Major Arcana number 17, The Star, symbolizes hope, inspiration, healing, and guidance. It's often considered one of the most sacred and beautiful cards in the entire Major Arcana, representing the light of hope in life. Having passed through the Tower's dramatic destruction, here you receive the light of new hope and renewal.

When The Star appears upright, it points to new possibilities, hope for the future, and the inner light guiding you. Reversed, it shows that this hope has temporarily been lost, or that the guidance has become hard to see. If you've drawn this card, new light and hope may be about to shine into your life.

The Star lights the way for you in every area of your life. Trusting in that light is the first step toward a richer life.

✦Card Basics

Number	17
Element	Air
Ruling planet	Uranus
Upright keywords	Hope, inspiration, healing, trust, a bright future
Reversed keywords	Despair, loss of hope, distrust, loneliness

✦About The Star Card

The special meaning of the number 17

The number 17 on this Major Arcana card symbolizes hope and possibility. Split apart, 1 and 7 represent new beginnings and spiritual completion; add them together and you get 8, linking The Star to Strength — showing that inner strength and hope become integrated here. The card before it, 16, The Tower, represents destruction and collapse, and it's after that dramatic upheaval that the light of hope arrives. The card that follows, 18, The Moon, represents mystery and illusion — showing that after receiving the light of hope, you're guided by it while facing new trials. This sequence traces a life cycle from despair to hope, and on again into new challenges.

The world depicted on the card

The Star depicts a naked woman pouring water with both hands beneath a clear night sky. She symbolizes a pure soul, and her act represents the cycle of material and spiritual blessing. Around her, eight stars shine, with one large central star glowing especially brightly as a symbol of hope and guidance. In the background, the stars are reflected on the water's surface — showing outer light being mirrored inward, hope being received into the heart.

Let's look at the symbolic elements depicted on the card.

The large central star is a symbol of hope and guidance, a light showing you the direction you should head. This star is never out of reach — it represents hope you can actually attain.

The seven small stars symbolize creativity, artistry, and inspiration, showing that a state filled with hope also gives rise to new creative power.

The naked woman symbolizes a pure soul and truth, representing an unadorned, honest posture of receiving hope.

The act of pouring water symbolizes the cycle of material and spiritual blessing, representing hope spreading outward from the heart into the surrounding world.

The water's surface represents emotion and the subconscious, symbolizing that hope has taken deep root in the heart.

The meaning behind the colors

Blue is used heavily on this card, symbolizing spirituality and hope. There may be anxiety about the road ahead, but being guided by the star of hope opens a new path. The yellow stars represent the shining light of hope and guidance, while the woman's pale skin symbolizes a pure, unadorned heart. The green plants symbolize new vitality and renewal, representing a life being reborn.

The person The Star represents

The Star represents a person who brings hope and light. This card's figure is someone whose very presence encourages those around them and offers inspiration.

When The Star appears as a card about a specific person in a tarot reading, that person brings new possibility and direction into your life. They may be intuitive, sensitive, and able to see your talent and worth. Such a person also tends to have a clear vision for their own life and pursue it without hesitation.

Their traits include thoughtfulness, deep sensitivity, and a belief in others' potential. In relationships, this kind of person tends to genuinely root for the other's growth and development. Through your connection with someone represented by The Star, you'll come to recognize your own inner light. Meeting or engaging with them can open a whole new chapter in your life.

The Fool's journey through the Major Arcana

The 22 cards of the Major Arcana tell the story of the Fool's Journey. The Star, within that journey, symbolizes the hope and renewal that arrive after destruction and change. It's only after experiencing a trial like the Tower that the hope of The Star truly begins to shine. Receiving this hope allows the Fool to move on to the next stage.

☀Upright Meaning

Overall meaning

When The Star appears upright, it brings an extremely positive, hope-filled message. New hope, inspiration, healing, trust, and a bright future — these are the core messages of the upright Star.

You're entering a period of receiving the light of new hope in your life. The hardships and trials you've experienced are about to turn into new possibility. What The Star teaches is that no matter how dark the night, the stars are always shining. Whether you notice it or not, hope is always right there beside you.

