Moon phase tattoo idea

44 Soft And Encouraging Moon Phase Tattoo Ideas That Find Meaning In Change

Change is the only constant in life, according to most people. And while evolution is inevitable, the way in which we transition tends to differ.

To grasp through the process of forgoing old habits in exchange for new facilitators of growth, it's ideal to resort to a support system that prevents you from breaking down. But if all else fails, try wearing a moon phase tattoo.

In a nutshell, moon phase tattoos empower and inspire during the darkest days. But if you're more curious about wearing one, this guide might actually be of great help!

Embracing Your Roots Every Step Of The Way: The Real Meaning Behind Moon Phase Tattoos

Moon phase tattoo meaning

@atx_ink

It's okay to change. Likewise, if you've recently found yourself feeling exhausted of who you are, while also disagreeing with some of your philosophies, maybe a moon phase tattoo can help out!

Moon phase tattoos often help users with the transitional period of transformation. However, by using all their forms, a moon phase tattoo also encourages users to embrace their former selves, as opposed to sweeping cringe worthy phases under the rug.

Neutral And Spiritually-Evoking Moon Phase Tattoo Designs To Experiment With Today!

Moon Phase Tattoo design

@naleak_tattoo

Moon phase tattoos abide by structure. However, due to their adaptive nature, they can also form chemistry with various emblems from different backgrounds.

From floral depictions to masculine illustrations, a moon phase tattoo can morph into various designs to cater to specific narratives. To take notes from the best concepts out there, allow the below mentioned entries to take over. 

Moon Phase Tattoo On Spine: Beauty Is Pain 

Moon Phase Tattoo On Spine

@tattoosbybree.x

Despite being one of the more painful areas for a tattoo, the spine remains the most relatable location for a moon phase tattoo, serving as a metaphor for the growing pains presenting themselves during transformation.

The location also provides a promising canvas, on which each element of a moon phase tattoo finds vertical space and elegance.

If the pain levels feel concerning, consider splitting the creative process into manageable sessions, resorting to numbing cream if worst comes to worst. 

Moon Phase Back Tattoo: A Versatile Canvas 

Moon Phase Back Tattoo

@m.w.tattoos

Since moon tattoos are often personal mementos, the back is also a great place for them to adjust to.

Unlike the former, the back absorbs pain easily, with a canvas that offers variety as well as horizontal capacity.

And while you might need frequent touchups if you break a sweat easily, opting for detailed components to shape the moon can be easier when committing to this concept. 

Small Moon Phase Tattoo: Focusing On The Metaphorical Value 

Small Moon Phase Tattoo

@jaime.ink

Moon phase tattoos are all about finding help when you're on the verge of a mental breakdown, which explains their versatile nature perfectly.

In short, if you're not fond of elaborate illustrations or detailing concepts, resort to a small tattoo to form the phases of a moon.

On the wrist is where the concept looks ideal, as doing so also provides accessibility to the user.

Moon Phase Finger Tattoo: Keeping It Stealthy 

Moon Phase Finger Tattoo

@reupstattoo

For minimalists, the stencil of a moon phase tattoo might remain caged with restrictions from a color standpoint.

However, if you'd still like to obtain something worth being talked about, invest in a finger tattoo.

While compact, a finger tattoo will make your moon phase concept a bit more discreet, offering you the space of privacy you'll need for a silent glow up. 

Simple Moon Phase Tattoo: Playing It Smart 

Simple Moon Phase Tattoo

@krishtattoos

To go back to the basics, consider a moon phase tattoo that pins more focus on the metaphorical aspect of things as opposed to the physical attributes used to shape the design.

One such example is a simple moon phase tattoo, which removes all the colors and complex components in exchange for an easygoing illustration.

The depiction isn’t demanding, nor is it time-consuming. It even varies in size, and can even accommodate an ankle bracelet for elegance.

Geometric Moon Phase Tattoo: Filling Out The Void

Geometric Moon Phase Tattoo

@albytattoos

A moon phase tattoo easily checks most boxes that makes a tattoo desirable, but comes with a fair share of shortcomings from a visual standpoint due to the space it leaves behind.

While reducing the size can be a great way to tackle the former issue, another solid way to fill out the void is to add geometric patterns around it.

Unlike the average moon phase tattoo, a geometric variant adds frames and angles around the concept to bulk up the size of the artwork, while throwing the main components into the spotlight. 

Moon Phase Neck Tattoo: Feeding The Mind With Good Vibes

Moon Phase Neck Tattoo

@beckydonnellytattoo

The neck is rather susceptible to the blows inflicted by a tattooing needle, which is why many leave the area out when seeking a tattoo.

However, due to the moon phase being a sensitive emblem by nature, it resonates with the vulnerable aspect of the neck, making their pairing a natural fit.

While throat tattoos can also be pursued if you have a high tolerance for pain, the backside of the neck as well as either side of the area can be more ideal to ensure a seamless creative process.

Moon Phase Arm Tattoo: A Long-Term Concept 

Moon Phase Arm Tattoo

@elmpixie_tattoos

If you’re skimming through an option that will give you tons of space for trial and error, any depiction capturing the phases of the moon on an arm should suffice.

From the upper half to the lower half of the arm, almost any region can adopt the phases without a hassle, and without inducing any form of pain.

While larger sizes are more than doable, it’s best if this piece sticks to medium-sized concepts. 

Moon Phase Wrist Tattoo: A Recipe For Beginners 

Moon Phase Wrist Tattoo

@rolypolyc

For newbies, it’s best to opt for locations that are narrow, pain-friendly and minimal. And if you quite like the sound of that, a wrist tattoo should suffice.

