Compass on a Headstone: Meaning

A compass points the way home. On a headstone it honours someone who guided others, loved to travel, or followed their own true north.

What it means

Who it suits

• Travellers and explorers — see ideas for a traveller.
• Sailors and pilots — see ideas for a pilot.
• Mentors and parents who guided others.
• Scouts and outdoorspeople.

Design ideas

• A compass rose behind the name.
• Coordinates of a meaningful place — see GPS coordinates on a headstone.
• A map of their travels on the back.
• Masonic compasses are a different symbol — see Masonic emblems.

Epitaphs

• Our true north.
• Not all who wander are lost.
• Guiding us home.
• Journey on.

Compass designs for couples

A compass rose with two names at north and south, or two compass needles pointing to each other, makes a meaningful design for a couple who travelled the world together. Add the coordinates of where they met or married beneath it. On black granite, a finely etched compass with a map background is especially striking. For a parent, a compass with each child's initial at a point suggests they guided every one of them. See GPS coordinates on a headstone.

Key Takeaways

• A compass represents guidance and journeys.
• It suits travellers, sailors and mentors.
• Pair with coordinates or a map.
• Don't confuse it with the Masonic compasses.

Next Step

See headstone quotes about the sea.