50 Small Compass Tattoos – [2022 Inspiration Guide]

A small compass tattoo is the perfect way to remind yourself of the strength and clarity with which your own navigational needle operates.

It may not always make its presence clear, and others may overlook it altogether, but you will always know it’s there. Often inked in a discreet place – a wrist, ankle, or inner arm- the small compass tattoo is often just for your eyes only

The discrete compass tattoo is more than just mere ornamentation, it is your personal totem and one of indispensable beauty.

Check out this awesome range of small compass tattoo designs below to help inspire your tattoo research.

1. Small Compass Tattoos for the forearm

2. Upper Arm Small Compass Tattoo Ideas

3. Shoulder, Chest and Back Small Compass Tattoos

4. Small Compass Tattoo Ideas for the Leg and Foot

5. Geometric Small Compass Tattoos

6. 3D Small Compass Tattoo Ideas

7. Small Viking Compass Tattoo Art

8. Innovative Small Compass Tattoo Ideas

Small Compass Tattoo FAQs

What is the meaning of a small compass tattoo?

Traditionally, compass tattoos were inked by sailors looking for symbols of protection and guidance while on ocean voyages. They also signified a yearning for home while away and provided a means to signify connection to what they had left behind.  

What does the Viking Compass symbolize?

The word for Viking compass is Vegvisir. Combining the Old Norse words vegur (way or road) and visir (pointer), the literal meaning of Vegvisir is to point the way.

According to the Huld Manuscript – an Icelandic collection compiled in 1880 – the symbol was quite powerful. If carried, the Vegvisir would keep a person on track through storms and all types of bad weather, even if they didn’t know where they were going.