
XVII · Folio 18
Major Arcana · XVII
The Star
Upright
hope, · healing, · inspiration
After the storm, calm and faith return. You are being guided.
Reversed
discouragement, · lost faith, · disconnection
Hope feels far away. Small acts of care can rekindle the light.
Symbolism
The Star shows a naked woman kneeling at the edge of a pool under a sky with one great eight-pointed star and seven smaller ones. She pours water from one jug into the pool and from the other onto the land, where it splits into five streams. In the background, a bird sits in a tree. In the 1909 art, everything is calm and open: after the storm of The Tower, the night sky clears.
In general
The Star is the card of hope and healing. It shows up after a hard stretch, bringing calm, renewal and the belief that things can get better. It's about honesty, inspiration and reconnecting with what gives your life meaning, and it's one of the gentlest, brightest cards in the deck. Reversed, The Star shows hope that has been shaken: discouragement, exhaustion, or a hard time believing anything good is coming.
Yes or no
The Star pours water onto the land and into the pool: yes, with hope. This is a path of healing and trust. Reversed, the answer is maybe: the light is clouded, not gone.
In love
In a love reading, The Star points to hope and renewal: a love that brings peace, a relationship healing after a rough patch, or the willingness to love again.
If you're in a relationship, it speaks of making up, being honest with each other and enjoying a lighter time together. If you're single, The Star signals a time of recovery and openness: your heart is ready to believe again.
Reversed, The Star shows disillusionment, or trouble trusting again after being let down.
As feelings
As feelings, The Star means genuine affection and hope: this person sees the good in you, feels at peace around you and believes in what could grow between you. Reversed, the feeling is real but tired or unsure, and it needs time to shine again.
At work
At work, The Star often points to a time of inspiration and recovery: things looking up after a difficult period, a project that feels meaningful, recognition starting to come your way. Reversed, it shows a lack of motivation, or a feeling that your hard work is going unnoticed.
With money
With money, The Star points to a gradual recovery and realistic optimism: things are getting better, bit by bit. Reversed, it asks you not to lose hope, but also not to count on money that hasn't arrived yet.
In family and friendship
In family and friendship, The Star brings healing and reconciliation: relationships settling down, honest conversations, people supporting each other. Reversed, it shows old hurts that still need time to heal.
On the personal path
On a personal level, The Star asks you to be gentle with yourself and to believe again in what matters to you. It's a good time to rest, reconnect and let yourself dream again. Reversed, it shows hope running low: small, everyday acts of self-care can help rekindle the light.
Advice
As advice, The Star says: trust the healing and keep hope alive, one step at a time.
In the Celtic Cross positions
- The Present: after a hard time, there's hope, and healing has begun.
- The Challenge: the obstacle is learning to believe again after a disappointment.
- The Crown: you're looking for peace, renewal and a future that means something.
- The Foundation: underneath the question is a deep hope that never went out.
- The Recent Past: a period of healing is coming to an end.
- The Near Future: lighter, brighter days are on their way.
- Yourself: you're recovering, and your heart is opening up again.
- Your Environment: there's support and inspiration around you, and people who believe in you.
- Hopes and Fears: the hope that things will get better, and the fear of being let down again.
- The Outcome: this points to healing, renewed hope and peace.
Frequently asked questions
Is The Star a good card?
Yes, it's one of the most positive cards in the tarot. It's about hope, healing and faith in the future, especially after a difficult time.
What does The Star reversed mean?
The Star reversed points to discouragement, disillusionment or trouble believing things can get better. The light is clouded, not gone.
Is The Star a yes or no card?
Upright, The Star is a hopeful yes. Reversed, it's a maybe.
What does The Star mean for how someone feels about you?
That this person feels genuine affection for you and hope about where things could go. It's a calm feeling, one that brings peace.
See also The Tower, which comes right before The Star, and The Moon, which comes right after.

