(The above image is a copy of The Star card in a standard Rider-Waite Tarot deck. The 6 symbols pointed out above are explained below.)
Card Description
The Star card is a card of rest and repose. It features a woman who is comfortable in her own skin and at peace with her natural surroundings. The Star card encourages us to gain strength in relaxation and to find peace with our environment.
If you are looking for a deck of Tarot cards, check out our standard Rider-Waite deck here or check out one of our recent arrivals here.
For more information about The Star card, check out A. E. Waite’s description here.
Point 1 – THE WOMAN’S POSE
The woman in the card is kneeling by a small pond and looks into it. This could be a reference to the Greek myth of Narcissus, a story in which a man is so captured by his reflection in the water that he falls in and drowns. The pond in the card though is rippled, rendering any reflection obsolete and thus revealing the futility of narcissism.
Point 2 – WATER JUGS
The woman is holding two jugs. The jug on her right is typically seen as representing her consciousness while the jug on her left is seen as representing her subconsciousness. Both are a reiteration of the two cups seen in The Temperance card.
Point 3 – FALLING WATER
From the jugs, there are two streams. One stream flows back into the pond while the other stream flows onto the ground. This pair of streams symbolizes the cycle of life. The water nourishes the earth and creates new mini streams and also the water is returned to itself. This paradox of travel creates a harmony between the conscious and subconscious.
Point 4 – WOMAN’S FEET
Like in The Temperance card, the woman’s feet in The Star card create a paradox in position. One foot is standing on land while the other foot is standing on water. Despite the difference, the woman’s posture is stable. Her foot standing on water alludes to the story of Jesus walking on water, adding an aura of holiness to the card.
Point 5 – EIGHT-POINTED STAR
Above the woman shines a big eight-pointed star. The star most likely is a purity symbol, eight-points often denoting a diamond, the ancient representation of purity. The eight-pointed star is a beacon, guiding the woman to the pond where she can complete the cycle of life.
Point 6 – SEVEN WHITE STARS
Surrounding the eight-pointed star are 7 smaller white stars. While their symbolism is disputed, some scholars have argued that the seven stars represent the seven chakras of Hindu philosophy.
Tarot Reading
Upright
If an Upright Tower illustrated turbulent change then an Upright Star illustrates the calm after the storm. Now is a time of rest and reflection. Allow the chaos to settle around you and embrace the core of your being. An Upright Star is a confirmation that the troubled times you have experienced have led to growth and spiritual maturity.
Reverse
A Reverse Star is a test of faith. Perhaps the hard times before were overwhelming and you are unsure if you can relax in your new position. Maybe you are unsure if you will ever reach the light at the end of the tunnel. Take a deep breath and analyze where you are at. Recognize the progress you have made and appreciate the new things in your life.
For more Tarot Card Meanings, check out our blog here.
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About the author: John Taylor is a content writer and freelancer through the company Upwork.com. You may view his freelancing profile here. He has a B. A. in English, with a specialty in technical writing, from Texas A&M University and a M. A. in English from the University of Glasgow. You may view his previous articles about Tarot here and his LinkedIn profile here.
