Body art is a way to express yourself and the right design can make a powerful statement about your thoughts and feelings. There are few options as meaningful and beautiful as the sun and moon. It represents two opposing forces coming together to create balance. This tattoo can remind you that there is good and bad in all things, and can be an excellent choice for someone going through a transitional period in their life or those in search of peace and harmony. The sun and moon can also represent masculine and feminine energy, light and dark, and the life cycle. For a more personalized tattoo, you can add other imagery to the design or include a meaningful quote, name, or date. From cute couple tattoos to thought-provoking pieces, we have all the inspiration you need.
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1. Sun Moon and Stars Tattoo
The sun and moon and stars are a great options for a tattoo. It is a symbol of the universe and can be incredibly inspiring, representing opposing forces coming together and achieving a balance in life. The meaning of your tattoo is open to interpretation and there are several ways to combine the images, depending on your preference. The combination can also be inked to honor the bond you share with your family with the sun and moon representing the parents and the stars the children. You can choose the number of stars depending on how many children you have.
2. Simple Sun and Moon Tattoo
Not all tattoos need to be large and detailed and some designs look great when simplified. The shapes of the sun and moon are basic and easy to create and look great when the style focuses on the essential elements of the design, with minimal detail and without shading. You can opt for color ink, but the most popular and versatile option would be black ink. Simple tattoos can be inked on a smaller scale. This lets you get them tattooed anywhere on the body including the wrist or finger. Other pros include that they will take less time to complete and the pain will be short-lived.
3. Small Sun and Moon Tattoo
Small tattoos are appealing to those who want a cute or dainty design. They can be inked by men and women and are loved because of their versatility. Your ink can be tattooed anywhere on the body, including behind the ear on the side of your neck, and is often less painful and more affordable. Not all tattoos look good when created on a smaller scale. However, the simplicity of the sun and moon shape makes this a great choice for a small tattoo. The design is also a cute way to celebrate the bond you have with a loved one by getting matching tattoos.
4. Mandala Sun and Moon Tattoo
Mandala tattoos have become incredibly popular in recent years because of their detail and beauty. They represent balance, harmony, and symmetry and can be calming to look at. Mandala means ancient language Sanskrit and translates to “circle” and most designs comprise of circles and shapes to create a beautiful, intricate pattern. With body art, mandalas can take on any form, including sun and moon designs. The sun and moon are symbolic choices, representing masculine and feminine energies and light and dark. It can have an inspiring meaning, reminding you to achieve balance in life. Or that despite the challenges you may be facing, a new day will arrive.
5. Sun and Moon Matching Tattoos
Matching tattoos are an excellent way to celebrate the bond you share with a loved one. This could be a best friend who has been there for you through it all or a romantic partner who you cannot imagine your life without. Choosing the right design together will create a memorable experience, and a sun and moon is the ideal choice. The versatility of the design but also the rich symbolism make this an appealing tattoo. The sun and moon are associated with balance and symmetry. They are two opposing forces coming together and can represent light and dark, feminine and masculine, and equilibrium and imbalance. The meaning is open to interpretation, letting you create a piece that reflects your thoughts and feelings and accurately represents your bond.
6. Outline Simple Sun and Moon Tattoo
Outline tattoos are appealing because of their simplicity. They focus on the basic elements of the design and are created without shading. Outline designs can be simple and minimalist or they can be detailed; the choice is yours. The sun and moon is an excellent choices for an outline tattoo and can be created big or small.
7. Sun and Moon Yin Yang Tattoo
The sun and the moon represent two opposing forces coming together. It can make a powerful statement about achieving balance and the connectedness of all things. The sun and moon also represent light and dark, feminine and masculine, beauty and strength, imbalance and equilibrium, and even good and bad. The Yin and Yang symbol has a similar meaning associated with it. In Chinese philosophy, with Yin represents the moon, and Yang represents the sun. This is an overly simplified explanation of a beautiful and meaningful symbol. It also makes for an exceptionally detailed and interesting tattoo.
