XVII · The Star
Key points of this lesson
Roman numeral XVII
This is the Star's place in the deck. Seventeen is the rebuilding and hope that follow the destruction of sixteen (the Tower) — a new beginning, and inspiration.
Central eight-pointed star
The great eight-pointed star stands for hope, inspiration and guidance. Its eight points stand for balance and regeneration — the light of cosmic wisdom.
Yellow = wisdom, light, hope.
Seven small white stars
The seven stars around the great one stand for the seven planets or the seven chakras, marking inner harmony and spiritual illumination, and pointing the way to higher wisdom.
White = purity, truth, the sacred.
Nude woman
Nakedness stands for purity, authenticity and vulnerability — dropping the disguise and returning to what is real. She merges with nature, open and without self-interest.
The same symbol also appears in
- XXI The World · nude figure · Also a naked woman: in the World she stands for completion and attainment, in the Star for innocence and hope.
Left hand pouring into the pool
The left hand stands for the subconscious and intuition; pouring water into the pool returns inspiration and feeling to the inner depths, nourishing the soul.
Right hand pouring onto the land
The right hand stands for consciousness and action; pouring water onto the earth carries inspiration and hope into the real world, feeding the ground into abundance and new life.
Pool and flowing water
Water stands for emotion, the subconscious and intuition. The ripples in the pool mark the movement of feeling and the cycling of life force.
The same symbol also appears in
- XIV Temperance · water between two cups · In Temperance the water links two cups, stressing balance and fusion; in the Star it feeds land and pool, stressing hope and healing.
Bird in the tree
The bird in the tree is often read as an ibis, the sacred bird of Thoth, god of wisdom. It stands for freedom, hope and the singing of the soul — a message from the spiritual level and guidance from above.
Distant mountains
The far range stands for challenges, goals and future hope. Remote as they are, they set the direction and keep you walking.
Green earth
The green ground stands for vitality, growth and abundance — the root of hope, and life force returning after hardship.
Green = nature, life, healing.
Blue sky
The wide blue sky stands for limitless possibility, calm and spiritual clarity. It is the wellspring of hope and inspiration.
Blue = calm, wisdom, spirit.
Two urns
The two vessels stand for the balance of conscious and subconscious, matter and spirit. They are the tools that carry the water of life to everything that grows.
Shrubs on the ground
The small shrubs and flowers stand for the vitality of the natural world: even on ground that looks barren, hope and growth are still there.
Element of air
The Star is tied to air, standing for thought, inspiration, communication and hope. It brings clear insight and a new angle of view.