17 The Star
In the traditional deck...
The Star represents hope, inspiration, and spiritual guidance after a period of darkness or turmoil. This card typically appears after The Tower's destruction, offering healing, renewal, and faith in the future. The Star symbolizes divine inspiration, inner peace, and the quiet confidence that comes from being aligned with your higher purpose. The traditional imagery shows a figure pouring water under starlight, representing the flow of spiritual energy and the restoration of faith after devastation. The Star brings messages of hope, suggesting that your darkest hour has passed and that you can now see the guiding light that will lead you toward your destiny. This card emphasizes trust in the universe's plan, even when you cannot see the complete path ahead, and reminds you that you are guided and protected by forces greater than yourself.
In the Shakespeare deck...
Ferdinand from The Tempest embodies The Star's essence as a pure, guiding light in a play filled with shipwrecked souls and lost characters. When he washes ashore on Prospero's island after the storm, he represents hope emerging from chaos and destruction. For Miranda, who has never seen another young person, Ferdinand literally embodies her "brave new world"—he is the star that illuminates new possibilities and transforms her isolated existence into one filled with love and promise. His noble nature, gentle spirit, and genuine love provide a beacon of hope and renewal in a story where other characters struggle with revenge, manipulation, and moral confusion. Ferdinand's willingness to perform humble labor for love, and his pure intentions toward Miranda, demonstrate The Star's message that authentic hope comes from remaining true to your highest values even in difficult circumstances.
Interpretation...
When The Star appears, you're entering a period of healing, hope, and renewed faith after experiencing difficulties or setbacks. Like Ferdinand bringing light and love to Miranda's isolated world, you may be discovering new possibilities that seemed impossible before recent challenges stripped away old limitations. This card suggests that you're being guided toward your true path by forces greater than yourself, and that maintaining faith in positive outcomes will help manifest them. The Star reminds you to trust your intuition and higher guidance, especially when logic alone cannot show you the way forward. This is a time for healing, inspiration, and allowing yourself to believe in beautiful possibilities again, knowing that you're supported by both seen and unseen help.
Advice...
Trust that hope and healing are emerging after your recent difficulties
Allow yourself to believe in beautiful possibilities again
Follow your intuition and inner guidance toward new opportunities
Remain true to your highest values even when circumstances are challenging
Be open to unexpected sources of inspiration and renewal
Share your light with others who may also be finding their way
Have faith that you're being guided toward your true purpose and destiny