The Star tarot card, number seventeen in the Major Arcana, stands as a timeless beacon of hope, inspiration, and guidance. Across various interpretations, including the Witches Tarot deck, this card consistently represents renewal, self-confidence, and aspiration. Its appearance in a reading signals a renewed sense of purpose and a profound connection to the divine, urging individuals to keep faith and pursue their dreams even during challenging times. The imagery and symbolism of The Star have evolved over time, yet its core message remains rooted in the concepts of healing, intuition, and the limitless possibilities that open up when one trusts the universe and strives toward personal aspirations.
The Star is often seen as the antithesis of despair, illuminating the path forward when darkness surrounds the querent. It serves as a reminder that even in the bleakest moments, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. This card encourages a release of fears and anxieties, prompting an opening of the heart to generosity and faith. It signifies that a period of rest and a new beginning is at hand, which can manifest as physical, mental, or spiritual rejuvenation. For those dealing with injury or illness, The Star is a particularly positive omen, suggesting that material and emotional healing is about to occur. It illuminates both what has been and what is about to happen, showing the good from both the past and the present, and promising satisfaction and fulfillment.
Symbolism and Imagery of The Star
The visual depiction of The Star card is rich with symbolic meaning, designed to convey its message of balance, purity, and spiritual nourishment. In the Witches Tarot deck and the traditional Rider-Waite-Smith system, the card typically features a nude woman kneeling at the edge of a tranquil pool or body of water. Her nudity signifies purity, spiritual liberation, and complete trust and openness to the universe. The woman represents the subconscious mind or the soul, unburdened by material constraints.
She is shown with two pitchers or vessels, a central element of the card's symbolism. One pitcher is often seen pouring water onto the land (or into the pool), while the other pours water back into the pool or onto the earth. This action represents the harmonious balance between the physical and spiritual realms. The water flowing to the ground represents physical healing and the manifestation of inspiration into the material world. Conversely, the water flowing back into the lake or pool represents spiritual healing and the nourishment of the subconscious and emotional self. This dual action emphasizes the free flow of life and the pouring out of emotion and intellect into the world, ensuring that both inner and outer needs are met.
Above the woman, a large star shines brightly in the night sky, often surrounded by seven smaller stars. The eight-pointed star is a recurring motif in some interpretations, specifically representing the goddess Venus, for whom the evening star is named. These stars symbolize hope, guidance, and the divine laws that guide us. They remind the querent to follow their dreams and join forces with the undercurrents and energy of the stars. The pool itself symbolizes the subconscious mind, while the land represents the material world; their co-existence highlights the importance of balancing the inner world of feelings and intuition with the outer world of action and reality.
Additional symbolic elements appear in specific decks. The Witches Tarot includes the sacred crane standing on a log, representing Thoth, the Egyptian god of wisdom and divine science, who is considered the patroness of the occult and the inventor of astronomy. The presence of borage plants around the Star Goddess and on the shores is also significant; the borage flower, sacred to the goddess Venus, represents hope and love. Just like the card of Temperance, The Star is depicted as taking action between the many worlds, inhabiting a "middle place" that is one of the most mystical spaces.
Upright Meaning: Hope, Healing, and Inspiration
When The Star appears upright in a tarot spread, it brings a message of profound hope, renewal, and self-confidence. It signifies that the querent is entering a phase of healing and rejuvenation after a period of difficulty. This card is the ultimate sign of faith in the future and trust in the universe's guiding light.
Key Upright Keywords: Healing, inspiration, intuition, innovation, hope, peace, fulfilled wishes, astrological magic, wisdom, and flowing creativity.
The upright Star encourages individuals to trust their intuition and follow their dreams, as these are the guiding lights leading to their true path. It suggests that one is on the right track and that their goals and inspirations are being blessed by the universe. However, the card also carries a crucial message: hope is just the beginning. While the card illuminates the path and blesses the journey, it requires the querent to take positive actions to realize their dreams. The light of the Star guides the efforts, but the effort itself must come from the individual.
This card is a source of inspiration, though it is not typically a card of practical solutions or final answers. Instead, it signifies that the flow of creativity will be faster than ever. It encourages individuals to let this inspiration permeate them and see where it takes them. In the Witches Tarot interpretation, it indicates a successful cooperation with one's intuitive gifts, though it may require astrologically correct timing to perform miracles.
