In every culture, in every era, in every place, there’s reverence, mythology, and superstition tied to the sun and the moon for this reason they’re so popular as tattoo themes worldwide. From Ancient Egypt to the modern-day United States, the sun and moon symbol carry a great deal of meaning. Sun and moon tattoos are like yin and yang tattoos – except way cuter – representing opposing forces in our universe and within ourselves.
So, if you were looking to get a cool, meaningful, and unique tattoo, we recommend you continue reading. In the following paragraphs, we’ll take a look at the meaning and symbolism behind sun and moon tattoos, as well as look at some interesting design ideas. So, without further ado, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
490 Meaningful and Beautiful Sun and Moon Tattoos
In the majority of cases, the sun and moon tattoos symbolize the unity of opposites, or the necessity for polarity, opposition, and differences to exist. However, depending on one’s personality and life experiences, the meaning and specific interpretation of this symbolism is ascribed independently.
1. Color Sun and Moon Tattoos
Source: @eldersigntattoo via Instagram
Color is surprisingly rare for sun and moon tattoos. Usually, the designs are simple – a tribal sun, entwined in a crescent moon tattoo. Either fine line or outlines with little shading. If you opt for color, you’ll have an interesting piece that stands out.
2. Sun and Moon Mandala Tattoo
Awesome sun and moon tattoo idea would be to try the kissing version. But please don’t make the sun so cold and unresponsive.
3. Full Moon Tattoo
A full moon is often associated with mysticism and transition. It is a time of change, blurred boundaries, and the supernatural, and a tattoo is a great way to show off what these ideas mean to you. Women who opt for a piece like this may choose to add various other elements to the design to make it more unique. If so, then it would be beneficial to get inked on a larger area of skin to allow for detail.
4. Minimal Sun Moon Tattoo on Finger
Source: @joannamroman
Small moon, sun, and star design that is tattooed on the inside of the finger. A tattoo like this is perfect for someone who wants a small and subtle design. You can recreate this or just choose sun and moon without the star.
5. Sun And Moon Sleeping Tattoo
This tattoo design option looks best in black and white, yet colored options are also preferred by many.
6. Tarot Card Sun and Moon Tattoo
Image Credit: https://www.instagram.com/p/CJg1g-6jFqh/
Tarot usually incorporates sun and moon imagery to showcase mental clarity, instincts, trust, feelings, and one’s perception of the past, present, and future. The Tarot cards often have a rather interesting design, that is evoking the mystical and astrological of the moon and sun symbolism. The Tarot card-inspired sun and moon tattoos can be either grey (black and white with shading) or true to the colors of the tarot cards.
7. Abstract Sun and Moon Tattoo
Source: @bloodflowerstattoo via Instagram
The sun and the moon are often depicted as lovers – man and woman. But they work just as well as planetary bodies reflecting each other in an artistic landscape design. Once you start to imagine the two as alive, all sorts of ideas and abstract images come to mind, like a simple tribal sun tattoo on one half, balanced creatively against a moon and stars tattoo.
8. Aztec Sun Tattoo
Aztec civilization widely accepted Sun as a powerful god. You will find many sun tattoos inspired by Aztec civilization. However, the Aztec sun and moon tattoos are not so widely popular.
9. Small Half Moon Tattoo
Do you want to get inked with something meaningful? Perhaps you are searching for creative inspiration, or enjoy the idea of growth and attainment? If so, then a half-moon tattoo may be just what you need. It is a beautiful design for a woman to ink, especially if she wants an option that is symbolic of what she is going through in life. Your piece can also be interpreted as a way of letting go or can represent balance since it is between the waxing and waning phases.
10. Unique Sun and Moon
Source: @onceinabluemoontattoo
This features a large sun with a smaller crescent moon. Both the moon and the sun have faces that give them a traditional tattoo vibe. We love the colors because they are so vibrant and beautiful. This is one of my favorite designs and it will look amazing on anyone. It can be placed almost anywhere on the body too.
