The meaning of the Wind Rose tattoo. What does the Compass Rose tattoo mean? Prison compass rose tattoo
The “Wind Rose” tattoo has existed for quite a long time; it symbolizes special meaning in the criminal world and has a long history of origin. The Wind Rose tattoo was originally used by sailors, because at sea they had one star guide, and an assistant and companion - the sea wind. That is why the wind rose tattoo took first place among them in popularity. This six-pointed star reminded the sailor of the goal he was striving for and was an indicator of all four directions of the world and his home.
And in fact, before the advent of the compass, ancient sailors could only rely on the stars at sea and trusted them with their fate. The sailors, being very superstitious, believed that such a tattoo could show them the right path in the seas and oceans and help them survive in a difficult situation, as well as turn their fate in the cruel and no less stormy sea of everyday life. Later, such a tattoo began to be considered an emblem of high encouragement or high reward, a sign of distinction and valor. The compass rose tattoo was often found among pirates.
All people who strive to gain freedom, both external and internal, this usually includes not only sailors, but also ordinary travelers, can wear a wind rose tattoo. Also, such a tattoo may be typical for people who have broad interests and views. 
But, in addition to all the above decodings, in the last century the wind rose tattoo has also had a different interpretation. This interpretation is associated with the criminal world. All prisoners who have such a tattoo on any part of the body (knees, shoulders) have some kind of affiliation with some kind of “thieves’ diaspora”. If a compass rose is depicted on my knees, this can only mean one thing - “I won’t kneel!” if the wind rose is located on the shoulders, then we can say with confidence that this person had authority in the zone, he lives according to his principles and foundations.
In general, the meaning of a wind rose tattoo is multifaceted and very fickle. Today, the original meaning of this tattoo, as a symbol of people who love to travel, has already been lost. And young people and teenagers often depict it on their bodies without putting much meaning into the tattoo, it’s just a cool design and that’s all. Young people do not think about the symbolism of this image, which dates back to ancient times, they are only interested in visual beauty.
The word “rose” in the name of the tattoo is a symbol of perfection and the desire for the indestructible and beautiful.
This is a schematic representation of the polar star. Four long rays, which indicate the cardinal directions: south, north, east, west. Short rays are intermediate points.
The number of rays in a symbol is from 4 to 16. The image shows the wind regime in a certain area, based on long-term observations.
This symbol was first used as a tattoo by sailors. For them, he served as a talisman.
Who is it suitable for? Predominantly male tattoo. Compass rose - symbol purposeful people. Suitable for people who love to travel or travel for work reasons.
It is popular among people who are in search of their own path in life.
Places and style of tattoo. The sketch of such a tattoo is rarely limited to the image of the compass rose itself. A skull, bones, cards, and a feather are often depicted next to the symbol.
Most often tattoos are done in black and white. Although it should be noted that the color version also looks great.
The most popular places on the body for such a tattoo are: arms, shoulders, chest.
Meaning of wind rose tattoo
As already mentioned, the symbol was considered a talisman among sailors and pirates. It was believed that the wind rose depicted on the body would help the navigator don't go astray, get to the goal and return with a reward to the monastery of his home. In those days, sailors did not yet have at their disposal either a compass or maps for sea navigation. Therefore, we had to navigate by the stars and, among other things, rely on fate and the power of our own intuition.
Later, the symbol became popular among brave and courageous warriors. Here the “wind rose” was a distinctive sign of those who showed special valor in battle.
These days it is a very common symbol. It is present in the symbols of the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations and African special forces.
The NATO flag is decorated with a star with four points. The 4 rays of this rose are believed to show the organization's desire to have a sustainable influence across 4 continents.
The symbol of the US CIA is a rose with 16 rays.
Modern meaning This symbol is not too far in meaning from the original. It's still the same a talisman that allows you not to go astray. The symbol patronizes those who have a goal and are ready to move towards it without being distracted by extraneous things. The word “rose” in the name indicates a desire for improvement. Read more about this on the about page.
A slightly different meaning of the symbol - finding your life path or vocation.
The meaning of the wind rose tattoo on the zone
In the criminal world, as often happens, the symbol has a special meaning. Roses are often called thieves' stars. Applied in black and white.
Here it is a distinctive sign of the highest caste of the criminal society.
