Getting out of high school and becoming old enough to make decisions for your self is the first step towards true independence. It is only natural that young adults faced with this privilege often wish to express that independence to the world at large. They often do so through the act of getting a tattoo. However, the reasons behind getting a tattoo can be as plentiful as the stars in the sky.

Speaking of which, if you are in the market for a great tattoo, perhaps you should give thought to the myriad choices of star tattoo designs. The types of star tattoos out there can be a little overwhelming, especially if you have no clear idea behind the reason you are getting a tattoo in the first place.

Is there a special meaning behind your design choice, or do you simply like the way it looks? Would you like a tattoo to represent goals you have set? Or maybe your design has religious or spiritual meaning? Regardless, put some thought into it. Do your research. Your tattoo becomes a piece of you that cannot be easily altered or removed.

With that in mind, here are some great options along with possible meanings behind each one:

Pentagram

A pentagram is a five-pointed star. Some are face up and some face down. The upward-pointing pentagram usually stands for balance in one’s life. The opposite is usually seen as a mark of the Devil. But why five points? Four represent elements: earth, fire, air, and water. The fifth stands for the Spirit, which resides over all of them.

Star of David

Originating from Judaism, the Star of David shows six sides, each representing the cycles of the week with the center a representation of the Holy Sabbath. Christianity bears strong ties to Judaism, so this may also be a good choice for those of the latter faith.

Seven, Eight, and Nine-Sided Stars

As you can see, multi-sided stars often are spiritual in nature. This does not change the more sides that are added. Seven-sided stars are representative of seven-fold systems, such as those found in the Hindu religion, while eight-sided stars cross over to multiple faiths. For instance, an eight-sided star has been linked to the pagan wheel of the year and the Ogdoad of ancient Egypt. These were eight deities worshipped in the Old Kingdom of ancient Egypt circa 2686 to 2134 B.C. Nine-sided stars are believed to be Taoist in nature.

Nautical Star

Sailors used the North Star for navigation before more complex methods were developed. As a result, these tattoos started to pick up enormous amounts of popularity among those who wish to carve their own path. Existential in nature, the nautical star is representative of a person’s independence and freedom to steer the ship of their life where he or she chooses.

The star you choose for your tattoo can mean virtually anything you want it to mean. They can be representative of loves lost, goals attained, freedom to choose, or your own spirituality. Ultimately, the decision is yours, so make it a good one.