On the wrist, the phases of a moon can be depicted in various ways. You can go for an illustration that is reduced in size for a center piece, while also using the side of the wrist for a vertically positioned artwork that changes over time.

The best part? You can add to the artwork as much as you please in the aftermath of the procedure. 

Moon Phase Flower Tattoo: Empowering Women 

Moon Phase Flower Tattoo

@jabbeytattoo

The positioning and the placement of a moon phase tattoo tends to shape the feminine attributes and appeal behind the concept.

To play it safe, however, consider wearing a floral moon phase tattoo, which is what many often resort to.

From depicting happiness with a sunflower, to using dandelions to represent your birth month, plenty can be done with this concept. Just align the piece with something that you resonate with for best results.

Moon Phase Forearm Tattoo: Entertaining Your Creative Abilities 

Moon Phase Forearm Tattoo

@anjan_tat2

To make use of your creative abilities, your moon phase tattoo must be installed on an accessible and spacious canvas.

But if you'd like to take it one piece at a time, wear a forearm piece to extend the deadline.

Although the endgame of this concept is a sleeve tattoo, the forearm contains tons of space and elongation, allowing a moon phase tattoo to stay true to its size. 

Moon Phase Shoulder Tattoo: A Totem Of Strength 

Moon Phase Shoulder Tattoo

@night_owl_tattoo

At times, all one needs is a push to enforce change in their lives.

That said, if you can't do the former through self pep talks and so on, consider a moon phase tattoo as a compelling alternative.

Due to being a token for strength, the shoulder can be a great area to explore. If you start from the delts, you can also expand the design to something even bigger. 

Moon Phase Foot Tattoo: Moving With Purpose 

Moon Phase Foot Tattoo

@brittnaami

Foot tattoos tend to hurt due to the nerve endings the region carries. Nonetheless, due to the moon being a metaphor for evolution, a foot tattoo remains timeless and safe.

A moon phase foot tattoo also pulls people in and leaves them in awe, making it a dominant entry for women.

To best wear a moon phase foot tattoo, enhance the surroundings with ornaments. 

Galaxy Moon Phase Tattoo: Brightening Things Up 

Galaxy Moon Phase Tattoo

@kez.tattoo

Galaxy tattoos are, without a doubt, some of the most vibrant tattoos to ever exist, making sense to those fond of astronomy and jarring visuals.

The versatility and compatibility of a galaxy tattoo remains impressive, and can even be adopted onto a moon phase tattoo rather seamlessly.

With newfound colors and high-spirited appeal, a moon phase tattoo tends to feel more optimistic than anything else when forming a collaboration with a galaxy theme. 

Moon Phase Thigh Tattoo: Growth In Silence 

Moon Phase Thigh Tattoo

@mudi.ink

While the forearm can easily expose your moon phase tattoo to the public, one that remains calm and doesn’t fold when fame presents itself is a thigh tattoo, which also provides a better canvas.

Due to the layers of fat surrounding the area, a moon phase tattoo is easier and more painless to install when worn on the thigh.

Adding geometric frames and colors can be seamless too, so don’t let the notion go to waste. 

Moon Phase Rib Tattoo: Worth The Discomfort 

Moon Phase Rib Tattoo

@ofearthtattoos

A little bit of pain can go a long way when you’re wearing a tattoo, even more so when the illustration captures the moon in its elements.

While the depiction might need a vertical placement, using the rib cages as the canvases can work rather well, especially if you’re seeking feminine options.

To subside the pain, you may break the creative process down into various steps. But if the former falls short of being effective, try shrinking the dimensions of the design. 

Watercolor Moon Phase Tattoo: Focusing On The Bright Side

Watercolor Moon Phase Tattoo

@trinhspiration

Moon Phase Outline Tattoo: Born Without Color 

Moon Phase Outline Tattoo

@gracelandtattoo

Sunflower Moon Phase Tattoo: Chasing Happiness 

Sunflower Moon Phase Tattoo

@wildbonestattoo

Frequently Asked Question

Since nothing is ever enough, here are some questions that will enhance your understanding of moon phase tattoos and how they add purpose to one's life.

Q: Which area works best with a moon phase tattoo?

Ans: Due to being personal tokens that signify and encourage growing phases, a moon phase tattoo works best when kept away from the public eye, making areas like the ribs, upper thigh, back and spine compelling canvases to work with.

Q: Do moon phase tattoos fade easily?

Ans: Moon phase tattoos often come in black and grey, making them more prone to fading away over time. To tackle the former ordeal, however, book an appointment for touchups once every 4 months.

Q: What do moon phase tattoos mean?

Ans: In a nutshell, moon phase tattoos represent the past and present of one's life, while also promoting positive measures for the future.

Final Takeaway

In hindsight, whether you're stuck between a rock and a hard place or simply putting in the work for a better life, a moon phase tattoo might actually help more than meets the eye.

It won't just serve as a viable companion during hard times, but also celebrate your growth in times of glory.

Due to being used for spiritual and personal gain, wear a moon phase tattoo in locations that are delicate and discreet.

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Shaan Aziz

By Shaan Aziz

Hey guys! I’m Shaan, the owner and sole writer behind Tattoo Inspired Clothing; a brainchild of mine that came to life in 2025. While I’ve always had a knack for fashion, I also find a great deal of peace in helping others discover tattoos that align with their ideologies while meeting high design standards. This project allows me to juggle both at once without stressing me out! My personal favorites are fine-line and stick-and-poke tattoos, which suit the sensitivity of my skin. Nonetheless, if you've got a concept in mind, I hope this website serves as a creative hub where you can bring your tattoo ideas to life and explore illustrations that are truly timeless.