The Star
In the night sky after the storm, a quiet light of hope shines. You can believe in the future just as you are.
- Card
- Major Arcana · XVII
- Upright keywords
- Hope, Inspiration, Ideals, Healing
- Reversed keywords
- Disappointment, Pessimism, Unrealistic hopes, Wishful thinking
- Yes or no
- Leans yes
Traditional correspondences Hebrew letter: Tzaddi (צ, fish-hook; Crowley used Heh) / Astrology: Aquarius / Tree of Life: 28th path (Netzach to Yesod) / Element: Air
Upright meaning
A light of hope shines through. Believe in your ideals and keep walking.
Under a sky full of stars a woman kneels by a pool, pouring water onto the land and into the water. After the Tower’s storm, all is calm. The Star is hope, healing and renewed faith in the future. Upright, it says the worst is over: you can breathe again, be yourself and trust that things will work out. Inspiration flows, creative ideas come easily and your wishes have a real chance. Keep your goals in sight, like a star to steer by.
Reversed meaning
Expecting too much may lead to disappointment. Measure the gap between ideal and reality again.
Reversed, the light seems dimmer. You may be discouraged, doubting yourself or waiting for something that isn’t realistic. Sometimes hopes are pinned on a fantasy rather than a plan. Don’t give up on hope, but ground it: what small, concrete step would bring your dream closer? Self-care and rest can help the light return.
For ways of reading reversed cards, see how to read reversals.
Love
Hopeful, healing love, or new feelings after a hard time. Be open.
Idealising someone, or feeling let down. See the person as they really are.
Work
Inspiration, recognition and creative work. Good prospects ahead.
Feeling uninspired, or plans that are too vague. Set realistic goals.
Money
Slow but steady improvement. A hopeful outlook.
Wishful thinking about money. Make a practical plan.
Relationships
Supportive, sincere friendships. People are drawn to your openness.
Disillusionment with someone. Adjust your expectations.
Health
Healing and recovery. Rest and hope go together.
Feeling drained. Small acts of self-care help.
Tarot does not diagnose physical conditions. If you have symptoms that worry you, please see a doctor.
Mind and spirit
Faith, serenity and a sense of being guided.
Losing faith. Look for one small reason for hope.
As a person
An inspiring, gentle, open-hearted person.
Someone lost in dreams, or discouraged.
Timing
Not right away: hope takes shape slowly, coming true over the medium to long term, a few months ahead.
Advice
Keep your hope alive and follow your guiding star.
Ground your dreams with one practical step.
Questions to ask yourself
- What gives me hope right now?
- What would I wish for if I let myself believe it could happen?
- What small step brings that wish closer?
A common misreading
The Star doesn’t promise instant results or fame. It is quiet, lasting hope and healing. Reversed, it isn’t despair so much as hope that needs grounding in reality.
The story of this card
After the Tower falls, the traveller rests beneath the Star. Seventeen reduces to eight, Strength: gentle power returns. Stripped of illusions, the traveller kneels naked and unafraid, pouring out and receiving the waters of life. Hope is reborn, but the way ahead still passes through the uncertain light of the Moon.
The Waite deck’s picture and symbols
In the Waite deck a naked woman kneels with one foot in a pool and one knee on land, pouring water from two jugs. A great eight-pointed star shines above her, with seven smaller stars around it. On a tree in the background perches an ibis, the bird of the Egyptian god of wisdom, Thoth.
History and differences between traditions
In early Italian decks the Star was often a woman holding a star, or astronomers studying the sky. The Marseille deck introduced the kneeling woman pouring water. The Golden Dawn linked the card with Aquarius, the water bearer, and Crowley later swapped its Hebrew letter with the Emperor’s.
Words for today
I trust the light that guides me.
My hope grows as I take small steps.