Major Arcana · XVII

The Star

A woman pours water onto land and sea beneath eight stars: the Star, a card of hope, of loss, and of the light that remains within.

Upright

Yes / No: Maybe

Waite's list gives the Star two readings: one of loss, privation and feeling abandoned, the other of hope and bright prospects. His deeper notes connect it with immortality and an inner light. What has been taken away, and what quiet source of hope remains?

hope
bright prospects
inner light
loss
privation

Reversed

Yes / No: No

Reversed, the Star suggests arrogance, haughtiness and a sense of powerlessness. Is pride covering up a feeling that you cannot act? A more open, receptive attitude might bring back some of the card's generosity.

arrogance
haughtiness
powerlessness
self-importance

Love & relationships

Upright, the Star speaks of hope and gentle renewal in a connection, perhaps after a time of loss, loneliness or disappointment. There may be openness, sincerity and a sense of emotional healing between you. Look for what still nourishes the bond, and for ways care could be offered and received more freely.

Reversed, the Star can show pride or aloofness in a relationship, sometimes covering a feeling of powerlessness or discouragement. A protective distance may be in place, or hope may have dimmed for a while. A softer, more receptive attitude, at least on your side, could be one way to let some warmth return.

The image

A great eight-rayed star blazes above seven smaller stars, each with eight rays of its own. Below, a naked woman kneels with one knee on the ground and one foot on the water, pouring from two large jugs onto land and sea alike. The ground rises behind her, and a bird perches in a tree to one side.

Symbolism

Waite sees in her an image of unfading beauty and youth, pouring heavenly and elemental substance into the living world. He accepts the card's old mottoes: the waters of life, given freely, and the Spirit's gifts. Many will see her as Truth unveiled, he writes, but he identifies her more deeply with the Great Mother of supernal Understanding, who shares what she holds as far as others are able to receive it.

In a reading

Upright, the Star means holding loss and hope side by side, and noticing what still nourishes you. Turned upside down, it raises the question of whether arrogance, or a sense of being powerless, is keeping you from receiving what is on offer.

The yes / no answer is our editorial reading of the card’s overall tone, not a prediction.

For self-reflection and personal insight. Not a prediction and not a substitute for professional medical, legal, financial or mental-health advice.

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