8. Couples Sun and Moon Tattoo
Couple tattoos are a cute and romantic way to celebrate your relationship. There are many designs to choose from, but the sun and moon are one of the most beautiful and meaningful. Getting this design as a couple could be because you feel you are incomplete without each other or that you need to be together to achieve balance. You can opt for matching tattoos or one can get tattooed with the sun and the other the moon. The moon is associated with femininity and is often chosen by the woman, while the man will be inked with the sun but you can get inked with both or reject the symbolism in favor of a meaning that better reflects your relationship. You can also personalize your piece by adding your names, special dates, or other details that have meaning to you.
9. Sun And Moon Best Friend Tattoos
Best friends are the family you chose. The bond between best friends can be unbreakable and this person can be like a brother or sister to you. They have been with you through your darkest times and continued to give you their unwavering love and support. And when times are good, they are the first person you call. There are many great ways to honor your relationship, but deciding on a best friend tattoo is a more permanent declaration of your love and gratitude. Choosing the sun and moon design together can add to the bonding experience and you can opt for a standard piece that has meaning to you or add to it. This could include your names, a phrase you say to each other, or a special date.
10. Sun And Full Moon Tattoo
There are different meanings associated with the sun and moon tattoo, and the images you choose to add to your design or the phase of the moon can impact this. A sun and full moon tattoo can be more about the supernatural and is associated with magic, mystery, and transition. It can be an excellent way to mark a transitional period in your life. Or it could be a reminder of your inner strength or adaptability to change. Your design can be as simple or as detailed as you wish and inked on a small or large scale.
11. Meaningful Sun Moon and Stars Tattoo
The sun and moon are one of the most meaningful designs you can choose for your tattoo. Meaningful tattoos are different for each person but should be able to move, inspire, or motivate them. It should be a piece you can look at and remember the reason you got it inked, and with a sun and moon design, this could be the importance of accepting the good with the bad or achieving a balance. The sun and moon are incredibly powerful designs, rich in symbolism. You can also add stars to your tattoo which will make it more detailed but also add to the overall meaning. It could be associated with the universe and represent the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. Or it could make you think of magic and mystery, and let you channel positive vibes for the future.
12. Soul Eater Sun and Moon Tattoo
Anime fans may be drawn to a design of the Soul Eater sun and moon for their tattoo. The manga series is written and illustrated by Atsushi Ohkubo and although the Sun and Moon are not the main characters, they are recognizable because of their facial expressions. The images are also different from your standard moon and sun design making them instantly noticeable. They can represent two opposing forces and the struggle between good and bad. Sun represents the protagonists and Moon is associated with the antagonists and can symbolize their moods. If you want body art that reflects your passions and interests and is designed to stand out, this is the choice for you!
13. Sun and Moon Thigh Tattoo
Thigh tattoos are one of the most appealing placements for your tattoo. This is for several reasons, but most notably the size and the lack of pain. Thigh tattoos measure low to moderate on the tattoo pain scale chart because of the thick skin, muscle, and fat in the area which provides cushioning. It is also a large enough area to allow for a detailed design, giving you space to get creative and not restricting you. The thigh can be easily shown off and covered when you want, making it an incredibly versatile location. It is also considered one of the sexiest areas on the body, and your tattoo will enhance this.
14. Sun Moon Spine Tattoo
The location for your tattoo is just as important as the design. You should consider several things before getting inked, including the visibility of your location and the pain. The spine is an excellent choice for those who want their tattoos to be hidden and shown off when they want. Designs also look edgy and cool here and the sun and moon are a great choice for a spine tattoo. You can also make it more detailed by opting for the different phases of the moon which represent the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. The downside to spine tattoos is the pain. They are high on the pain scale chart because of the proximity to bone and the lack of muscle and fat in the area. You also need to consider the potential risk of a spine tattoo if you need back surgery or injection like an epidural.
15. Unique Sun and Moon Tattoo
The standard shape of the sun and moon are basic, and there is definite appeal in their simplicity. However, you can opt for something more detailed and unique by creatively combining the images, or adding to them to make your piece more personal. This can be done in several ways, including adding a quote, names, or dates. You can also combine the sun and moon with other imagery, depending on the intention and the meaning you want to be associated with it. If you want to represent mystery and magic, you can add eyes, a black cat, or even a witch’s hat. Or you could create your tattoo to look as if the sun is swallowing the moon. There are many choices so let your creativity guide you.
