XVII
The Star
Symbols in the artwork
The great star in the sky reminds us of the direction and hope to move forward, while the smaller stars suggest various possibilities nearby. The water flowing from the two vessels can be read as the need for both self-care and taking care of daily life. The water flowing towards the riverside suggests time to release emotions, while the water flowing to the earth suggests the strength to cultivate one's life. Look at the golden star and the silver ripples, and think about what you hope for in the future alongside the small things you can do today.
Sources and interpretation
In Waite's divination deck, there are listings for loss and deficiency, as well as hope and bright prospects through other interpretations. This site reads with the modern interpretation of hope and recovery.
Written with reference to Rider–Waite–Smith symbolism and modern interpretations.
A. E. Waite's original text · A. E. Waite's symbolism · Tina Gong / Labyrinthos modern interpretation
Upright
Hope · Inspiration · Recovery
It's okay if the answer doesn't come immediately. Find small changes today that give you the strength to try again.
Core meaning
The Star symbolizes hope, inspiration, and the strength to live anew after difficult times. Even if not all problems are solved, the core of this card is the heart that looks at possibilities again.
If it seems like nothing has changed despite your efforts, today look at the small changes in your own heart rather than the results. You might feel like revisiting a postponed task, that someone's words are comforting, or that you just want a moment for yourself. Don't just pass these moments by; notice them. The strength to start again can accumulate in these small ways.
What to keep in mind
Don't think that things will get better just by waiting. If you need help, ask for it, and check things yourself. You don't need to hide your sadness just to appear positive.
One small step today
Write down one thing that is draining you right now and one thing you can do for yourself today in a memo. Try to implement the second thing you wrote down on a small scale.
A question to consider
What small change do I need to be able to hope again?
A thought for today
Hope can be closer to a small action of trying again than to certainty.
Reversed
Lost hope · Disappointment · Weakening faith
On days when hope is not easily felt, let yourself rest before trying to convince yourself.
Core meaning
The reversed Star symbolizes disappointment when hope is not easily felt or when it is difficult to trust oneself and the future. There might be a lack of room to recover, but this card does not mean that hope is gone forever.
If even trying to get better feels like homework, it's okay to lower your goals today. Instead of forcing enthusiasm, focus on eating your meals, getting a little sunlight, and taking time to rest. It's okay if your mood doesn't improve right away; it doesn't mean you are doing something wrong. It's okay to take care of just one thing today that drains you less.
What to keep in mind
Don't push yourself by telling yourself that you must think positively. Examine whether it's something that will get better with rest or something that requires a change in method. If it's too hard to handle alone, it's okay to ask for help.
One small step today
Reduce one burdensome task from today's plan and write down one small thing you accomplished. Record what you did exactly, without comparing yourself to others.
A question to consider
Is what I need right now a greater expectation, or time to regain the strength to expect?
A thought for today
Even if the light isn't visible for a while, you can continue taking care of yourself.
Tarot offers a way to reflect on yourself through its symbols. Read it as a point of reference, not a certain prediction of the future or another person's feelings.