The Star: Read the Card

(Tarot Prompts for Writers)

Here’s a compilation of my notes on reading The Star as a card of the day or in a spread.

If you’re just learning tarot, use the deck that most appeals to you, and spend some time looking at your card. What does it say to you? (See my description of The Star as I see it.)

Tarot is personal and open-ended. There are traditional meanings — and yes, you should know them if you want to read tarot cards — but it really only “works” if you follow what the cards mean to you personally. Your star and my star may not mean quite the same thing.

Number

The number 17 can be seen as a combination of 1 – beginnings, triumph – and 7 – intuition, wisdom, choice. 

Name

Traditionally, stars are good omens. They represent hope, peace, and faith. They’re helpful guides to orient you and mark your way. We sometimes wish upon them. We have lucky stars. We say our fate is written in the stars. We rarely think of stars as burning suns with planets orbiting; they seem cold and distant, watching over us from the heavens. This Star is a guide, a mystical centre, and a call of destiny 

Placement

The Star comes near the end of the major arcana, after the trials of the Devil and the Tower. It is still night, and you may not be confident of where you should go, but there is a guide now to help you find your way. So you must at least try to get somewhere worthwhile. 

Traditional interpretations

The Star brings harmony and balance to the physical and emotional planes. She is truth unveiled without prejudice; she sees things clearly from her watchful distance. She pours the waters of life and of the spirit, and she will give understanding in whatever measure you’re able to receive it. 

Some say the Star can have good or bad meanings, that it can warn of loss, theft, privation, abandonment. More happily, it can signify new life and vigour, a widening of horizons, insight into future possibilities that give hope and fulfillment. Many say that it’s always a good card. And I’m with them.

This is the card of hope. It’s about healing after illness, harmony after conflict. The Star brings optimism, second chances, future possibilities. Have faith: better times are ahead. The card tells of well-being, health, peace, and inspiration; renewal and rejuvenation; a restoration of hope that inspires others.

If the Star appears with the Chariot, great fame and fortune is foretold. 

Reverse interpretations

The Star reversed warns of failure, wrong choices, confusion, and disappointment. There’s a danger of trusting in false promises and unrealistic schemes. Your optimism may be delusion, with no grounding in reality.

The card can warn of arrogance and haughtiness, a rigidity of mind and a refusal to widen your viewpoint. Negativity, darkness, pessimism, self-doubt and mistrust. Ill health. Get yourself better – now, or you’ll spiral downward. Find new inspiration. Be hopeful. Don’t give up; get up.

Thematic readings

  • In love, you will find love again. A healthy relationship; a strong attraction.
  • In work, you’ll be content. Stay optimistic. Your travels are near completion. Continue work on your legacy. The Star is a good omen for creators. But remember that you need inspiration and perspiration in equal amounts; you need creative thinking and analytical thinking to create well. Think of the Star’s two waters as two halves of the creative process and ensure that you’re not forgetting one. 
  • In general life, a new beginning. Leave your lost dreams behind you and follow new dreams. Change may take time to manifest, but better things are destined. Keep an open mind. Aspire. Follow trustworthy guides. Adopt a more positive attitude, have confidence, and things will turn around. 

Specific positions

  • Current situation: Your plans show promise. Believe in yourself. New opportunities are here and you have the mental health to take them. 
  • Past influence: Wishes don’t do dishes. Back your hopes up with work. If you haven’t seen the results you want, it may be because you haven’t worked for them realistically. It’s time to apply yourself now. 
  • Outcome: Happiness; spiritual abundance. A return of hope after a period of trouble. With self-control and optimism, you’ll succeed. Share generously; give your talents and things will get better and better.
  • Blocked: Your plans are idealistic. Life may not live up to your expectations because your expectations are unrealistic.

Questions for the Querent

  • Do you have any reaction at first sight of this card? What do you focus on?
  • What do you see in the landscape?
  • Are you optimistic or pessimistic?
  • What guides your choices?
  • Have you ever recovered from a crisis of confidence?
  • What practices do you follow to heal yourself?
  • Do you see life as an obligation/burden or an opportunity/gift?
  • Where are you in your life’s journey?
  • Do you need a path to walk? Or can you make your own?

Keywords to aid Memory

  • Hope
  • Optimism / Confidence
  • Insight
  • Healing / New life
  • Creativity

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Images on this page are by the following artists: Banner, left to right: Marseilles deck engraved by Nicolas Conver; Dragon Tarot illustrated by Roger and Linda Garland (also shown in box); Tarot Balbi by Domenico Balbi; Gilded Tarot by Ciro Marchetti; Radiant Rider-Waite deck illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith; Druid Craft deck illustrated by Will Worthington.