All About the Star

Anthony Louis is well known for his objective and full understanding of the tarot. That is one reason Llewellyn asked him to author this book, Llewellyn’s Complete Book of Tarot, for their series “Llewellyn’s Complete Books.” In addition to tons of general information about tarot and its various schools (such as Marseilles, Rider Waite Smith, and Thoth), he also provides a great overview of the individual cards, including their historical meanings. It is really fascinating to trace the evolution of the changes in cards meanings. Here is an example from the book:

Key XVII: The Star.

Astrology: Aquarius, the Water Bearer (an Air sign ruled by Saturn and Uranus).

Dates of Aquarius: 20 January – 17 February (tropical); 13 February – 13 March (sidereal).

Element: Air.

Hebrew letter: Tsadhe, Tsade, Tzaddi, or Tsadiq (a trail leading to a destination, or a figure lying on its side; a Hebrew word meaning a stronghold built on the side of a mountain; also a journey, desire, need; to chase, hunt, catch, or capture; just or righteous). The Star of Bethlehem provided a trail that led the Magi to the birthplace of Jesus. The Hebrew letter is also said to resemble a fishing hook. Aleister Crowley pairs the Star with the letter He which the Golden Dawn, in contrast, associates with the Emperor.

Myths/Archetypes: The Star of Bethlehem. The Fairy Godmother. The Egyptian sky-goddess Nuit (aka Nut, Neuth, Newet). Aquarius, the Water Bearer.

Mathers (1888): Hope, expectation, bright promises; (R) hopes not fulfilled, expectations disappointed or fulfilled in a minor degree.

Waite (1911): Loss, theft, privation, abandonment; another reading says: hope and bright prospects; (R) arrogance, haughtiness, impotence.

Golden Dawn: Faith, hope, help coming from unexpected sources; when ill-dignified, false hopes, dreaminess.

Keywords (+): Hope, support, bright prospects, a guiding light, a trail leading to a destination, faith in a better future, inspiration, clarity, peace, tranquility, the possibility of improvement, opportunity for renewal, following a righteous path, the light at the end of the tunnel.

Keywords (-): Loss of hope, pessimism, expectations not met, neglected opportunities, lack of trust in the future, refusal to accept helpful guidance.

Star Upright

When upright, the Star trump offers hope and support after the disruption of the Tower card. You are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. You have located a trail leading to your destination. There is a promise of peace and tranquility if you continue on your current path. Help may materialize from unexpected sources. You can proceed with the faith that the future holds brighter prospects. As Marcus Tullius Cicero said some two thousand years ago, “Where there is life, there is hope.”

Star Reversed

When reversed, the Star card suggests that you are not feeling hopeful about a positive outcome. You may be suffering a crisis of faith or be feeling beset by doubts that things will not work out in the end. Now is a time to assess your situation realistically and banish any false hopes or expectations based on illusion. Are you able to see the glass only as being half-empty? Are you unable to recognize the guiding trail beneath your feet? Keep in mind the moral of Aesop’s fable: the gods help those who help themselves.