Major Arcana
The Star
The Star is one of the 22 Major Arcana in tarot. Upright, it speaks of hope, healing and inspiration. Reversed, it points to hopelessness, disconnection and discouragement. In yes-or-no questions it leans toward yes.
- Number
- 17
- Element
- Air
- Astrology
- Aquarius
- Yes or no
- Yes
Symbolism
A nude woman kneels at the edge of a pool, pouring water from two jugs: one into the pool and one onto the land, nourishing both. Above, a great eight-pointed star and seven smaller ones shine, and in the background an ibis perches in a tree. After the Tower, nakedness is truth without defenses. The number 17 is hope, renewal and faith.
Affirmation
“I trust the future and let my light shine with serenity.”
Upright meaning
- hope
- healing
- inspiration
- renewal
- serenity
- General
- The Star is the breath after the storm: hope, healing and a serene trust in the future. You do not need all the answers to feel you are on the right path. The card invites authenticity, generosity and reconnection with your dreams. Your light matters and inspires.
- Love
- A period of tenderness, openness and renewed trust in love. As a couple, the relationship heals and gains lightness. If single, hope returns, and authenticity attracts those who resonate with you.
- Work & money
- A good time to align work with a greater purpose and believe in long-term projects. Inspiration and vision favor creative, humanitarian and innovative work. Financial recovery comes gradually, through consistency.
- Advice
- Cultivate hope through small daily gestures of care and faith. Share your light generously.
Reversed meaning
- hopelessness
- disconnection
- discouragement
- doubt
- lack of faith
- General
- Reversed, the Star speaks of a light temporarily dimmed: discouragement, cynicism or difficulty believing things can improve. There may be exhaustion after a hard period, or unrealistic expectations that disappoint. The source has not dried up; it is only covered. Small acts of care rekindle hope.
- Love
- Discouragement in love, disbelief or a feeling that no one will understand you. As a couple, a dull phase asks for care and small gestures. If single, heal first before searching and avoid idealizing.
- Work & money
- Lack of motivation, loss of purpose or dreams that seem distant. Break the vision into small, tangible steps. Resting and reconnecting with what matters restores energy.
- Advice
- Care for yourself with the basics: rest, nature and people who do you good. Pick one small goal to start believing again.
Guides about The Star
- The Star in tarot: what does it mean and why does it speak of hope?Understand the meaning of The Star (XVII) in tarot: hope, healing and renewal after a crisis, and how to read it when it appears reversed.
- Is The Star a Yes or a No in Tarot?Understand why The Star leans toward yes, what it asks of you to confirm that answer, and how to read the reversed card in a yes-or-no question.
- Death and The Star together: what does this combination indicate?See what Death and The Star mean together in tarot: a necessary ending followed by healing, hope and trust that slowly returns.
- The Tower and The Star Together: What Does This Combination Mean?See what The Tower and The Star together mean: a rupture followed by hope and healing, with examples for love, work and reversed readings.
- Ten of Swords and The Star Together: What Does This Combination Mean?Learn what the Ten of Swords with The Star means in one reading: a painful ending followed by healing, with examples for love, work and card order.
- The Hermit and The Star Together: What Does This Combination Mean?Learn what The Hermit and The Star show together: withdrawal that brings hope back, with examples for love, work and a question to reflect on.