Zodiac tattoos have combined ancient beliefs with modern design for many years. For as long as people have been looking at the stars, they have been searching for meaning within them. Zodiacs are just one example of this. Many cultures, including those within China, Persia and India, have zodiacs that have been around for thousands of years. There is also evidence that the cultures of pre-Columbian North America, such as the Maya, the Incas and the Aztecs developed zodiacs based on their own celestial observations.
The zodiac that most people are familiar with is what is now called the Western Zodiac. The western zodiac has its roots in the Helenistic period of Greek culture, and was adopted by the Romans soon after conquering Greece. The Romans renamed the Greek gods within the zodiac and gave the zodiac signs the names that we are all familiar with - Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces.
Each Zodiac sign has a corresponding timeframe on the calendar as well as a corresponding planet. This timeframe is based on the movement of the sun through the stars of the zodiac. In addition to this, the zodiac signs are each assigned a physical element of fire, water, earth or air. The English translation of each Roman name also serves as a corresponding symbol such as a ram, scales or an archer. (See Below)
Zodiac tattoos have followed in the path of zodiac tradition in many ways. Some people use their zodiac signs and symbols as tattoo designs. A person born in the sign of Scorpio may have several tattoos that include a scorpion in the design. Many people incorporate various aspects of their and their loved ones zodiac signs without using the obvious symbols. The elemental symbolism such as fire, water, air and water can be included in any tattoo in any number of ways. Someone born in a fire sign may incorporate flames in their tattoos, or someone born in an earth sign may include natural elements such as plant life in many of their tattoos.
Below is a list of the signs, elements, symbols and planets of each zodiac sign. Looking through your zodiac sign and those of your loved ones can give you a lot of great ideas for your next tattoo.
Aries (The Ram) - Fire - Mars - March 21 - April 19
Taurus (The Bull) - Earth - Venus - April 20 - May 20
Gemini (The Twins) - Air - Mercury - May 21 - June 21
Cancer (The Crab) - Water - Moon - June 22 - July 22
Leo (The Lion) - Fire - Sun - July 23 - August 22
Virgo (The Virgin) - Earth - Mercury - August 23 - September 22
Libra (The Scales) - Air - Venus - September 23 - October 22
Scorpio (The Scorpion) - Water - Mars and Pluto - October 23 - November 21
Sagittarius (The Archer) - Fire - Jupiter - November 22 - December 21
Capricorn (The Goat) - Earth - Saturn - December 22 - January 19
Aquarius (The Water Carrier) - Air - Saturn and Uranus - January 20 - February 18
Pisces (The Fishes) - Water - Jupiter and Neptune - February 19 - March 20
