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Tarot Talk: The Star

By Katrina Rasbold

The Star card, numbered XVII in the Major Arcana, is one of the most optimistic and inspiring cards in the Tarot deck. Illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith under the guidance of Arthur Edward Waite, the Star radiates themes of hope, renewal, and spiritual enlightenment. Its deep symbolism and artistic nuances make it a profound card to interpret in readings, offering insights into healing, guidance, and inner harmony.

Visual Elements and Their Symbolism

Pamela Colman Smith’s artwork for the Star card in the Rider-Waite-Smith deck is rich with esoteric meaning, drawing from mystical traditions, astrology, and nature symbolism.

  1. The Naked Woman: At the center of the image, a serene, naked woman kneels by a pool of water. Her nudity represents purity, vulnerability, and authenticity—she has nothing to hide and is in complete harmony with her surroundings. She embodies the essence of renewal, stripped of worldly concerns, and freely giving and receiving cosmic energy.
  2. Two Water Vessels: The woman holds two pitchers of water, pouring one into the pool and the other onto the land. This act symbolizes the continuous flow of divine inspiration and the balance between the subconscious (water) and the conscious (earth). The nourishing water on land also suggests the spread of blessings and the renewal of life.
  3. The Seven Small Stars and One Large Star: Above the woman shines a large radiant star, accompanied by seven smaller stars. The large star is often associated with celestial guidance and the divine, representing the North Star or a guiding light in one’s spiritual journey. The seven smaller stars correspond to the seven chakras, indicating inner balance and alignment with higher consciousness.
  4. The Lush Greenery: In contrast to the barrenness of the Tower card that precedes it, the Star card is filled with lush plants and a fertile landscape. This visual shift signifies recovery, growth, and the return of peace after turmoil.
  5. The Bird in the Tree: A small bird perches on a tree in the background, which some interpret as the Ibis, a sacred bird linked to the Egyptian god Thoth, the deity of wisdom and writing. This reinforces themes of divine knowledge and communication with the higher self.

Interpretation in Readings

The Star card is a beacon of hope and spiritual renewal. Depending on its position in a spread, it can carry different nuances:

  • Upright Position:
    • A time of healing and personal growth.
    • Divine inspiration and alignment with one’s higher purpose.
    • Reassurance that the universe supports your journey.
    • A period of optimism and newfound faith in oneself and the world.
    • Encouragement to express creativity and authenticity freely.
  • Reversed Position:
    • Feelings of disillusionment or lack of faith.
    • A warning of self-doubt or losing sight of one’s inner light.
    • Blockages in creativity or difficulty finding inspiration.
    • A need for self-care and reconnection with spiritual practices.

Astrological and Numerological Connections

The Star card is associated with Aquarius, the visionary and humanitarian zodiac sign ruled by Uranus. Aquarius symbolizes innovation, enlightenment, and the desire to uplift humanity, aligning well with the Star card’s themes of guidance and universal connection.

Numerologically, XVII (17) reduces to 8 (1+7), a number of strength, balance, and cosmic order. This connection highlights the equilibrium between inner wisdom and the external world, as well as resilience after hardship.

Mythological and Esoteric Links

The Star is linked to various myths and spiritual traditions:

  • The Greek myth of Pandora, where hope remained in the jar after all troubles were released.
  • The Star of Bethlehem, which guided the Wise Men to enlightenment.
  • The concept of the divine feminine in various goddess traditions, symbolizing nourishment, guidance, and renewal.

~*~

Pamela Colman Smith’s depiction of the Star card is a masterpiece of esoteric symbolism, offering a message of hope, renewal, and divine inspiration. Whether appearing in a reading as a sign of healing or a call to trust the universe, the Star reminds us that after darkness, light always emerges. It is a card of faith, a promise that the universe is conspiring in our favor, guiding us toward our highest potential.

Want to join the conversation about the Hermit card? Go to the Green Egg Forum and scroll for the forum post that relates to this article: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1069823176940972

Katrina Rasbold is a professional Witch, published author, priestess, and editor of Green Egg Magazine. She and her husband, Eric, are the creators of the CUSP spiritual path and owners of Crossroads Occult. She is the author of Tarot For Real People. You can reach her through www.katrinarasbold.com.