The upright Star shows that new light and direction are coming into your life. You may discover new dreams or goals, or the meaning of your life may become clear. Or possibilities that were invisible before may suddenly come into view. This is a time to trust your inner light and let it guide you forward.

What The Star shows is that the brilliance you were always meant to have is finally starting to surface. Receive the blessings this light brings, and let it enrich and illuminate your life.

In love

For those with unrequited feelings

If The Star appears while you're pining for someone, it points to new possibility and hope in the relationship. Even if the one-sided situation has continued for a while, new developments may be on the way. Or your feelings for that person may shift into a purer form. What The Star shows is that hope is being reborn in your heart, and that hope will guide you in a new direction.

On receiving this message, it's important to loosen your attachment to the other person a little and turn your attention toward your own life. Having hope is a good thing, but rather than blindly following it, it's important to move forward while checking in with your own intuition. However things unfold with the other person, your own life will surely grow richer and more filled with light.

When The Star appears upright, it means you yourself are beginning to shine. What matters most isn't whether the other person is drawn to that light, but that you shine in your own true way. By fulfilling your own life, you naturally brighten what's around you too.

For couples

If The Star appears for a couple already together, it points to progress into a new stage of the relationship. The two of you may move to a new depth together, or you may take up a new shared dream or goal. The Star shows that your shared future is shining bright.

During this time, it's important to look together toward new dreams. Talk about what you want to accomplish together — marriage, children, moving, a new project. Shared hope and goals will strengthen your bond further. Actively expressing gratitude toward each other will also make the relationship shine brighter.

When two people envision shining together, that light becomes reality. A relationship lit by The Star's light moves toward true happiness.

On getting back together

For those considering reconciliation, The Star brings a new perspective and new possibility. Reconnecting with your ex may bring new realizations — though those realizations don't necessarily lead to getting back together. In fact, it may bring the hope of being freed from attachment and moving toward a new life. What The Star shows is that whichever path you choose, you'll be led toward a bright future. That judgment will naturally become clear if you follow the light in your heart.

In work

Job change and new challenges

If the upright Star appears as a career card, it points to new career possibility and direction. If you're considering a job change, you may come to see clearly what you truly want to do at a new workplace. Or a new project or possibility may appear right in front of you at your current job. This is a time when you're likely to find a place where your talent and aptitude can shine.

When considering a job change, it's important to judge not just by salary or job title, but by whether you can actually do what you truly want to do there, and whether your talents will be put to use. What The Star shows is a chance to find work that truly matters in your life. Value that intuition, and choose the path your heart is drawn to.

Advice for your current workplace

In your current job, The Star points to new creative opportunities and the possibility of growth. You may come to see the meaning of your work, or how to make use of your talent, in ways that weren't visible before. Relationships at work may improve too, leading to a more fulfilling environment.

During this time, a new project or position may appear at work. It's important to actively put yourself forward for it and seize the chance to test your abilities. Getting involved with work you're genuinely interested in will significantly boost your motivation and may open a new stage in your career.

Following the path lit by The Star will let your talent blossom even more. Trust and recognition at work will naturally grow too, bringing new opportunities and relationships.

In money

Investment and savings

If The Star appears in a money reading, it points to new financial possibility and growth. New financial opportunities may arrive — starting to invest, trying a new business. That said, don't act without a plan; trust your intuition, but keep rational judgment too. This is a time when financial dreams or goals are likely to become clear.

Shopping advice

For shopping, The Star points to a time when you can see what you truly need. Rather than impulse purchases, this may be a good time to invest in what your heart genuinely wants. Aim for purchases that enrich you.

In relationships

New encounters

If The Star appears for relationships, it points to a new encounter, and the richness it brings to your life. A new friend or acquaintance may appear. Or a relationship with someone you already know may deepen. Either way, your relationships are entering a period lit by new light. A new encounter will enrich your life and bring new perspectives and possibility.

Existing relationships

For existing relationships, The Star points to deepening mutual understanding and building trust. Good qualities in the other person that you hadn't noticed before may come into view. Or they may notice good qualities in you. This is a period when the relationship is likely to move into a new dimension. Walking a path of shining together with the other person fills both your lives with light.