16. Crescent Moon and Sun Tattoo
The most commonly inked images of a sun and moon feature a crescent moon. This choice is for more than aesthetic reasons and this phase of the moon is particularly meaningful, representing change and hope. It can be the ideal choice for someone who is going through a challenging time and wants to remind themselves of how far they have come. The tattoo could also make a statement about how you are a work in progress. Or that you are not afraid of change. It is also great for small and simple designs but can also be made with detail featuring intricate patterns or symbols.
17. Minimalist Sun and Moon Tattoo
For those who prefer a minimalist approach to body art, a simple tattoo that focuses on the basic elements of the design is the choice for you. Minimalist tattoos can be inked big or small and can shift the focus more on the meaning behind your tattoo than the design itself. For a piece as powerful as a sun and moon, this is an excellent choice. Your tattoo can represent many things, depending on your interpretation, including femininity and masculinity, good and evil, light and dark, and life and death. It can reflect your thoughts and feelings on these things, or motivate and inspire you during challenging times.
18. Naruto Sun and Moon Tattoo
Naruto is one of the most popular and beloved manga series, written and illustrated by Masashi Kishimoto. For fans of anime tattoos and the series, there are several options to be inspired by, including Naruto and Sasuke’s sun and moon. This was to show that they shared powers and was done after they sealed Kaguya away. This symbol can make a powerful statement and can also reflect your passions and interests.
19. Sun and Moon Back Tattoo
Back tattoos are an excellent choice for your sun and moon design. The appeal of the back is the large area, letting you experiment with placement, size, and the detail of your tattoo. Your piece can be small and simple, or large, covering the entire back. The back is also moderate on the pain scale chart because of the thick skin, muscle, and fat in the area which provides cushioning. The closer you tattoo toward the spine or hip bones, the more discomfort you will experience. You can also cover up your back easily, showing off your design when you want.
20. Sun and Moon Finger Tattoo
Finger tattoos are ideal for those who want to make a statement. They have become one of the most popular places for body art, with designs being small and delicate but also edgy and cool. Getting tattooed on your fingers is incredibly painful because of the general sensitivity of the area and the concentration of nerve endings. There is also thin skin and proximity to bone. In addition to a lack of muscle and fat, which increases the discomfort. Finger tattoos fade faster than many other placements. This is because of the exposure to sunlight and how often we use our hands. However, it is an ideal location for meaningful body art, like a sun and moon tattoo, and can easily be shown off.
21. Sun and Moon Foot Tattoo
If you are looking for a discreet location for your next tattoo, consider the foot. Foot tattoos can be incredibly painful because of the thin skin and proximity to bone. It can also be challenging during the healing period as you will not be able to wear shoes or socks to prevent friction and reduce the risk of infections. The sun and moon are great designs for the foot because they can be inked small. You can opt for an outline of the sun and moon or get creative, adding quotes, names, or special dates to add to the overall meaning.
22. Tribal Sun and Moon Tattoo
Tribal tattoos have great importance to the wearer and can tell a lot about who they are. Body art has been used to distinguish marital status, hierarchy, and decorative purposes or to instill fear in others. There are designs unique to specific tribes, but you can also opt for a more stylized version of the tribal tattoo which is created with thick, black outlines and no shading. The tattoo can be an intricate pattern or it could focus on the basic elements of the sun and moon.
23. Sun and Moon Sternum Tattoo
Combining a sun and moon design can make a powerful statement because of the rich symbolism. Your tattoo will show two opposite forces coming together to achieve balance and harmony. There are different designs to choose from and various placements on the body to get inked, including the sternum. Sternum tattoos are not for the faint of heart and are one of the most painful locations on the body. It is a beautiful area to highlight with your tattoo, and it also offers versatility. You can cover the design easily, but it is also large enough that you are not restricted with the detail of your tattoo.
24. Sun and Moon Under Breast Tattoo
Under the breast tattoos are a great option to celebrate your femininity and are a popular location for women to get inked – that is not to say men cannot get tattooed here too. The tattoo is inked either directly under the cleavage or on the side of the breast and can be painful because of the thin skin and lack of muscle and fat to provide cushioning. There is also a high concentration of nerve endings. The appeal is that it will draw attention to one of the sexiest parts of the body. It is often reserved for designs that are meaningful to the wearer because of the proximity to the heart.
