The Star is card XVII, the gentle light after the storm of the Tower. It's one of the most hopeful cards in the deck: a promise of healing, renewal and quiet faith in the future.
On this page
What's on the The Star card
A naked woman kneels beside a pool under a night sky. One large eight-pointed star shines above her, surrounded by seven smaller stars. She pours water from one jug into the pool and from another onto the land, where it runs in five streams. Behind her, a bird perches in a tree on a gentle hill.
- The great star: hope and guidance shining through the dark
- Water poured on land and pool: nourishing both body and spirit
- Her nakedness: openness, honesty and having nothing to hide
- The bird in the tree: the spirit lifting, and new thoughts taking flight
The Star upright meaning
Upright, the Star says you're healing. After a hard time, things are calmer and brighter, and it's safe to hope again. It's a card of inspiration and renewed faith in yourself, the Goddess and the future.
The Star also encourages you to share your light: create, dream and pour your gifts out freely. It's a beautiful card for wish magick, star and moon work, and any spell for healing or hope.
The Star reversed meaning
Reversed, the Star shows discouragement. You may have lost faith, feel disconnected from your dreams or find it hard to believe things will get better. Your light hasn't gone out; it's just hidden behind clouds.
Be gentle with yourself and look for small sources of hope: time in nature, a kind friend, a few minutes under the night sky. Hope often returns quietly.
Not every reader uses reversals. If you don't, read the upright meaning and let the cards around it show whether the energy is flowing or blocked.
The Star in love
Upright: Healing in love, hope after heartbreak, or a relationship with a deep spiritual connection. A good time to open your heart.
Reversed: Feeling disappointed in love or losing faith that things can improve. Care for your own heart first.
The Star in career and money
Upright: Inspiration, a dream job within reach, creative work and recognition. Finances recover.
Reversed: Lack of motivation, feeling stuck or doubting your path. Reconnect with why you started.
The Star as feelings
As feelings, the Star shows someone who feels hopeful, inspired and deeply peaceful with you. They may see you as someone special who helps them heal. Reversed, they may feel discouraged, insecure or unsure about the future.
Is The Star a yes or no card?
Yes. The Star is a hopeful yes: what you're wishing for is possible. Reversed, it leans toward "not yet" while you rebuild your faith.
The Star correspondences
Use these when you work with the card in spells, on your altar or in meditation. The element and zodiac sign follow the classic attributions used by most tarot readers; the crystals, herbs and colors are common modern pairings. Tap any of them to read more in The Witch's Cabinet.
| Element | Air |
|---|---|
| Zodiac sign | Aquarius |
| Crystals | Clear Quartz Aquamarine |
| Herbs and incense | Star Anise Jasmine |
| Candle colors | Silver Candle Blue Candle |
A Star Wish Spell
Do this outside on a clear night, or by a window where you can see the sky.
You will need:
- A silver or white candle (or a battery candle outdoors)
- A small bowl of water
- A star anise pod
- A slip of paper and a pen
Steps:
- Find the brightest star you can see.
- Write your wish on the paper and place the star anise on top.
- Hold the bowl of water up to the sky for a moment, then set it down beside the candle.
- Say: Star of hope, light of the night, carry my wish and keep it bright.
- Pour the water onto a plant or the earth in the morning, and keep the paper and star anise on your altar until the wish comes true.
Never leave a burning candle unattended, and keep flames away from curtains, dried herbs and pets.
The Star FAQs
What does the Star mean in tarot?
The Star means hope, healing, renewal and inspiration. It follows the Tower and promises calm and faith in the future after a difficult time.
Is the Star a yes or no card?
The Star is a hopeful yes. Reversed, it suggests waiting while you rebuild your confidence and faith.
What does the Star mean in love?
In love, the Star points to healing, hope after heartbreak and a deep spiritual connection. Reversed, it can mean disappointment or lost faith in love.
What does the Star mean as feelings?
As feelings, the Star shows someone who feels hopeful, peaceful and inspired by you. Reversed, they may feel discouraged or insecure.
Keep learning the tarot
See every card on our tarot card meanings page, or read all 22 trumps side by side in the Major Arcana explained. New to reading? Start with our guide to cleansing a tarot deck and divination for beginners. When you're ready to read with confidence, our Tarot course teaches every card, spread and reading technique step by step.