Nautical star
The nautical star is a symbolic star associated with the sea services of the United States armed forces and with tattoo culture. It is usually rendered as a five-pointed star in dark and light shades counterchanged in a manner reminiscent of a compass rose.
Naval symbol
The nautical star is frequently encountered as an informal signifier indicating membership in the United States Coast Guard, United States Navy, or Marine Corps. The symbol recalls both the five-pointed star of the US national flag and the distinctive color pattern of the compass rose found on many nautical charts. The nautical star also represented a traveler or sailor's way home whenever they were lost in life or travel.
Tattoo symbol
This symbol is also frequently used for tattoo ideas and designs because of its simplistic, condensed, yet quite eye-pleasing conception. A nautical star tattoo was believed to keep a sailor on course; as such, they were also considered to help guide a sailor home.
The star is used by many in Northern California to represent Nor Cal. Called the Nor Cal Star. It is commonly found on clothing and tattoos in this part of the state and not associated with nautical or gang symbolism.