intuitive, nurturing, and often connected with their home and family. These core values reflect in their creative pursuits too. Cancers search for creative outlets that allow them to tap into their feelings, such as poetry, music, or film. "They enjoy creating art that evokes a sense of nostalgia and sentimentality," Dettmann told The List.
McGee also confirms that Cancers enjoy creative pursuits like home décor, cooking, crafting, and other activities that involve creating a warm and welcoming environment. This tendency of Cancers extends to their tattoo aesthetics, also. Cancers usually go for designs that are warm and welcoming, with soft and nurturing elements that reflect nostalgia and sentiments. They prefer designs with soothing colors and simple patterns.
A perfect tattoo for a Cancer summing up all their qualities would be a tribute to a loved one, like their favorite person's signature or an important date. They may also resonate with designs that feature crab-related or watery imagery. Since Cancers are ruled by the moon, designs with selenic imagery also work great for them.
Leo: The Sun
Represented by the lion, the fifth astrological sign of the zodiac, Leo, is a fixed fire sign ruled by the sun. If you were born between July 23 and August 22, you are a Leo. This confident member of the zodiac loves to be in the spotlight, and their creative pursuits reflect this expressive nature.
"Leos are natural performers and thrive in performance-based arts like theater, music, or dance. They have a love for the spotlight and enjoy being the center of attention," Dettmann told The List. Leos express their creativity through acting, singing, dancing, or other forms of performance art, as well as through fashion design, photography, or other visual arts.
When it comes to tattoos, Dettmann confirms that Leos prefer designs that reflect their regal and expressive nature. They are inclined to opt for designs that incorporate gold or other shiny materials, as well as designs with bold patterns or graphics and embellishments. An intricate sun tattoo sprinkled with gold might just be the perfect ink for a Leo. Alternatively, tattoo designs that feature lions, stars, or royal imagery might also work for them.
Virgo: Carefully chosen quote
Virgo, the sixth astrological sign of the zodiac, is represented by the maiden. This mutable earth sign falls between August 23 and September 22. Since Virgos are highly detail-oriented and analytical, their creative expression often revolves around problem-solving and solution-oriented activities.
"They enjoy creating order out of chaos and finding beauty in simplicity. Virgos excel in crafts, DIY projects, and other creative pursuits that require precision and attention to detail," McGee told us. When it comes to tattoo designs, Virgos prefer subtle, minimalist designs that can reflect their analytical and precise mind. They usually go for simple designs in muted colors.
Ruled by Mercury, Virgos also have a penchant for communication and books. A carefully chosen quote in a well-planned location might be the perfect design for a Virgo. Alternatively, they can opt for a simple geometric tattoo with intricate linework. Since they are earth signs, designs that feature imagery inspired by nature should also be a great fit.
Libra: Flower
Represented by the scales, Libra, the seventh astrological sign of the zodiac, is a cardinal air sign that falls between September 23 and October 22. Ruled by Venus, Libras are known for being balanced, harmonious, and aesthetically minded.
As Dettmann told The List, the creative pursuits of Libras surround arts that involve beauty and balance and are focused on inspiring a sense of peace and tranquility. Libras generally enjoy different forms of aesthetic and sensory experiences like fashion or interior design. When it comes to tattoos, Libras prefer balanced designs that reflect their harmonious nature and bring out their feminine side. They normally go for subtle styles and pastel colors.
A delicate floral tattoo of their favorite color in one of the pastel shades makes up the perfect ink for Libras. Alternatively, they may go for an abstract design or designs that feature their zodiac symbol: a pair of scales. Whatever they opt for, you can rest assured that it will be subtle and aesthetically pleasing.
Scorpio: Phoenix
The eighth astrological sign of the zodiac, Scorpio, categorizes those born between October 23 and November 21. Ruled by both Mars and Pluto, Scorpio is a fixed water sign that is known to be intense and mysterious. Scorpios are generally in touch with their deeper fears, emotions, and desires. McGee tells The List that their creative pursuits center around darker and more taboo themes. "A Scorpio might express their creativity through horror writing or gothic fashion," she says. "Their creative expression often revolves around exploring the darker side of the human experience."