25. Aztec Sun and Moon Tattoo
The Aztecs are an ancient civilization that lived in Central Mexico in the 14th to 16th centuries. They were a warring society but also an advanced one in terms of their technological achievements and views on agriculture, medicine, and astronomy. The sun was of great importance to them as was worshipped as a god. Without the sun there is no life, and this is something that the Aztecs understood, and it was at the center of their universe. Coyolxauhqui was also important and was defeated by her brother, the Sun god Huitzilopochtli. It is stated that her head was thrown and became the moon. Choosing an Aztec tattoo with a sun and moon design can be a way to show your respect for the culture. It could also symbolize strength, power, and the life cycle. Or represent good and evil.
26. Sun and Moon Dreamcatcher Tattoo
The dream catcher is from Native American culture and is a protective talisman used to protect individuals from negative energy and bad dreams. It is handwoven and often has feathers and beads incorporated into it. The beauty and symbolism of this object have made it popular around the world and it has inspired countless tattoo designs. The combination of a dream catcher tattoo and sun and moon makes for a detailed and meaningful design, which can be inked to safeguard the wearer and make a comment about life and death. The detail that goes into this piece means it is best suited to a larger area on the body, like the thigh or arm.
27. Sun and Moon Face Tattoo
The sun and moon can be created in different ways. You can experiment with patterns, try out techniques and colors, and combine them in various ways. You can also portray the sun and moon with a face, which can reflect your emotions. Another option is to only give the moon a face, because the moon is tidally locked to the Earth, it is seen as having two “faces.” A sun and a moon tattoo can be incredibly meaningful and make a powerful statement about your thoughts and feelings. This is reflected in your design.
28. Sun and Moon Shoulder Tattoos
Shoulder tattoos are sexy and cool, highlighting one of the most flattering parts of the human body. This is a popular location for body art because it is considered low to moderate on the tattoo pain chart. This is due to the thick skin, muscle, and fat in the area which provides cushioning. The shoulder is also a versatile placement because it is large enough to give you space to get creative with your design and it can be easily covered with clothes.
29. Sun and Moon Wrist Tattoo
Wrist tattoos are the ideal placement for those who want cute, delicate designs. It is also appealing because of its visibility, letting you look at your tattoo every day and reminding you of the symbolism associated with it. The sun and moon are powerful designs, representing many things including balance, wisdom, light and dark, mystery and magic, and life and death. It can comment on your thoughts on these topics and can be a way to express yourself. Wrist tattoos can be painful because of the proximity to bone and the thin skin and the lack of muscle and fat. However, the designs are often small and simple, making the discomfort short-lived.
30. Half Moon and Sun Tattoo
One of the most popular designs for a sun and moon tattoo is to combine the two images so that the two halves make a whole. This is an excellent way to show the meaning of your tattoo and how important it is to create balance. The sun and moon are two opposing forces and represent growth and attainment, masculine and feminine energies, light and dark, and good and bad. There are many meanings depending on your interpretation. This can be a great choice for someone who is going through an internal struggle or a transitional period in their life.
Sun and Moon Tattoos FAQs
What does the moon tattoo symbolize?
The moon is associated with female energy, growth, and change. The different phases of the moon also have various symbolism. For example, the full moon is associated with magic and mystery and could be a reminder of your inner strength or adaptability to change. While the crescent moon is associated with change and creativity. It also represents hope, fertility, and motherhood.
What is the sun and moon symbol called?
The sun and moon can be combined in several ways, depending on your design preference and the meaning you want associated with them. It can include stars, quotes, and dates, or be added to a dream catcher. The symbols have also been used in history, including representing the Ottoman Empire.
Cailyn Cox holds a degree in journalism and has been working with The Trend Spotter as a writer for over ten years. She has worked with some of the most prestigious women’s and men's lifestyle publications. For her, writing is not just a job; it’s a passion, which is why each article she writes is approached with such enthusiasm and dedication. She has extensive knowledge of hairstyles, tattoos, and beauty and has made a career out of creating informative articles that appeal to women and men of all ages.
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