The presence of The Star in a spread is a "perfectly good sign." It indicates a period of rest and a new beginning, which can be physical, mental, or both. It suggests that the querent is more likely to find their own feelings and inner truth rather than being inspired by external forces. There is a growing hope about the future and confidence that needs—whether emotional or financial—will be met. It is a card of the spirit, allowing one to get themselves together when feeling down. It is a time to enjoy the feeling of being blessed and uplifted.
Reversed Meaning: Doubt, Pessimism, and Disconnection
When The Star appears reversed in a reading, its luminous energy is blocked or diminished. This position can indicate a loss of faith or hope, leading to feelings of pessimism, procrastination, and doubt. The querent may be feeling disheartened or disconnected from their spiritual journey and intuitive gifts.
Key Reversed Keywords: Pessimism, procrastination, doubt, mental obstacles.
The reversed Star suggests that the individual is struggling to see the light at the end of the tunnel. They may be allowing past disappointments or current difficulties to cloud their vision of the future. The mental obstacles are self-imposed; the fear and anxiety mentioned in the upright meaning may now be holding sway, preventing the release of fears and the opening of the heart.
This card reversed can be a call to reconnect with the inner self and to regain faith in divine guidance. It suggests that the flow of spiritual and physical healing is blocked. The querent might be ignoring their intuition or suppressing their creativity. Instead of moving forward with the inspiration provided by the universe, they are stuck in a state of inaction or hesitation.
The message of the reversed Star is one of caution: without hope, one cannot accomplish anything. If this card appears reversed, it indicates that the querent has lost touch with that essential hope. It is a reminder that while the external world may seem challenging, the internal spark of faith must be rekindled. The "loud call of a person with a high voice" mentioned in the Witches Tarot interpretation may be unheard or ignored, leaving the individual feeling alone and without direction.
The Star in Different Contexts
The Star's message can be applied to various areas of life, offering guidance on relationships, career, and personal growth.
In Relationships: The Star upright signifies healing, harmony, and a deep spiritual connection. It suggests a relationship based on trust, openness, and mutual inspiration. It can indicate a time of rejuvenation for a couple or the arrival of a partner who feels like a soulmate or a guiding light. For those who are single, it encourages self-love and the belief that a fulfilling relationship is possible. When reversed, it may point to a lack of faith in the relationship, disconnection, or pessimism about the future of a partnership. It suggests that trust has been broken or that one is not being open and vulnerable.
In Career and Finance: Upright, The Star is a sign of inspiration and creativity in the workplace. It suggests that the querent is on the right path to achieving their professional goals and that their creative ideas are blessed. It encourages taking positive actions to manifest career aspirations. It can also indicate a period of financial stability and the fulfillment of material needs. When reversed, it suggests procrastination, lack of inspiration, or mental blocks preventing professional progress. It may indicate a loss of faith in one's career path or financial anxiety.
In Personal Growth and Spirituality: The Star is a powerful card for spiritual seekers. Upright, it signifies a deep connection to the divine, the universe, or a higher power. It encourages trust in intuition and the exploration of one's inner world. It is a time of spiritual healing and awakening. The card suggests that one is open to receiving spiritual guidance and inspiration. When reversed, it indicates a disconnection from one's spiritual path. The querent may feel lost, uninspired, or cynical about spiritual matters. It is a call to seek solace in nature, meditation, or activities that bring peace and tranquility to reconnect with the inner self.
Conclusion
The Star tarot card is a profound symbol of hope, healing, and inspiration that transcends the specific imagery of any single deck. Whether in the Witches Tarot or the traditional Rider-Waite, its message remains consistent: even after the darkest times, there is always a light to guide the way. It represents the purity of the soul, the balance between the spiritual and material worlds, and the infinite possibilities that open up when one trusts in the universe and in oneself.
The appearance of The Star is a reminder to release fears, open the heart, and follow the intuitive guidance that shines from within. It promises that wishes can be fulfilled and that a period of renewal and rejuvenation is at hand. However, it also carries the vital reminder that hope must be coupled with positive action. The light of the Star illuminates the path, but the individual must choose to walk it. By embracing the energy of The Star, one can navigate life's challenges with grace, find inner peace, and manifest their dreams into reality.