The Star: Hope Fueled by Imagination

When we traverse imaginary realms we are not bound by space and time. Through the ages this realm has been called the collective unconscious, the subconscious and the astral plane. All that is required to harness this vast Universe is desire and a vivid imagination.

The Star Card, or Star Arcana, is a powerful reminder to look beyond what can be perceived with our five senses and break through to higher states of being. It asks us to suspend our disbelief and be mindful of instances of intuition, inspiration and discovery that flow through us from the collective unconscious. This card asks us to embrace and engage the power of hopefulness.

On the face of most contemporary Star Cards, a naked woman kneels beside a pool. One foot is in the water and the other is on the land. She pours water from 2 vessels or urns. From one urn she pours water back into the pool and from the second urn she pours water onto the lush, fertile land. One large star and seven smaller stars adorn the sky. In a tree, a sacred bird oversees all actions below.

The pool is representative of the collective unconscious or astral plane while the land represents the material realm. The nude maiden, envoy of the Goddess of Nature, renews both.

Pouring water is reminiscent of Aquarius and is associated with inspiration and benevolence. Pouring the water back into the pool causes ripples symbolizing the continual outflow and reabsorption of energy throughout the Universe. The five streams flowing from the water poured upon the land signify the five senses with which we all experience the material world.

The nude or natural maiden is innocence personified and the truth of the cosmos unveiled. Her youthful features that hope truly does spring eternal and the renewal and replenishment she provides can be clearly seen in the green lushness of the land.

Through the ages, the origin and meaning of the largest of the eight stars has changed as mythologies have evolved. Whether it is interpreted as Sirius, the star of Isis, the Masonic L’Etoile Flamboyante or the Star of Bethlehem one thing has remained constant: it is symbolic of all the shining hope and possibilities that the future may hold.

Likewise, the seven smaller stars may represent the seven known planets of the ancient world or the seven chakras. Regardless of their scholarly interpretation, their presence indicates transcendence beyond normal human limitations.

The on looking bird greatly resembles an Ibis, which is thought to guard the heavens.

The Star Card should be studied relative to its position in the Tarot spread. If it is in the past position, it may represent an inspiration or idea that led you to your current predicament. If it is in the present position, it more than likely indicates inspiration, new ideas and big changes. In the future position, it asks you to remain hopeful even in situations that may on their face seem hopeless.