Such tattoos on the zone can be compared to general stars on their shoulder straps (may both of them forgive us for this comparison).
In the zone, the wind rose is a paired tattoo. Eight-pointed stars are located symmetrically under the collarbones, on the shoulders and knees.
The stars on the shoulders are a symbol of the “thief in law” (the highest criminal rank). The stars on their knees seem to say “I will never kneel before the law.”
The symbol located under the collarbones is a denial of prison laws and an unwillingness to carry out the daily routine in prison.
An ancient symbol. This tattoo was done by sailors as a talisman.
The main modern meaning is "not to go astray."
In the criminal world - a sign of the highest criminal “caste”.
Video
The video will take 5 minutes 8 seconds. You will be able to see the process of applying a “wind rose” tattoo on your leg, in the area of the calf muscle.
The wind rose tattoo is an ancient symbol that has a deep meaning and sacred meaning for people whose lives are spent on long journeys. Such images first witnessed their appearance on the tanned bodies of sailors, as a powerful call to the sea elements and winds to be merciful and return the men alive and well to their native land. In the modern world, such tattoos have considerable weight in the criminal world.
The meaning of the Wind Rose tattoo
In those distant times, when our ancestors did not even know about such a simple device as a compass, the only way for them to navigate the endless waters of the ocean was the flickering lights of the night sky with the guiding North Star at the head. And the sea winds helped to overcome difficult paths. And the sailors transferred their deep admiration for their helpers to their bodies, thereby calling on the elements of the sea to show favorable attitude. And they really believed that such a symbolic design on the body would allow them to return from swimming on time and easily overcome obstacles. Later, the wind rose tattoo already received a higher purpose - it became a sign of distinction for people who never bow their heads to the bad weather of fate. Seeing such a pattern on the body, one could immediately say that this person would not go against his principles to please the opinions of others.
Having a prison meaning in the criminal world, compass rose tattoos are only allowed to be worn by authorities. The geography of an image can also tell a lot. For example, a subclavian tattoo of a wind rose indicates a “denier” (who does not recognize prison rules), on the shoulder and forearm - a “thief in law.” But the wind rose on his knee makes it clear that this person will not kneel before anything or anyone.
Sketches and photos of wind rose tattoos
What is such a tattoo? The image can be very different, but the main thing remains the same - the North Star with rays of the same length pointing to the cardinal directions. Also in the figure there are shorter intermediate rays - rumbas. As you can see in the photo of the “Wind Rose” tattoo, the image looks great both in color and in strictly black and white. Modern sketches are often complemented by other symbolic designs: a rose flower, a skull, a feather or a map.
The depth of meaning of a wind rose tattoo these days is high determination, a clear life guideline and the desire to return to the walls of one’s home under any life circumstances.
Today, the body of almost every young man is decorated with tattoos, but not everyone knows how this or that body design appeared and what it means. Some of them are allowed to be worn only by the so-called “thief stars”. A person who does not have a certain status has no right to wear such tattoos according to prison laws.
Origin story
On the body of some prisoners you can see a tattoo depicting the so-called Wind Rose, which previously protected sailors from troubles during their travels. For a long time, the only reference point for sailors was the starry sky. According to many, a tattoo in the shape of a star helped them return from long sea voyages absolutely unharmed. This design also adorned the bodies of pirates who demonstrated their aggression and cruelty.
A tattoo in the shape of a star could also be seen on some warriors. If during a battle a warrior demonstrated special courage, it served as his distinctive sign.
Thus, the Wind Rose acquired a new meaning, becoming a symbol of the path of life and simply the meaning of life. This is precisely the meaning it has for those serving sentences in prison. A prisoner's priorities can be determined by his "thieves' stars."
Various types of tattoos
Body designs in the form of stars consist of two identical symmetrical figures, usually located on the knees, shoulders and under the collarbone. They belong to those few types of body designs that do not contain any inscriptions. Words are not needed, since knowledgeable people immediately understand their meaning. In the center of the star you can often see images of animals and other objects, various symbols and portraits of famous people.
A star with eight rays divided into white and black halves calls for “crush on activists.” The colors themselves also have meaning: flesh symbolizes the human principle, and dark symbolizes the thieves. This contrast suggests that this person lives according to human and thieves’ laws both in the zone and in freedom. If there is a cat inside the star, the prisoner is most likely a pickpocket. The wolf is an illustration of the phrase "man is a wolf to man."
