Major Arcana cards：XVII The Star

Card Interpretation

This is a card brimming with hope. Bathed in the glow of Sirius—the Star of Hope—the Goddess of Hope pours the holy water of hope from her sacred vases into a pool symbolizing the subconscious. She knows how desperately humanity needs hope; thus, when one vase is emptied, she reaches for another. Only with hope can people summon the motivation to accomplish great things—for hope is the very wellspring of human vitality. Let us offer all our love to the world. Even in the depths of night, the sky full of stars guides our way, leading us toward a bright future under their shimmering light. There is one easily overlooked meaning of the Star card: it also signifies pregnancy.

In the night sky shine eight stars—one large and seven small. The large one is said to be Sirius, which brings hope and confidence to those in need of help. Beneath the twinkling stars stands a nude woman. She kneels on one knee by the pool’s edge, with her right foot dipped into the water, pouring the water of life from two vases onto the shore and into the pool alike. The water she pours is the very same water held in the chalices of the Temperance card; the difference is that here, it is being sprinkled upon the earth and the pool, rather than being passed between two cups. Perched on a nearby branch is a phoenix, a harbinger of immortality. The earth represents consciousness, the water the unconscious, the phoenix the elevation of the spirit, and the nude woman the true self. In essence, the Star is a card that bestows hope upon people. It foretells the fulfillment of prophecies and the interaction between inspiration and the spirit, urging us never to abandon hope—only through self-confidence, self-respect, and self-reliance can we achieve our goals.

Upright Position

When drawn upright, the card signifies: A bright future, boundless hope, imagination, creativity, fantasy, the fulfillment of wishes, elevation of standards, an ideal partner, and a beautiful romance. It represents that when hope infuses your career with energy, your prospects will become infinitely promising. Emotionally, you are brimming with self-assurance and optimism about your relationship. You believe in your ability to take the initiative and pursue your partner wholeheartedly—and it is very likely that you two are destined to be together.

Reversed Position

When drawn reversed, the card signifies: Setbacks, disappointment, aiming too high, unrealistic fantasies, panic, unfulfilled wishes, job dissatisfaction, a pessimistic outlook, a secret romance, and a life lacking love. In your career, do not rely entirely on what others can give you—for the flame of hope still burns within your heart. True motivation for growth can only come from yourself. Emotionally, you and your partner struggle to trust each other, unable to fully entrust your hearts to one another. Perhaps taking a step back and calming down together will help you find a solution, for the answer lies deep within both of you.