11. Ornamental Sun And Moon Tattoo
Source: @bexpriesttattoos via Instagram
There’s a lot you can do with sun and moon tattoo designs. The above example is of an ornamental version. The unique placement — on the calves — adds to the glory of the overall effect.
12. Sun Flare Simple Black Tattoo
Image Credit: https://www.instagram.com/p/CLEWmdHFnGe/
13. Black and Gray Tattoo on Leg
Source: @amy_amy_amyyy via Instagram
Black and gray tattoos create the opportunity for an impressive amount of detail. A skilled tattoo artist can use shading to add depth and texture when bringing your new piece of body art to life.
14. Ancient Sun and Moon Tattoo
In the old times, people did not know much about the sun and moon so they had their tattoo drawings and styles of sun and moon. Here are an ancient sun and moon tattoo on the side of this girl.
15. Small Crescent Moon Tattoo
The crescent moon is a beautiful tattoo, especially for those who favor small, simple designs. The size of the piece makes it a popular choice; it is delicate and would look good on the wrist, behind the ear, or the ankle.
16. Sun Moon Star Tiny Tattoo
Source: @jorgemcarvalho
If you like tiny tattoos, then check out this next idea. This design has a sun, black ink moon and a star. It is a tiny tattoo idea and it looks so cute and stylish. This would be perfect as a first tattoo because it is small so it won’t take a long time. Keep it simple like this or you can add some color.
17. Sun And Moon Hourglass Tattoo
Source: @natalieallentattoo via Instagram
The hourglass represents the cycles in one’s life in the cosmos. The sun and moon, as already mentioned, represent the unity of two opposing powers, etc. Combining the two and coming up with the above design is the perfect representation that many of our problems aren’t as problematic according to the perspective of time.
18. Broken Sun Tattoo On Chest
Image Credit: https://www.instagram.com/p/CLHL4EiFtNd/
19. Moon Sea Waves Tattoo
Source: @tinta_machete via Instagram
20. Egyptian Sun and Moon Tattoo
Egyptians knew how to describe major events in minimal drawings. Here is a minimal Egyptian sun and moon tattoo on both wrists of this girl.
21. 30 Days of Moon Tattoo
One of the reasons moon tattoos are so popular among women is because the astronomical object is often associated with femininity and fertility. It can be a meaningful symbol for a tattoo, and the different phases can represent various things.
22. Sun and Moon with Waves
Thinking about having a tattoo with your best friend, partner, or family member? If so, you could have a tattoo like this. These two have chosen to have a moon and sun design. One person has the moon and the other one has the sun. Both tattoos have the same ocean wave design so that makes them match. It is a cool tattoo and it shows how you can’t have one person without the other.
23. Sun And Moon Solar System Tattoo
Source: @sharp_pokes via Instagram
In this black ink design, the sun and moon depiction is part of the solar system. The techniques used by the artist include linework, dotting, and geometric precision. The vertical format of this particular design looks perfectly in place when inked down the rib area of a man or woman’s body.
24. Geometric Sun and Moon Tattoos
Source: @sivxstorm via Instagram
The sun and moon were once sacred to all of mankind. Viewed symbolically they’re a natural fit for geometric tattoos. Most commonly, a sun and moon tattoo design gets incorporated into already existing geometric designs such as a mandala, the flower of life, or Metatron’s cube for example.
25. Elegant Sun and Moon Tattoo on Shoulder
The shoulder is not so popular placement for sun and moon tattoos because the couples have to move sideways to show them. Still, there is one elegant sun and moon tattoo for you to consider.
26. Black Link Sun and Moon Tattoo on Leg
A sun tattoo and moon tattoo is a design that not only looks great but is also rich in symbolism. You can view it as a coming together of opposites, a sort of yin and yang symbol that represents two opposing forces. These could include femininity and masculinity, good and evil, and life and death. If you are dealing with a problem or find that your life is not in harmony, this would be a fantastic choice.
