September is a weird month for weather but a great month for birthdays. If you were born in that hazy transition between summer and fall, you’ve probably looked into a september flower of the month tattoo at some point. Most people think they just have the Aster to choose from. That’s actually wrong. You’ve actually got two main players: the Aster and the Morning Glory.
People get these inked for all sorts of reasons. Maybe it’s a tribute to a grandmother. Maybe it’s just because they like the way purple looks against their skin. Whatever the case, there is a lot of history packed into these petals that most tattoo shops won't bother telling you while you're sitting in the chair.
The Aster: Not Just a "Star" Flower
The word "Aster" comes from the Greek word for star. Simple enough. But the mythology behind it is actually kind of dark and beautiful. According to Greek legend, the goddess Astraea (who represented innocence) started crying when she looked at the earth and saw no stars. Where her tears hit the soil, Asters bloomed.
If you’re getting a september flower of the month tattoo because you’ve been through some things and come out stronger, the Aster is your flower. It’s tough. It’s a perennial. It doesn't just show up and die; it sticks around. In the Victorian "Language of Flowers," giving someone an Aster was basically a way of saying, "I’m still here, and I’m still devoted to you." It's about patience.
Stylistically, Asters are a dream for tattoo artists who love fine-line work. They have these tiny, radiating petals that look incredible in a minimalist style. You can go with the classic purple, but they also come in white, pink, and red. Some people prefer the "sketchy" look—think charcoal lines and watercolor splashes. It feels less like a botanical textbook and more like art. Honestly, a well-placed Aster on the inner forearm or behind the ear is a classic that won't look dated in ten years.
The Morning Glory: The Short-Lived Alternative
The Morning Glory is the "other" September flower. It’s basically the opposite of the Aster in terms of vibes. While the Aster is about staying power, the Morning Glory is about the beauty of a single moment. These flowers bloom in the early morning and they're usually dead by the time you're having dinner.
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That sounds a bit depressing, right?
Well, not necessarily. In tattoo culture, the Morning Glory often represents unrequited love or the fleeting nature of life. It’s a "memento mori" but with a much prettier face. If you've ever felt like life is moving too fast and you want to remember to appreciate the now, this is the flower for you. The vines are the best part. They wrap. They climb. An artist can use those vines to follow the natural curves of your body—like wrapping around a collarbone or spiraling down an ankle.
Design Choices That Actually Work
Most people walk into a shop and just point at a flash sheet. Don't do that. If you want a september flower of the month tattoo that actually looks like it belongs on your body, you have to think about composition.
Color vs. Black and Grey
Asters are naturally vibrant. If you go with color, make sure your artist knows how to pack purple ink so it doesn't fade into a muddy bruise color over time. Deep violets and lavenders are notoriously tricky. On the flip side, black and grey illustrative work is timeless. It focuses on the texture of the petals rather than the "prettiness" of the color.
Placement Realities
Small flowers look great on wrists. But keep in mind that skin on the wrist moves a lot. Over time, those tiny, delicate Aster petals might blur together. If you want detail, go bigger. The ribs are a popular spot, though they hurt like hell. If you're a first-timer, maybe stick to the outer arm or the calf.
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Mixing with Birthstones
September’s stone is the Sapphire. Mixing a blue Sapphire with a purple Aster sounds like a color explosion, and it is. Some people have the flower "growing" out of a geometric gemstone. It’s a bit of a 2010s trend, but if it’s done with a modern, neo-traditional twist, it still hits.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
I've seen a lot of bad tattoos. Usually, it's because the person didn't do their homework.
- Don't get it too small. Detail needs room to breathe. If an Aster is the size of a dime, it will be a purple blob in five years.
- Watch the "weed" factor. Morning glories are technically invasive weeds in some places. Make sure your artist draws them looking like flowers, not just random vines taking over your arm.
- Check the petal count. Asters have a specific look. If the petals are too wide, it looks like a Daisy. If they’re too round, it looks like a Zinnia.
Beyond the Aesthetics: Why September?
There is something specific about September birthdays. You’re a Virgo or a Libra. You’re likely analytical, maybe a bit of a perfectionist, or someone who craves balance. The Aster fits the Virgo "detail-oriented" personality perfectly. It’s a complex flower. The Morning Glory fits the Libra "romantic" side.
When you get a september flower of the month tattoo, you’re participating in a tradition that goes back to the 18th century. The idea of "birth flowers" really took off in England when people started using plants to send coded messages. It’s a secret language. Even if nobody else knows what it means, you do.
Finding the Right Artist
You need someone who specializes in botanicals. Not every "all-rounder" can do a flower justice. Look for portfolios that show healed work. Fresh tattoos always look good; healed tattoos tell the truth. Look for crisp lines that haven't "blown out." If the artist's previous flowers look like they're wilting, find someone else.
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Ask them about their experience with "fine line" vs. "traditional." Fine line is trendy, but it requires a very steady hand and a specific type of needle. If you want that delicate, ethereal look for your Aster, don't go to a guy who only does heavy American Traditional skulls.
Making It Yours
You don't have to just get a flower. Add a bee. Add a ladybug. Add the coordinates of where you were born. The best tattoos are the ones that have layers of meaning. Maybe the stem of the Aster is actually your mother’s handwriting. Or maybe the Morning Glory vines spell out a word that only you can see.
Honestly, the september flower of the month tattoo is a solid choice because it’s versatile. It’s feminine but can be made edgy. It’s classic but can be made modern. Just make sure you pick the flower that actually speaks to your personality, not just the one that’s first on the Google search.
To get started on your design, follow these steps:
- Identify your vibe: Do you want the "staying power" of the Aster or the "fleeting beauty" of the Morning Glory?
- Collect reference photos: Don't just look at tattoos. Look at actual botanical drawings from old science books. They have better detail.
- Check your skin tone: Talk to your artist about which purples or blues will pop best on your specific undertone.
- Book a consultation: Don't just walk in. Talk to the artist about the flow of the design on your body.
- Commit to the size: Be prepared for the artist to tell you it needs to be bigger for the sake of longevity. Trust them.