Meaning
The Star (XVII) is one of the most beautiful archetypes in the Marseille tarot. It represents trust, hope, and inspiration. The sun at the top of the image is a key symbol of this arcane, evoking divine light that illuminates the world.
In its traditional iconography, The Star depicts a woman seated on an ornate chair, surrounded by two putti (small angels) wearing floral crowns. The sun shines above her, and she holds a scepter adorned with rubies in her right hand, while a horn of plenty filled with fruits and riches is placed at her feet.
This medieval and alchemical image symbolizes the power of divine femininity, spiritual intelligence, and the manifestation of beauty in the world. It also evokes grace and gentleness that can be brought by self-confidence and providence.
In a contemporary context, The Star continues to evoke themes of trust, hope, and inspiration. It reminds us that by relying on our inner light, we can accomplish great things and bring positive illumination into our relationships and daily lives.
Inverted Meaning
When it appears inverted, The Star may indicate a certain form of illusion or vanity. The querent might be about to be carried away by unrealistic or impractical expectations.
In an inverted reading, The Star also underscores the importance of ensuring that ambitions and desires are not guided by naive or inappropriate faith. This can be a call for vigilance to avoid mistaking objectives or following dreams without real foundation.
Keywords
| Polarity | Keywords |
|---|---|
| Upright | Trust, hope, inspiration, light, sun, divine woman, positive manifestation |
| Reversed | Illusion, vanity, passive waiting, naive faith |
When this card appears in a reading
The Star upright may indicate that the querent is about to enter a new phase of their life where self-trust and trust in providence will be crucial. It can also suggest they are ready to share their talents and knowledge with others or show creativity in a personal project.
In a relational context, The Star could mean the querent is about to meet someone who will bring them support, love, and energy. This may also indicate that they are prepared to share their feelings with another person.
Regarding professional life, The Star can suggest a promising future for the querent. It might encourage them to seek employment or an enterprise where they can fully express their creativity and talents.
