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TATTOO DESIGNS & SYMBOLS - CRESCENT MOON & STARS TATTOOS
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Crescent Moon & Stars
 Crescent Moon & Stars Tattoo Meanings
- Both the Moon
and Star or Stars
are among the most popular tattoo designs in the world. But what is
the unique significance and symbolism behind a Crescent Moon,
accompanied by a Star?
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Many,
many moons ago, long before the Turks converted to Islam and adopted
the crescent moon and star as central emblems for their national
flag, the moon and the star were symbols of their shamanistic
beliefs. It was also the symbol of the ancient city of Byzantium
(Istanbul), which was conquered by Osman, founder of the Ottoman
Empire in the 15th century. Osman dreamt of a crescent moon hanging
over the entire world, so he kept it as a symbol of his conquest,
and as a symbol of the Ottoman dynasty. |
 As
battles between Turks and Christians raged across Europe and beyond,
the crescent moon and star were mistakenly attributed to the Islamic
faith. However, Islam has historically had no symbol or symbols - in
fact there is a disdain within Islam for the use of iconic symbols -
and many Muslims find its use blasphemous, even to this day. After
all, the moon and star used in conjunction were originally pagan
icons. Though the Crescent Moon and a Star appear on the flags of
several Muslim countries, it should be seen more as a historical
symbol of the land, the territory or the empire, rather than of a
state religion.
 The
flag that fluttered over the ancient city of Byzantium probably paid
homage to the ancient gods of vegetation and the hunt. It may also
have honored the Goddess, Diana. In the West, we know of the moon as
governing the female principles of instincts, moods, tides, mystery,
receptivity, feminine strength, and sex. It's all about stillness
and darkness. A deeper look suggests however that the moon is the
embodiment of the Divine, from which everything comes, even the
masculine.
 The
ancients, and early man - hunters and gatherers - believed that out
of darkness came light, the moon gave rise to the sun and the
masculine emerged from the feminine. Ancient Greece, Egypt, and
Sumeria held the crescent moon as representative of both the
masculine and feminine. A crescent moon is in itself a symbol of
transition and transformation as the moon moves through its cycles.
There is symbolic significance to all the stages of the lunar cycle,
from full moon, to waxing and waning and the rare occasions when the
moon disappears - often as part of an eclipse.
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For early farmers and agricultural societies - the very seed of
modern civilization - there were often very strict guidelines that
used the cycles and stages of the moon as a calendar for the
planting and harvesting of crops, and for religious and civil
ceremonies. The moon literally was the time-keeper for early
cultures. Thus a crescent moon and a star represent the heavens and
all that is divine, with powerful feminine overtones. That is a
powerful tattoo symbol! |
 'Moon',
the word itself, can be traced back to its ancient Indo-European
root meaning, "to measure". Time was measured by the moon, and tides
could be predicted from the moon's position, which led to the
development of the calendar. The god of the moon was also Lord of
Time. From prehistoric times, earth's nearest celestial neighbor has
been an object of fascination and curiosity. Many cultures regarded
it as a deity and believed its power and magic could transform
humans into beasts and send people crazy. Hence the word, Lunatic,
which comes from the Latin, luna.
The Australian aborigines believed that the moon made women
pregnant, based on the recognition of the moon influencing the
woman's menstrual cycles. In India it represents the principle of
reflection, since, without light from the sun, the moon would not be
seen. It is also seen as the ruler over the senses and emotions.
 When moon worship clashed with established religious practices
(particularly in Europe), many signs and symbols associated with the
moon were considered evil or demonic. Bats, black cats and witches
on broomsticks with the full moon lighting their way became symbols
of darkness and evil. More benign symbols associated with the Moon
are the owl, symbol of wisdom and sacred lunar mysteries. The
crystal represents the full moon and its divinatory powers, while
the moonstone is said to cure nervousness and bring good luck to its
owner. The Aztecs believed that the
black jaguar or
panther pulled
the moon across the night sky and that the yellow jaguar pulled the
sun across the day sky. Many cultures associate animals,
particularly predators that hunt at night, with the magic of the
moon and with special powers of transformation.
Wolves and
owls are
two good examples of this. These animals were often seen as spirit
guides for Shamans, Healers and Medicine Men.
 As a symbol of mystery and romance, the silvery moon continues to
shine its magic for lovers and poets proclaiming its powers. In a
more down to earth way, its symbolism works wonders when promoting
commercial products. The crescent moon, associated all over the
world with the cycles of the month, and by extension, the ocean
tides and women, was used in Japan as a logo for selling
pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and hygiene products, as far back as the
1870's. The shining symbols of the crescent moon and the star were
thought to imbue commercial products with auspicious associations,
specifically the illumination of heaven and the gods.
Get inspired by some really great images and photos in our
Crescent Moon Inspiration Gallery
Choose your own
classic crescent moon and stars tattoo design at Tattoo-Art.com.
Find and buy the perfect crescent moon and stars design for yourself.
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Crescent Moon & Stars
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