What tattoos and who is allowed to wear them
To have one or another tattoo on your body, you must earn it. This is stated in the rules established in the zone in the middle of the last century. The wind rose, which is also called the “thief’s star,” can only adorn the shoulders of a thief in law. Stars pinned under the collarbones indicate that the prisoner is a “denier” (who does not recognize the rules established in the zone). If the stars are pinned on the knees, the person has never humiliated himself before any of the representatives of the law or those serving time.
The dangers of some tattoos
The tattoos described above should not be worn by those who have nothing to do with the criminal world. Even if you understand the meaning of the pinned stars and want to demonstrate your reluctance to bow to anyone, problems will not take long to arise. Cellmates will demand to prove the right to wear tattoos not in word but in deed. In the zone it is customary to be responsible for actions and words. Therefore, there is hardly any need to explain what the “thieves’ stars” impaled on the shoulders threaten an ordinary prisoner.
The wind rose tattoo has completely different meanings in the criminal world, among sailors and in modern culture. It can be both positive and negative. The symbolism of the element primarily depends on its location on the body, as well as on the shades used in the tattoo and even additional elements.
History of tattoo
Initially, compass (wind rose) tattoos were tattooed by sailors. The fact is that in ancient times, the only guides for ship workers were the stars, and the main travel companions and companions were the sea winds. There were no other opportunities to correctly assess my path and change direction. Because of this, what a compass rose tattoo means was extremely important to sailors. For them, this was the only possible assistant and even, in a sense, a guardian angel.
Later, such an image was filled not only by peace-loving sailors, but also by pirates. Over time, the tattoo became popular among prison guards; for them it carried a special meaning and helped identify a member of the highest caste.
Nowadays, the designation of the compass rose in tattoo culture has remained the same. Most often it is depicted as a stylized North Star with rays of equal length. The presence of four cardinal directions is also important. Sometimes the tattoo also depicts intermediate points - four short rays. The total number of rays can vary from four to sixteen.
Meaning of compass rose tattoo
The wind rose is a special symbol associated not only with the four parts of the world, but also with the same number of elements, seasons, and human temperaments. It means the diversity of certain manifestations, and also indicates the importance of the center, cross and circle, that is, it symbolizes the “golden mean”.
In terms of its meaning, the drawing is suitable for all travelers and lovers of freedom, independence from circumstances and people around them. For those who want to brighten up boring everyday life and change their life, a “tattoo” can become a reminder that everything is in our hands. In this case, the wind rose symbolizes freedom, and in some cases also the search for one’s destiny, life’s path.
Often a tattoo is also tattooed as a sign of the right choice already made, as a symbol of success in business, avoidance of risk, or successful resolution of important tasks. Sometimes it can mean returning home or the desire to remain in one’s native place under any circumstances.
In some sources, the interpretation of a compass tattoo may be slightly different. It is also believed to be a symbol of determination and a sign for strong, self-confident individuals. In some cases, the wind rose is also a symbol of good luck, endless luck and eternal well-being. People with this pattern easily cope with life's troubles and calmly experience the blows of fate.
Sometimes a compass rose is a special amulet for the owner of a tattoo, which helps him go and achieve his goal and not go astray, wasting little things. In some cases, the sign also symbolizes courage, honor and valor.
The interpretation of the phrase “wind rose” itself is also interesting, which may have influenced the meaning of the wind rose tattoo on the zone. The fact is that the word “rose” means purity, perfection, indicates an ideal person, and “wind” indicates the direction of movement. In any case, the image is perfect for a person with deep knowledge in a wide variety of fields, travelers, lovers of extreme adventures and changes in life, those who like to challenge fate.
What does a wind rose tattoo mean for sailors?
For the sailor, the image of a compass rose on his body was a reminder that he must first achieve his goal and return home. In some way, the image served as a sign of their native places, no matter what part of the world they were in. Sailors were quite superstitious and believed that a compass rose tattoo meant not just a symbol of the cardinal directions, but
also a kind of guide that will help you survive the difficult journey and reach the port. Later, among sailors, such a tattoo was considered a sign of the best reward or encouragement from the captain; it was tattooed only on distinguished and valiant employees.