27. Moon Inside the Broken Sun
Here we have a sun design that is tattooed on the arm. The sun is split in half and the moon is inside it. It is a very beautiful and unusual design and we love the stars around it too. You can recreate this or you can use a different sun and moon.
28. Linework Sun & Moon Tattoo
Source: @andreyu187 via Instagram
If simple linework is done right, it can achieve the same meaningful effect as bolder, more prominent, and colorful tattoos. You also end up saving some money!
29. Heavy Black Ink Sun and Moon Tattoos
Source: @adambarnestattooer via Instagram
Just as the masculine sun complements the feminine moon, heavy black ink is the go-to for masculine tattoo expression. Powerful and bold, heavy black ink designs draw the eye like nothing else. This style affords the artist great expression through applying opposition principles of fully saturated ink with negative space.
30. Evil Sun and Moon Tattoo
Many guys love to show their evil side or even dual personality. For this, an evil sun and moon tattoo is a great idea.
31. Sun Moon and Stars Black Ink
When deciding to get inked with any body art, you will find you are not just inspired by the cool design but also the symbolism associated with it. Your decision to get a sun, moon and stars tattoo will be unique to you because there are so many ways to interpret the meaning behind these images. A common interpretation is the idea of family.
32. Sun, Moon, Cloud Vintage Tattoo on Back
Source: @_mfox
This next tattoo is one of our favorites! Here we have a large crescent moon with a beautiful sun on the inside of the moon. We love the placement of the tattoo. It is a super cool and stylish piece of body art that is perfect for those who like vintage-style tattoos. You can recreate this or add some color.
33. Sun And Moon Head Tattoo
Source: @raphael.stanley.tattoo via Instagram
The head is a challenging area to tattoo. You’ll have to bear the excruciating pain to benefit from the ultimate gain of getting such a fantastic tattoo.
34. Mystical Sun and Moon Tattoo
Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/CLCMU8BnGuZ/
35. Girly Sun and Moon Tattoo
Girls can give a feminine look to their sun and moon tattoo by giving it anime eyes. This girly sun and moon tattoo on the shoulder has very expressive eyes.
36. Cute Sun and Moon Tattoo
Looking for a cute and stylish tattoo? If so, this could be perfect for you. Here we have a beautiful sun with a crescent moon. The design features clouds and the sun is awake and the moon is asleep. It is such a cool and unique tattoo and it shows the cycle of life. Recreate this black ink design or add some color.
37. Sun And Moon Thigh Tattoo
For larger pieces like the above, the frontal thigh is one of the placement areas to consider. Here, the sun is shown as a goddess while it unites with the moon. The blue shading effect adds further beauty to this remarkable design
38. Gypsy Sun and Moon Tattoo
There is another popular version of sun and moon tattoos. It is called the gypsy version. Gypsy Sun and moon tattoo won’t have eyes.
39. I Love You to the Moon and Back Tattoo
What better way to show your fondness for someone than to say it? Or, in this case, get a quote of your affections inked onto your body. The “I Love You to the Moon and Back” tattoo option is a beautiful way to indicate just how deeply you care about someone.
40. Kissing Sun and Moon Tattoo Design
41. Hawaiian Sun and Moon Tattoo
42. Wolf and Moon Tattoo
The combination of a wolf and a moon together can make a powerful statement. On its own, the canine can symbolize loyalty and family, but also spiritual guidance. There are many legends involving wolves and the lunar cycles; the animal is often thought to howl at the moon, especially when it’s full, and this can represent a time of darkness and mystery.
43. Intricate Sun And Moon Tattoo
Source: @celestialfauntattoo via Instagram
Saturated colors and celestial action get prominently defined through this beautiful, colorful sun and moon tattoo with upper back placement.
44. Japanese Sun and Moon Tattoo
Japanese art has its way to show the meaning of life. This Japanese sun and moon tattoo show the warmth and positivism sunny day along with the loneliness and emptiness of a cold shivering full moon night.
