Sun and moon tattoos in Knoxville
Ornamental suns, crescent moons, starbursts and celestial pieces.
Suns, moons and stars are some of the simplest shapes in tattooing, which makes them easy to wear small and easy to build on later. Julie’s range from a red ornamental sun on the shoulder to a starburst, crescent moons, a wolf under the moon, a moth with the sun and moon, and two angels framed by the sun. More of her angels are on the angel and cross tattoos page.
Sun and moon together
The sun and moon side by side usually mean balance: day and night, light and dark, or two people who complement each other. It’s a popular matching tattoo, with one person getting the sun and the other the moon.
Full moon names by month
Each month’s full moon has a traditional name. These follow The Old Farmer’s Almanac, and they give a birthday moon tattoo something to draw from:
- January: Wolf Moon
- February: Snow Moon
- March: Worm Moon
- April: Pink Moon
- May: Flower Moon
- June: Strawberry Moon
- July: Buck Moon
- August: Sturgeon Moon
- September: Harvest or Corn Moon
- October: Hunter’s Moon
- November: Beaver Moon
- December: Cold Moon
A Wolf Moon can have a wolf under it, a Buck Moon a deer, a Flower Moon the birth flower for May. Julie’s wolf with a moon and compass is one example.
Ornamental and blackwork suns
A sun is a circle with rays, so it takes ornamental patterns well. The rays can be straight, wavy, flame-shaped or sharp like a blade. Blackwork suns use solid black, so they stay bold for years. A red sun stands out on its own without needing other color.
Moon phases
A row of moon phases runs well down the spine, along the forearm or across the collarbone. A single crescent is one of the best small tattoos, and it pairs naturally with a moth, which flies at night.
Stars and starbursts
Four-point sparkles and starbursts fill gaps between other tattoos and add shine to florals. The word “aster” comes from the Greek for star, which is why the September birth flower pairs well with them.
Sailor Moon
Sailor Moon started as a manga in the early 1990s, and its crescent wands and brooches are still popular tattoos. Julie has tattooed the crescent wand.
Sun & moon by Julie
12 pieces by Julie. Tap any photo to see it larger.
Questions
What does a sun and moon tattoo mean?
Most often balance, or two people who belong together. It means whatever you want it to.
Can I get my birthday moon?
Yes. Send the date and Julie can draw the moon phase that night, or use that month’s full moon name as the theme.
Do small moons and stars blur?
Simple shapes age well. Very fine detail under an inch can soften. Small tattoos
How do I book?
Send Julie your idea, size and placement. Request a tattoo