The peaceful and beautiful image portrayed by the Star usually depicts a naked woman pouring water into a pool, and onto the land beside her. Seven stars shine in the sky above, while one larger star gleams in their midst. The Pleiades, or Seven Sisters, is a constellation of seven stars, which has been venerated by a number of cultures. The Ancient Greeks believed that they were the souls of seven maidens, or a flock of seven doves to which Aphrodite gave birth. The Romans referred to them as the 'Virgins of Spring', for they rise during May and herald the most fertile time of year. Red Indian myths also refer to the Pleiades. The Dakota tribe say that these stars are the homes of their ancestors, and that the spirits of the dead return there. The Iroquois address prayers for happiness to them, believing that the stars represent seven young people whose job it is to guard the holy seed during the night. The larger star may be intended to represent fusion and transcendence. It is also said to refer to Ishtar, a powerful goddess, who was worshipped for more than two thousand years in the Middle East. She is linked with Aphrodite, and presided over many things - including healing, eroticism and agricultural prosperity. The sign of Aquarius, the water bearer, is the eleventh sign of the zodiac. Aquarius represents the blending of intuition - symbolised by water - and reason, symbolised by this sign's airy element. It is a sign associated with humanitarian ideals, inventiveness, and progressive thinking of every kind. The eleventh house traditionally denotes groups, societies, friendships, hopes and wishes - or ideals. Seventeen, the number of the Star, was believed to be a very lucky number. Those born on the 17th were supposed to be intuitive, and destined to be wealthy. It was also said to be the number of immortality, beauty, self-expression and hope. Today, many people still like to 'wish upon a star', for it is an enduring symbol of hope. Interpretation The Star The Star is a favourable and positive card. The old saying 'where there's life, there's hope' is particularly relevant to this image, for it signifies new life and renewed faith. When you draw this card in a reading you will be filled with hope. You gain fresh insight into an old problem, and are full of energy. Physical or mental wounds heal, vitality is restored, and your horizons open up. You may be able to heal others, inspire them, or make them feel better about themselves in some way. If you are in need of such things, then the Star suggests that help will soon arrive from an unexpected direction. Sometimes, the Star indicates a trip to the country or the need for more contact with nature. If you live in a city it is very easy to lose touch with the seasons, plants, birds and animals. These things can have a very healing influence on us, and the appearance of the star indicates that much pleasure and joy can be gained from nature now. When the Star relates to work, or personal interests, it usually refers to typically Aquarian concerns. These include human rights, equality of the sexes, all 'green' environmental issues, and organisations whose aim is to help others. You may find yourself involved with such movements on a practical level, or become increasingly concerned about them. When this card refers to a relationship, it suggests a joyful and balanced partnership. A good sexual relationship is indicated, as your needs are balanced and you make each other happy. Reversed Your bright hopes seem to have been dashed. You may feel depressed and pessimistic about the future, or doubt your own abilities. This mood could stem from actual events, or simply from exhaustion - you will know which it is if you think about it. There is considerable tension in this position, and a stubborn refusal to let go. You may not be able to relax easily, and feel tired and generally fed up. The Star's message is still one of hope, however. The world will not cease to turn if you take a break. In terms of a relationship, problems may come about through lack of trust in each other. Sexually, this can manifest as insecurity or difficulties with one's sexual identity. You, or your partner, may feel cut off, detached and unable to express love naturally and spontaneously. Again, tension and self-doubt may have a great deal to do with this obstacle. 0 - The Fool 1 - The Magician 2 - The High Priestess 3 - The Empress 4 - The Emperor 5 - The Hierophant or Pope 6 - The Lovers 7 - The Chariot 8 - Justice 9 - The Hermit 10 - The Wheel of Fortune 11 - Strength 12 - The Hanged Man 13 - Death 14 - Temperance 15 - The Devil 16 - The Tower 17 - The Star 18 - The Moon 19 - The Sun 20 - Judgment 21 - The World