Nautical star

The nautical star is a symbol that is often associated with the armed forces of the United States and the tattoo culture.

Appearance

It is usually depicted as a five-pointed star with dark and light shades, reminiscent of a compass rose. The colors are variable.

Icon

The nautical star is most commonly understood as an unofficial symbol that identifies a member of the U.S. Army or Navy. The symbol indicates both the five-pointed stars of the U.S. flag out, as well as on the characteristic pattern of the compass rose on many old charts. In addition to the military has the star because of the astronomical navigation a general reference to seafaring