The Star Tarot Card: A Guiding Light in the Major Arcana

The pure, free, and almost naive image of the naked woman in the Star tarot card always reminds me that life is much more than our problems.

The Star, a symbol of hope, inspiration, and the boundless possibilities of the universe is numbered XVII in the tarot deck.

This card is meant to boost your optimism and remind you of the resilience of the human spirit that you also have within you, knowing that you can always find a way out of your problems.

When we think about the journey of the Fool, the protagonist of the Tarot, the Star comes after the tumultuous upheaval of the Tower. 

Remember the image of chaos and despair that this card brought to mind? Well, after this crisis, the Fool stumbles upon the Star, which represents the calm after the storm.

If you find this card in your tarot spread, rest assured that peace is on the horizon. The Star gives the Fool a sense of direction that inspires confidence and encourages him to move forward.

It’s a reminder that even in the darkest of nights, there’s always a light to guide us.

The Star: Keywords and General Associations

The Star card is a radiant source of positive energy that represents hope, renewal, and inspiration. 

This card encourages us to tap into our inner reservoir of creativity, heal from past traumas, and generously share our light with the world. 

If you’ve been going through a rough patch, this card reminds you to look at things from a different perspective. Of course, this is easier said than done. 

It requires you to change on the inside at the same time as you navigate the change on the outside. In short, step out of your comfort zone and do things differently.

We are all creative beings, we just need to let go of our fixed rules and environments to realize it.

When reversed, the Star can indicate feelings of despair, a lack of hope, creative blocks, and a tendency to focus on the negative.

• Upright Keywords: Hope, Renewal, Creativity, Inspiration, Generosity, Healing
• Reversed Keywords: Despair, Lack of Hope, Creative Block, Boredom, Focusing on the Negative

Associstions with elements and planets

The star is associated with the element of air, which symbolizes intellect, communication, and the flow of ideas. Think of it this way: we need air to talk to others and share our thoughts, just like the leaves in the wind.

When I think of air, I think of movement, objectivity, and the ability to see things from different perspectives without getting too caught up in my subjective ideas or prejudices.

Its planetary association is Uranus, the planet of innovation, rebellion, and sudden change. At the same time, the Star is linked to Aquarius, the famous Waterbearer.

I feel deeply connected to this sign. It represents individuality, progressiveness and humanitarianism. At the same time, it reminds us that when we put aside our differences and work together, we can truly make a positive difference in the world.

Now, what conclusion do you draw when these images come to mind? In my case, I think of the Star as a call to step out of my mental rut and expand my mental horizons. 

In short: think outside the box.

It represents the promise of a better future, no matter what circumstances you are dealing with right now. 

It’s a card that encourages us to keep faith, to believe in the power of the universe and to trust in the process of life. 

I also like to think of the Star as a symbol of the divine spark within us, a reminder of our innate ability to create, heal, and inspire others.

Detailed Description of the Star Card

The Star card in the Rider-Waite-Colman tarot deck depicts a naked woman kneeling at the edge of a small pool. 

She holds two containers of water: one she pours into the water body, symbolizing the subconscious, and the other onto the land, representing the material world. 

This action signifies the flow of life and the balance between the spiritual and physical realms.

The woman is surrounded by eight eight-pointed stars, the largest one symbolizing the radiant energy of the universe. 

I also like to pay special attention to the bird in the background, identified as the sacred Ibis of thought, which adds to the card’s air symbolism. This reinforces the themes of clarity and inspiration.

I like to think of the Star card as a testament to the beauty and mystery of the universe. It clearly speaks of the divine connection between all things, of the cosmic energy that permeates our existence. 

A pice of advice? Keep the Star card close to you in times of uncertainty. I feel more connected to my intuition and, therefore, more hopeful when I have the star near me. It reminds me of the light that shines in the darkness, guiding us toward a better future.

Meaning of the Star

In short, the star represents a time of peace and healing after the storm. Imagine finding an oasis after walking for hours in a hot desert, and you’ll see what I mean.

The card signifies the calm that comes after a difficult period. It’s a time to relax, recharge your batteries, and rejuvenate. It’s about finding your inner light and using it to guide your path forward.

However, the Star’s meaning can vary depending on the context of the reading. In a personal context, it could represent a period of self-discovery and personal growth. For example, I once had a client who had to move out after a difficult breakup. Getting the Star in his spread gave him the motivation to move on, knowing that this difficult time was happening for a greater reason.

In a broader societal context, it could symbolize a collective shift towards a more hopeful and enlightened future. After all, the star is related to Aquarius, the zodiac sign that fights for the betterment of humanity.

Remember how I said that Aquarius represents a better future once we shed our differences and use our creativity?

The next time you find this card, take it as a sign to trust in the universe, unleash your creativity, and have faith in your ability to manifest your desires.

Interpretation of The Star

The Star card brings an air of optimism and hope to the reading. It encourages you to embrace hope and trust in the unfolding of the grand design of the universe. Everything will fall into place if you let go of control.

The Star Upright 

When The Star stands upright in a spread, take it as a symbol of hope that ensures your dreams are within reach. 

In the realm of love, this card invites you to be more open in the expression of your feelings, even if it requires you to touch a more vulnerable side of yourself. It also suggests that it’s time to let go of past hurts and welcome the possibilities of a new love or a deeper connection in an existing relationship.

In the context of career and work, the Star serves as a reminder that your vocation can also be your avocation. It’s a call to align your professional life with your higher purpose, to find joy in what you do, and to trust that your creative energies will lead you to fulfillment and success. The Star encourages you to shine in your unique talents and to share your light with the world.