When it comes to tattoos, Scorpios prefer dark and edgy designs with unconventional or mysterious elements. They generally go for intricate designs. A detailed design of a phoenix can perfectly capture the intense soul of a Scorpio, ever inclined toward exploring taboo topics. Other images that work for them are snakes or dragons. The symbol used to represent their zodiac sign, the scorpion, is also a great fit.
Sagittarius: World map
The ninth astrological sign of the zodiac, the mutual fire sign of Sagittarius, is the wanderer of the zodiac. Ruled by Jupiter, Sagittarius is adventurous, free-spirited, and loves to explore new horizons. Their season lasts between November 22 and December 21. According to McGee, Sagittarius thrives in travel writing, outdoor photography, and other forms of creative expression that capture the essence of exploration and discovery, along with the beauty and diversity of the world.
When it comes to tattoos, Sagittarius prefers eclectic designs that reflect their worldly nature. Depending on their personal style, they may either go for a minimalist design or a vibrant, colorful one. They are fans of designs that are a mix of global and cultural influences. They are also the most likely sign to get a design in a foreign language inked. "Sagittarius resonates with adventurous and global imagery such as maps, travel, and foreign cultures," Dettmann told us.
A design that features the world map can be the perfect ink for a Sagittarius. Designs that feature the globe, the world, compasses, or other patterns that capture the Sagittarian wanderlust are also perfect. Alternatively, designs with imagery that features arrows or flames should also work. This is because their zodiac symbol is the archer.
Capricorn: Tree
The 10th sign of the zodiac is the cardinal earth sign Capricorn, ruled by Saturn and symbolized by the goat. Capricorn season falls between December 22 and January 19. Capricorns are known to be disciplined and ambitious and are often focused on achieving their goals. They may express their creativity through entrepreneurship, architecture, or other forms of strategic and goal-oriented creativity. As McGee told The List, Capricorns enjoy creating art that is both meaningful and has a purpose.
Capricorns like their sophisticated and disciplined nature to be reflected through their tattoos as well. When it comes to getting inked, they generally focus on quality and durability and go for designs that are structured. "They like to go for simple, timeless patterns in muted colors," Dettmann confirmed.
Designs with practical imagery like mountains or timepieces work well for them. Given that they are earth signs, nature-inspired designs that symbolize strength and stability can also be explored. Combining both these elements, a deep-rooted and majestic tree can be the perfect tattoo Capricorns are looking for. McGee says that quotes can also work great for them. "When it comes to words, phrases like 'work hard, play hard' or 'never give up' can serve as a reminder of their goal-oriented nature and give them a sense of motivation."
Aquarius: Mandala
The 11th astrological sign of the zodiac, Aquarius is a fixed air sign. Ruled by Uranus, the Aquarius season is between January 20 and February 18. Aquarians are known for their love of innovation and their unique perspective on the world.
According to Dettmann, they excel in forms of creative expression that challenge societal norms, like avant-garde art or experimental music. "Their art challenges the status quo and inspires others to think outside the box," he told The List. They may also choose tech design or futuristic fashion design as their creative outlet. Naturally, Aquarians' choice of tattoo designs falls in line with their choices of artistic expression.
When it comes to tattoos, they wander toward designs that are innovative and unconventional, often featuring bold elements. They are not known to shy away from bright colors and unique patterns. Since they are ruled by Uranus, the "great awakener" of the zodiac, people who have the Aquarius sign are often spiritually in tune with themselves. Hence, tattoos that feature spiritual imagery — such as mandalas, the yin and yang, or the evil eye — are a great fit.
Pisces: Water droplet
Pisces, the 12th and final sign of the zodiac, is symbolized by the fish and falls between February 19 and March 20. This mutable water sign is ruled by the planet Neptune — the lord of the sea. Pisces are known to be dreamy and intuitive. Like other water signs, they are also very in touch with their emotions and tend to pursue creative outlets like music or visual arts. As Dettmann told us, Pisces search for creative paths that enable artistic expressions that evoke deep emotions and feelings.
When it comes to tattoos, they prefer designs that are dreamy and ethereal with a focus on emotions and spirituality. They generally tend to go for trendy abstract tattoo designs in soft colors that have a fluid vibe to them. Tattoos that feature water imagery including water droplets, oceans, fish, or mermaids are a great fit for this water sign. Designs that make use of spiritual elements in a water imagery theme would be ideal.
In addition to these designs, working the constellation of the zodiac signs into your tattoo design can also be a solid option.