After some time, not only respectable sailors, but also pirates began to fill the drawing. The symbolism of their sign is somewhat similar to the meaning of the wind rose tattoo among prisoners. Among pirates, the compass was tattooed exclusively on men who were aggressive, fearless, unyielding and firm in their decisions, and in prison this tattoo indicated a thief in law, an extremely respected person. However, the symbolism of the wind rose among prisoners should be considered in more detail.
Prison meaning of tattoo
In the twentieth century, tattoos became common not only among sailors, but also in places not so remote. Prison laws prohibited tattooing designs that would not correspond to the position of the owner of the tattoo or would somehow embellish his status. Those who wanted to improve themselves in the eyes of the jailers with the help of “untruthful” tattoos most often found themselves only severely punished.
The criminal meaning of a wind rose tattoo is somewhat similar to that of pirates. If for unscrupulous sailors a tattoo meant an evil and aggressive man, then for prisoners it symbolizes the person’s belonging to the “thieves”, most often indicating a thief in law. Also, a tattoo may indicate a rebel, a jailer who rejects the accepted regime.
If the image is positioned differently, the meaning of the wind rose tattoo on the area will be different. Some tattoos indicate a person who will not kneel before guards or even the law itself, generally denies law and condemns the legal system.
Placing a compass rose on the body
Sailors most often got this tattoo on their shoulder, as well as other designs. A sketch with a modern interpretation can be printed on the forearm; placement in the wrist area is especially popular. Less commonly, tattoos are placed on the ribs, chest, or in combination with other symbols on the calf.
The correct placement of the pattern for prisoner tattoos is especially important. So, a prison compass rose tattoo can be tattooed either under the collarbones or on the shoulders, or on the knees. In the first case, the tattoo indicates a “thieve” person. If the tattoo is placed on the knees, then the tattoo says “I will not kneel!”
Tattoo colors
Photos of the compass rose tattoo clearly show that most often this design is printed in black or gray colors, this is especially true for nautical or prison tattoos. Modern images are sometimes decorated with other shades, although this option is rare. The most successful colors can be considered sea tones: blue, light blue, green or purple.
Differences in the meaning of a wind rose tattoo between a girl and a guy
Since in ancient times there were no female sailors (and even now you won’t see them), then a drawing with a compass was not found on girls, as well as other drawings on the body. As for prison tattoos, images with a romantic meaning were more common among women, so the meaning of the compass rose tattoo was not preserved among female jailers.
If we talk about sketches with a modern interpretation, then the symbolism of the tattoo is preserved for both sexes. Regardless of who is the owner of the drawing, it symbolizes determination, independence, the path of life, acts as a talisman or indicates a traveler in life or in the soul. In general, the compass tattoo is considered predominantly masculine, although it can also be found on women's bodies.
Style decision
Today, the most successful style for a compass rose tattoo is old school. It originated in the 19th century, and specifically among sailors. Until our time, the style has undergone many changes not only in appearance, but also in the process of tattooing, but it remains the best option for those tattoo lovers who want to see a real navigator tattoo on their body.
One of the other popular styles used for this design is minimalism. The peculiarity of this technique is the use of exclusively black paint and the maximum simplification of the symbol, turning it into a small and understandable graphic drawing. Occasionally, minimalism is also complemented by elements of graphics, finishing touches, watercolors, realism and other styles.
Additional elements for tattoos
In the case when the sketch is made using the old school technique, it is often supplemented with other drawings characteristic of this technique. These include swallow, rose, anchor, map, skulls and others. If a tattoo means a desire to find your place in life, it is better to complement it with an anchor, and in the case where the owner of the tattoo is a traveler, the combination of a compass rose with a map will look interesting. A wind rose tattoo for girls can be decorated with stars, flowers or a beautiful ornament. However, the final choice primarily depends on the imagination of the master and your vision of your sketch.
The compass rose sign in modern times
Occasionally, a compass rose can carry a completely different meaning. In general, this symbol is quite common; it is the sign of the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations and the CIA, adorns the NATO flag and is found in a number of other countries. Sometimes a tattoo with a compass rose can be tattooed by people who are in some way connected with these services, although this option, of course, is less common than the above. Sometimes a drawing on the body does not have any meaning at all, but is simply a decoration of the body.