Socially, the appearance of the Star heralds a time of harmony and mutual understanding. It’s an invitation to connect with others on a soul level. It may be a good time to pay attention to your community, to get involved in some way.  It could also suggest a time for collective healing, for coming together in pursuit of a greater good and recognizing the light in each other.

The Star Reversed 

The reversed star, on the other hand, speaks to the part of the human spirit that sometimes falters. It may suggest that your self-doubts are clouding your vision, or that you are experiencing the disillusionment that can follow a period of trial.

In love, a reversed Star might reflect a time of emotional stagnation or a relationship that has lost its sense of direction. Take it as a call to reignite the spark within, to remember what it is to hope and to find the courage to reach out once more for connection.

Professionally, The Star reversed can indicate a period of uncertainty, a time when your career path may feel misaligned with your inner truth. It’s a signal to reassess, reconnect with your passions, and consider what changes might bring you back into alignment with your professional aspirations.

In social settings, the reversed star can suggest a sense of isolation or disconnection from the community. This position encourages you to reach out to others and find a social circle in which you feel you belong.

In essence, the Star, whether upright or reversed, is a powerful presence in any tarot reading. It’s a card that demands introspection and inspires action. It asks us to consider not just where we are, but where we are going, and to trust in the journey as much as the destination. 

Comparing and Contrasting The Star with The Moon and The Sun

Comparing the Star with the Moon and Sun, the cards that follow it in the Major Arcana, can provide additional insight.

Compared with The Moon

The Moon, like the Star, is a card of illumination, but its light is more elusive and mysterious. While the Star represents clear, radiant hope, the Moon symbolizes uncertainty, illusion, and the realm of the subconscious. Both cards suggest a journey through darkness, but while the Star provides a clear path, the Moon’s path is more ambiguous and requires to use your intuition to navigate it.

Compared with The Sun

The Sun, following the Star and the Moon in the Major Arcana, represents the dawn after the night, the clear light of day that dispels all shadows. While the Star is a distant source of light, providing hope and guidance, the Sun is a close, radiant source of energy, symbolizing joy, success, and vitality. Both cards are positive, but while the Star suggests a distant goal or ideal, the Sun represents the achievement of that goal.

The Star in Specific Readings

The interpretation of the Star can change depending on the type of reading and the question asked. 

Yes-no readings

In a yes-no reading, the Star typically indicates a “yes”. It’s a card of positivity and affirmation, suggesting that things are moving in a favorable direction. However, the context of the question and the other cards in the reading can influence this interpretation.

For example, I once had a client who asked about ending her relationship, and the star appeared. At first, you might think it was a good time to let go of the past and focus on something new. However, the Star was actually indicating that holding on a little longer could lead to a more favorable outcome.

Love readings

In a love reading, the Star is a positive sign, indicating a deep spiritual connection and mutual understanding. It suggests a relationship that is based on trust, honesty, and mutual support. However, if the Star appears reversed, it may indicate a lack of trust or a period of emotional distance.

When I was single, the Star appeared in one of my readings, suggesting that I was radiating a positive energy that was likely to attract love into my life, and it did. After a few years, I got the star again, but it appeared in reverse. In this case, it suggested the need for open communication to resolve our current misunderstandings.

Work readings

In a work reading, the Star suggests a time of growth and opportunities. So if you are one of those who prefers to fly under the radar, this is your time to shine! It indicates that you’re on the right path and that your efforts will be rewarded. If you’ve been considering a new project or career path, the Star encourages you to follow your intuition and pursue your passions.

I once had a client who was considering a career change. Naturally, the Star appeared in his reading, suggesting that it was the perfect time to make the leap. The star encouraged him to trust his abilities and believe in his potential. He was a very shy and insecure person, so this change in attitude was life-changing for him!

Key Card Combinations

The Star’s meaning can be influenced by the cards that appear alongside it in a reading. Here are a couple of key combinations to consider:

Combined with The Fool

When the Star is combined with The Fool, it suggests you are about to embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. The Fool’s adventurous spirit, combined with the Star’s guidance, indicates a path of exploration and learning. Did I mention they both are associated with Aquarius, the rebel of the zodiac? This combination encourages you to embrace new experiences with an open heart and an open mind. So buckle up and have fun!

Those who enjoy the peace and quiet of their routine are sometimes afraid when the Fool appears in their reading. After all, this card encourages you to embrace the unknown. However, the Star provides the guidance and assurance you need to move forward with confidence, making the change ahead easy to navigate.

Combined with The Tower

When the Star appears with The Tower, it suggests a period of upheaval followed by a time of healing and renewal. The Tower represents sudden change and disruption, while the Star provides the hope and inspiration needed to navigate through these challenges.

For example, if you’re going through a difficult time, the combination of the Star and the Tower could suggest that while the road ahead may be challenging, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. Take a deep breath and keep going. Trust in the Universe’s master plan.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Star

Last thoughts on the Star

The Star is one of my favorite Tarot cards. It’s the perfect representation of hope and faith, of the myriad of infinite possibilities that constantly appear in our path!

The Star is also a symbol of the divine spark within us, a reminder of our innate ability to create, heal and inspire others.

This card serves as a guiding light, illuminating our path and helping us navigate through life’s challenges. Yes, you are not alone! The divine realm is right there with you, so keep going!

So the next time the star appears in your reading, remember to have faith, trust in the process of life, and believe in the power of your dreams. Remember the saying, “Every great dream begins with a dreamer”? 

Well, always remember that you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars and change the world.