MAJOR ARCANA · CARD 17
The Star tarot card meaning
The Star is card seventeen of the Major Arcana and comes right after The Tower. After the upheaval comes calm, healing and renewed hope. It is one of the most comforting cards in the deck.
In a reading, The Star suggests that the worst is over and things are gently improving. It favors faith in the future, self-care and following what inspires you. The card does not promise instant results, but it does promise that light is returning.
The Star upright meaning
Upright, The Star brings hope, healing and renewal. If you have been through a hard time, this card says you are recovering. It encourages you to rest, believe in yourself and follow what inspires you. It is a good card for creativity, wellness and setting intentions for the future.
The Star upright in love & relationships
In love, The Star points to healing, honesty and a hopeful connection. After heartbreak, it suggests you are ready to open up again. In a relationship, it brings peace and renewed trust.
The Star upright in career & work
At work, it favors inspiration, creative work and recognition coming over time. Follow the work that feels meaningful.
The Star upright in money & finances
Financially, The Star suggests recovery and improving prospects. Keep your plans realistic, but trust that things are getting better.
The Star reversed meaning
Reversed, The Star can point to discouragement, low faith or feeling disconnected from what inspires you. You may be too tired or hurt to feel hopeful. The card asks you to be gentle with yourself and look for small sources of light: rest, nature, people who care about you, a small win.
The Star reversed in love & relationships
In love, the reversal may show lingering hurt or difficulty trusting again. Healing takes time; do not rush it.
The Star reversed in career & work
At work, it may describe losing motivation or feeling uninspired. Reconnect with why you started.
The Star reversed in money & finances
With money, it can show pessimism about finances. Look at the facts, which may be better than they feel.
Is The Star a yes or no card?
Yes upright · Maybe reversed
Upright, The Star is a hopeful yes: things are healing and moving in a good direction. Reversed, it is a maybe while hope is low, so reconnect with what you believe in before deciding.
The Star symbolism and imagery
On the Rider–Waite–Smith card, a naked woman kneels by a pool beneath a night sky. She pours water from one jug into the pool and from another onto the land, where it flows in five streams. A large eight-pointed star shines above her, surrounded by seven smaller stars, and a bird perches in a tree behind her.
Her nakedness suggests openness and vulnerability without fear. Pouring water into the pool and onto the land shows renewal flowing to both the emotional and the practical parts of life. The great star is a guiding light, and the bird is often read as hope or the soul.
The Star in a reading
In a past position, The Star may mark a time of recovery. As an outcome, it suggests hope and healing. After The Tower, it is the classic sign of rebuilding. Next to the Six of Swords, moving on leads to peace.
Notable combinations
- The Star + The Tower: Upheaval followed by healing. The worst is behind you.
- The Star + Ace of Cups: Emotional renewal. A fresh start for the heart.
- The Star + The Moon: Hope, but uncertainty too. Trust yourself while things become clearer.
Tarot is a tool for reflection and entertainment, not a prediction of fixed events or a substitute for medical, legal or financial advice.