LEARN TO DO YOUR OWN TAROT READINGSThe Star - Card 17 in The Major Arcana
A crouching, naked, blond haired woman leans forward and pours water from a ewer into a lake. At the same time from a ewer in her other hand she pours water onto the earth surrounding the lake. In the middle distance on a hill there is a tree with a bird in the branches. In the far distance there are mountains. Above the female figure there is one large central golden star flanked on the left by four silver stars and on the right by three silver stars.
The Rider Waite deck shows the figure in the star as a woman. In earlier decks the sex of the figure was not obvious. It is possible that the card is derived from an illustration called "Crepuscolo della Mattina" (twilight of the morning) from a 16th century book of images called Iconologae compiled by Cesare Ripa. It shows a winged figure of indeterminate sex holding an upended torch and a jar. There is a swallow and a star above his head.
Another connection could be with the mediaeval mystery play called 'Star' which portrayed the Three Wise Men being led by the Star of Bethlehem.
This card in a reading:
Upright: The Star represents the light of hope which can guide the querent through the darkness of troubled times. Stars can help to fix a position, they can be relied upon for guidance and light. When all seems lost surrender to the Star's promise of help.
Reversed: Arrogance, haughtiness.
Summary: There IS light at the end of the tunnel.
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