I have a tattoo for everything important in my life and I’ve been thinking about this for a while… I think it is time I get a Tarot tattoo.
The cards have given me so much in my life that I’d like to honor that but I don’t really know what to get in terms of style and design. Thoughts and ideas appreciated!
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There is just so much you could do with a Tarot tattoo, but it’s going to be so incredibly personal. I wouldn’t copy someone else’s tattoo, but I had some saved for inspiration because I have had the same idea.
I’m actually getting The Fool inked tomorrow!
It captures where I am in life right now, starting fresh and not really knowing what comes next. Kind of taking a leap and seeing what happens. The card’s vibe of being open to whatever comes feels like a good reminder to have on me permanently.
The Star would be my pick for a tattoo! There’s something beautiful about carrying that symbol of renewal and hope with you permanently.
Going through my own Tower experience right now actually. Maybe that’s coloring my perspective, but I think The Star works as a tattoo because it’s about finding some peace after everything falls apart.
You could tattoo The Tower if it’s been important to you. Some people get the tough cards that marked big moments.
If you do it, maybe add some protective symbols around it or work it into a bigger design. Just something to consider since it’s such an intense card.
Getting a tarot tattoo is a big commitment but I get why you’d want one.
Asking other people what card you should get is kinda backwards. You know which cards matter to you. Maybe there’s one that keeps showing up in your readings, or one that hit you hard the first time you pulled it. For style, you could go with classic Rider-Waite or something more minimal. Some people just get the symbols instead of the whole card design. Pick whichever card actually means something to you, not what looks coolest or what other people suggest.
I learned the hard way that my forearm tarot tattoo gets a lot of attention. People want to talk about it even when I’m just trying to buy groceries. Before you get one, think about where you want it. Do you want people seeing it all the time? I ended up picking a spot I could cover up when I wanted to.
If you’re doing readings for other people, I tend to cover mine up. Yes, it shows you’re into the tarot but some people don’t trust tattoos still and it might also imply that you’re a little young and a less serious reader. Not saying that’s what it means, but that’s what some people will take away from it.
Since you want to honor what tarot has given you, what if you designed it like a three-card spread on your body, past gift, present understanding, and future promise?
OR LET THE TAROT DECIDE!
Ask it which card you should get and then pull a card!
I’ve been collecting vintage tarot decks since the 80s and have seen tons of different Major Arcana interpretations.
For a tattoo, I’d probably go with Temperance. She’s been in every deck I’ve owned. There’s something about the balance symbolism that works well as a tattoo. In my 1910 Rider-Waite, she’s pouring water between cups, and the Marseille decks show that same kind of steady balance. Temperance is about the middle path, not too much of anything. Whether you do it in simple line art or something more elaborate vintage style, it would make a good tattoo. She looks great in pretty much every deck I’ve collected.
While The Star is beautiful, I’d actually lean away from choosing just one major arcana card! Have you considered getting a tarot-related symbol instead?
Like the four suit symbols together (wands, cups, swords, pentacles) or even the infinity symbol from The Magician and Strength cards? Individual cards can sometimes limit the meaning - The Star is gorgeous and hopeful, but what if you’re going through a Tower moment when you look at it? A more universal tarot symbol could represent your whole path with the cards, not just one aspect of it. Plus it might age better with you as your practice changes. Just my two cents though 
Whatever speaks to you is the right choice.
Some people go for dramatic cards like The Tower because they look cool, but tattoos can work like permanent talismans. I knew someone who got The Tower tattooed and their life was just constant chaos after that.
The cards you pick to wear forever should match the energy you want, not just what looks good. Maybe go for cards that represent stuff you’re working on, like Temperance for balance or The Sun for happiness, instead of cards about challenges you’ve already dealt with.
I’ve got a small Death tattoo on my shoulder blade-just felt right. It was my birth card and (even more importantly) resonated with me at that moment.
If you’re new to translating tarot into ink, try pulling a few key symbols instead of a whole card - like a lantern, laurel wreath, or cliff with a tiny sun. Keeps it readable over time. Ask your artist about stipple or woodcut shading. Those textures look like old decks and age well. Go for bold lines and plenty of negative space - micro-detail usually doesn’t hold up and most traditional cards really need that.
My first super-detailed piece blurred after three years, but the simpler stuff still looks good. You could even design it to read upright or reversed, depending on how you tilt your arm.
From what I’ve seen, when people rush a Tarot tattoo, they end up explaining to relatives that The Hanged Man isn’t about being depressed.
If a card is calling to you, try living with it first. Carry the card for a while or set it as your phone wallpaper. See if it still feels right after some time. Most artists I’ve talked to say regret usually comes from picking fast. It helps if you can explain what the card means to you without filler or ‘vibes.’ If you’re still undecided, give it time. Temperance exists for a reason. No rush.
