Major Arcana · Card XVII
The Star
About The Star
A nude figure kneels by a small pool, pouring water from two jugs — one onto the land and one into the water. Above her shines a great eight-pointed star surrounded by seven smaller stars. A bird perches in a tree in the background, symbolizing the ibis of thought and the connection between earth and sky.
The Star Upright Meaning
✦ General Meaning
The Star arrives as the ultimate spiritual healing balm in the wake of The Tower's destruction. Numbered XVII, it represents hope, profound inspiration, cosmic renewal, and the serene connection to the divine source. After the noise and chaos of upheaval, The Star is the deep, quiet breath of the soul. In the traditional imagery, a nude woman (representing absolute vulnerability and truth) kneels by a pool of water. She pours water from two pitchers—one onto the earth and one into the water. This signifies the continuous flow of universal energy and the perfect balance between the conscious and subconscious minds. Above her, a massive eight-pointed star shines, surrounded by seven smaller stars, representing the chakras and the celestial guidance available to us all. When The Star appears upright in a reading, it is a definitive sign that you are entering a period of spiritual sanctuary. You have survived the storm, and the universe is now ready to replenish your spirit. This is a time to believe in miracles again. The Star does not offer the material success of The Sun or the physical power of The Chariot; instead, it offers something more enduring: the unshakeable inner peace that comes from knowing you are exactly where you are meant to be. It encourages you to be your most authentic self, to share your gifts with the world without fear of judgment, and to trust in the 'divine plan' even if you cannot see the next step. If you have been struggling with a health crisis or emotional trauma, The Star is an omen of profound recovery. It suggests that your 'higher self' is now in the driver's seat. To embody The Star is to become a beacon of light for others, demonstrating through your own grace and resilience that even after the darkest night, the heavens will eventually open and pour down their blessings.
♥ Love & Relationships
In love, The Star indicates healing, renewed hope, and soulful connections. If you have been through heartbreak, healing is underway. If single, The Star suggests that love will come when you are spiritually aligned and radiating your authentic self.
☆ Career & Finances
For career, The Star brings inspiration, creative renewal, and a sense of professional purpose. You may discover a calling or feel reinvigorated about your work. Follow your creative vision — it is divinely guided.
✚ Health & Wellbeing
In health, The Star is one of the most positive cards, indicating recovery, healing, and renewed vitality. If you have been unwell, this card promises improvement and a return to wellness.
The Star Reversed Meaning
✦ General Meaning
The Star reversed suggests lack of faith, despair, self-doubt, or disconnection from your spiritual purpose. You may be feeling hopeless or uninspired, struggling to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
♥ Love & Relationships
Reversed in love, The Star indicates feeling unworthy of love, losing hope in finding a compatible partner, or struggling to trust after betrayal.
☆ Career & Finances
In career reversed, this card suggests creative blocks, loss of professional inspiration, or feeling disconnected from your purpose at work.
✚ Health & Wellbeing
For health reversed, The Star warns of neglecting your spiritual and emotional health, which impacts physical wellbeing. Reconnect with practices that nourish your soul.
Symbolism of The Star
The eight-pointed star represents the Star of Venus, divine love, and cosmic order. The seven smaller stars represent the seven chakras and the seven classical planets. The water being poured represents the flow of spiritual energy nourishing both the material (land) and emotional (water) worlds. The nude figure represents vulnerability, authenticity, and having nothing to hide. The ibis bird in the tree connects to Thoth, the god of wisdom.
Key Advice From The Star
“Hold onto hope. Even after the darkest nights, the stars still shine. You are being guided toward your highest purpose — trust the process, nurture your dreams, and allow yourself to be vulnerable enough to receive the blessings coming your way.”
See The Star in Action
Pull The Star in one of our free interactive tarot readings and discover what it means in the context of your personal question.