Advice when you're unsure

If you're feeling unsure when The Star appears upright, you may be hesitating to trust in hope. In that case, treasure the intuition in your heart. There's a voice from within that can't be explained by logic. Following that voice will lead you into a new world. Have the courage to seek long-term growth and fulfillment over short-term safety.

You may not yet be clear on what you truly want. This is a time to meditate or make space to sit quietly with your own heart. In that space, your true wishes and dreams will come into view. It's also helpful to talk with people around you and reconsider your possibilities through their perspective. The hope The Star shows is something you must find and pursue for yourself.

The Star is always lighting your way. Trust that light and follow it, and you will surely move forward.

☾Reversed Meaning

Overall meaning

When The Star appears reversed, its meaning is more complex. The reversed Star points to lost hope, distrust, loneliness, and a temporary darkness. The light of hope shown upright has temporarily become invisible.

But being reversed doesn't mean everything is going badly. Rather, this is a temporary state, and an opportunity to look inward at your own light. It's precisely when the outer light becomes invisible that you notice how important the light within you is. The reversed Star urges you to "look inward to find hope again."

In love

For those with unrequited feelings

If The Star appears reversed while you're pining for someone, it points to temporary disappointment and distrust. Your hopes for the other person may have faded, or the relationship may have stalled. But this state won't last forever. It may be a time to reflect and ask yourself what your true feelings really are.

For couples

If a couple draws the reversed card, it points to temporary difficulty and distrust in the relationship. The relationship may have stalled, or mutual understanding may have decreased. This is a time that calls for facing each other and putting in the effort to rebuild the relationship.

On getting back together

For those considering reconciliation, the reversed Star points to unhealthy attachment to the past. Strong attachment to the other person may be making it hard to move toward a new life. This is a time to let go of the past and find new hope.

In work

Job change and new challenges

If the reversed card appears for work, it points to temporary stagnation and distrust in your career. Even if you're hoping for a job change, that outcome may be getting further away. Or the meaning of your work may be hard to see. This may be a time to reconsider what kind of work you truly want.

Advice for your current workplace

At your current job, you may be experiencing a temporary dip in motivation, or losing sight of the meaning of your work. This is a time that may call for deep reflection on your talents and aptitudes. It's important not to rush, and to listen to your own inner voice.

In money

Investment and savings

The reversed Star in money matters points to temporary financial stagnation and anxiety. Interest in investing may fade, or a new financial plan may not materialize. But this may be a time to reconsider what financial goals truly matter to you.

Shopping advice

For shopping, it's important to guard against impulse purchases. It's recommended to think carefully about whether you truly need something before buying.

In relationships

New encounters

If the reversed card appears for new encounters, it points to temporary stagnation in new relationships. A hoped-for new encounter may be getting further away, or your current sense of loneliness may be deepening.

Existing relationships

In existing relationships, mutual understanding may have temporarily declined. There may be a lack of communication or some misunderstanding. This is a time that calls for facing the other person carefully and working to rebuild the relationship.

Advice when the reversed card appears

When The Star appears reversed, hope may be temporarily invisible — but understand that this isn't forever. This is a time to look inward and ask what you truly want. It's precisely when the outer light disappears that you have a chance to find the true light within you. Finding that light will guide you toward new hope.

✦The Person The Star Represents

The Star represents a person who brings hope and light. This card's figure has a charm that brightens everyone around them simply by being present. They may be thoughtful, sensitive, and highly intuitive. Such a person is also skilled at recognizing others' potential and talent, and can fill those around them with inspiration. Through your connection with someone represented by The Star, you'll come to recognize your own inner light.

✧The Star Combined with Other Cards

The Star + The Tower

This combination shows hope arriving after destruction. Going through a painful experience gives rise to new light and hope. It's one of the most hopeful combinations for anyone in a difficult situation.

The Star + The Moon

This combination shows hope and intuition becoming integrated. As outer light and inner intuition harmonize, new insight emerges.

The Star + The Sun

This combination shows hope becoming certain reality. The Star's light turns into the Sun, bringing assured success.

The Star + The Fool

This combination shows setting out on a new adventure filled with hope. A hope-filled new beginning is arriving.

The Star + The World

This combination shows the complete fulfillment of hope. It shows that a dream or goal will certainly be achieved.