45. Majestic Sun and Moon Tattoo
If you want to have a majestic sun and moon tattoo design then give both a realistic and mysterious look. Showing sun rays in the tattoo would be a good idea.
46. Sun and Moon Butterfly Tattoo
If you love nature then a cool idea would be to try a sun and moon butterfly tattoo where you add sun and moon on two wings of a butterfly.
47. Sun and Moon Dreamcatcher Tattoo
Dreamcatcher is considered a lucky ornament by native Americans. You can have a sun and moon dreamcatcher tattoo if you believe in luck.
48. Zodiac Sun and Moon Tattoo
Another cool tattoo idea would be to give a zodiac feel to your sun and moon tattoo. Here is a sun and moon Gemini tattoo.
49. Temporary Sun and Moon Henna Tattoo
Henna is a good choice if you wish to have temporary tattoos. Here is a temporary sun and moon henna tattoo.
50. Sun and Moon Infinity Tattoos
Infinity tattoos are often opted for by couples. How about trying sun and moon infinity tattoos that show endless eternal love?
51. Sun and Moon Tattoo on the Ankle
The ankle is not so common choice for tattoos but if you wish to have a matching tattoo with your loved one then ankle is the perfect place. Here is a perfectly placed sun and moon tattoo on the ankle (my favorite choice for cool tattoos for girls)
53. Bohemian Style Sun and Moon Tattoo
You might not know about it but bohemian-style tattoos are the perfect choice for people who want funky tattoos. Here is a sun and moon tattoo in bohemian style.
54. Blood Moon Tattoo
Moon designs tend to be done with black ink, but color pieces can also make a statement, especially when there is deep meaning behind them. The blood moon is a reddish shade, and it becomes this way during a total lunar eclipse.
55. Sun and Moon Tattoo For Sisters
Here is a unique idea for sun and moon tattoo for sisters. The artist showed a moon hidden inside the sun. This suggests that the elder sister is protective of her younger sister.
56. Watercolor Sun and Moon Tattoo
Watercolor sun and moon tattoos can be a waste of time and money. This is because they will fade away quickly and will look blurred after some time.
57. Sun and Moon Mandala
The hindu symbol of mandala can be an ideal choice to use along with the sun and moon tattoo just like this. It would be cool women tattoo idea in my opinion.
58. Simple and Small Sun and Moon Tattoo
Here are a really small and minimal sun and moon tattoos that might go unnoticed but surely will remain special to you two.
59. Sun Romantic Quotes Tattoo
It would be better to add personalized romantic quotes to your sun and moon tattoo instead of going for the common ones.
60. Sun Moon and Lotus Tattoo
61. Moon Dream Catcher Tattoo
In Native American culture, the dreamcatcher is a protective talisman used to safeguard individuals from bad dreams and negative thoughts. The moon represents brightness and hope, as it provides light in the night sky. Perhaps this can be interpreted as yet another way to keep us safe from bad omens. The combination of the two symbols makes for detailed design, one which would look good on a larger placement option. A popular choice is a forearm or thigh.
Relationship Between Sun and Moon
There is a very interesting relationship of opposites with the sun and the moon when it comes to the Earth. The sun provides light for us during the day while the moon provides light for the Earth at night. The moon projects the reflection of the sun to us at night.
Many of us believe the tide effects humans and the Earth alike. The tide rises at the height of the day while it regresses at night because of the moon’s gravity pulling at the Earth.
You can get the picture that sun and the moon have an impact on the Earth and us as humans. With such powerful pull both ways, there is a certain balance we have to appreciate.
Sun and Moon Tattoo Variations
When getting your sun and moon tattoo, know there are numerous ways to get this done. There are different variations of the sun and moon and depending on how they are put together, you might get a slightly different meaning. However, everything revolves around the idea of being complete. Below are some variations that we’ve seen over the years and what they mean to the people that have them.
More Designs