Seven frequent combinations

The Star × The Moon	Hope and doubt coexisting — the moment just before dawn
The Star × The Sun	Hope becoming reality
The Star × The World	A dream fulfilled
The Star × Temperance	Hope and harmony
The Star × The Hermit	Deep introspection and hope
The Star × The High Priestess	Hope and intuition in harmony
The Star × Strength	Hope and inner strength

Combining cards is a powerful technique that greatly sharpens a reading. Once you're comfortable with it, try noticing combinations with neighboring cards in a three-card spread or Celtic Cross.

♡What Does The Star Say About "Their Feelings"?

One of the most common questions in tarot is: "What does this person actually think of me?" Here's a detailed breakdown of what The Star means for the other person's feelings, upright and reversed.

Upright: The Star (their feelings)

When the upright Star reflects the other person's feelings, they are facing you with ideal love and hope:

• They feel you're the ideal partner — a strong sense of "it has to be this person"
• Hope for the future — they picture a bright future together
• A healing presence — being with you brings them peace
• Pure, innocent affection — genuine feelings with no calculation

The ideal love card. If you let the relationship grow naturally without rushing, it will come to fruition.

Reversed: The Star (their feelings)

When the reversed Star reflects the other person's feelings, they are suffering from the gap between ideal and reality:

• Exhausted by their own high ideals — feeling let down by their expectations
• Losing hope — unable to see a future for the relationship
• Loss of confidence — convinced that "I'm not lovable"
• Stuck in daydreams — not facing reality

Bring in a more realistic perspective, but don't let the flame of hope go out.

⧗What Timing Does The Star Suggest?

When reading tarot for when a result will come, Major Arcana 17, The Star, suggests the following timing.

Upright timing

• Slowly, over several months to half a year — hope is something that grows
• Aquarius season (January–February)
• A night with a beautiful starry sky — winter or summer nights
• After despair — the stage that follows a Tower-like collapse

Reversed timing

• A period when hope is out of sight — long and dark
• Six months to a year of low ebb — it takes time for the light to arrive
• Confidence takes time to recover

✦Action Advice When The Star Appears

What should you actually do when The Star appears? Here are concrete actions you can take starting tomorrow, upright and reversed.

Five things to do when The Star appears upright

• Clarify your ideal — turn your dreams, goals, and wishes into a clear vision
• Act with hope — take a positive step forward
• Value healing — cleanse your heart with hot springs, nature, or aromatherapy
• Express your creativity — through art, music, or writing
• Have faith — let go of doubt and choose trust

Five things to do when The Star appears reversed

• Face reality — step out of the daydream
• Start with small hopes — favor nearby happiness over grand ideals
• Rebuild your self-esteem — practice accepting yourself
• Don't compare yourself to others — respect your own pace
• Remember past light — look back on times that were good

✧Frequently Asked Questions

✦Keywords for The Star

These are the essential keywords that capture the heart of The Star. Use them as a reference when reading.

• Hope
• Dreams
• Healing
• Inspiration
• The future

⚖The Star YES/NO Reading

Here's whether the answer is YES or NO when The Star appears, upright and reversed.

✧Related Cards Often Drawn With The Star

Cards that share a close theme with The Star, or frequently appear alongside it in a spread.

• The Tower — full meaning
• The Moon — full meaning

✦Summary

The Star tarot card symbolizes hope and light in life. Arriving after the Tower's dramatic destruction, this card is a symbol of new possibility and renewal. However dark the night gets in life, the stars are always shining. Whether or not you're able to find that light depends on your own state of mind.

If The Star appeared upright for you, you're filled with new hope and possibility. New light is about to shine into your life. Trust that light, and let it guide you forward. Holding hope in your heart will surely begin to change your life. Hope has the power to change reality. Take a fresh look at your dreams and goals, and keep moving toward them. Where The Star points, the future you truly want is waiting.

If it appeared reversed for you, hope may be temporarily out of sight. But within that darkness, you have a chance to find your own inner light. Finding that light will lead you toward new hope. Despair, too, is only temporary — new light always follows it.

To you who drew The Star: you deserve to live within hope. Even if things feel dark right now, there is certainly a light within guiding you. Trust that light and follow it, and you can move into a new life. The Star keeps sending you the message: "don't give up." It's always shining.