The Mysteries of the Stars in Tarot: Reflections
"E uscimmo a riveder le stelle" - Dante Alighieri
The phrase "E uscimmo a riveder le stelle" (And we emerged to see the stars again) is the famous concluding line of the Inferno in Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy (Canto XXXIV, line 139). This verse marks the moment when Dante and Virgil, after traversing all the torments of Hell, finally emerge from the deep darkness and return to the light of the starry sky.
The symbolic meaning of this phrase is profound and universal. Here, the stars represent hope, redemption, and rebirth after a long period of suffering and hardship. Having endured the trials of Hell, Dante finds comfort in seeing the stars again, a sign that the worst is over and that a new beginning is possible. The stars symbolize the beauty and cosmic order that contrasts with the infernal chaos, and they also represent the divine light that guides mankind toward the path of salvation.
This phrase, rich in spiritual significance, can also be read as an invitation to hope for those going through dark times. After darkness, there is always the possibility of returning to the light, of finding direction again, and of reconnecting with the divine and the sublime.
The Star card is one of the most fascinating and symbolically rich figures in the Tarocchino Bolognese and other tarot traditions. Through a complex interplay of religious, philosophical, and mythological symbols, this card offers a profound reflection on spiritual guidance, rebirth, and purity, themes that resonate across different cultures and historical periods. But what makes the Star card so special?
In this article, we will explore its symbolic roots and ancient Christian numerology.
In the Tarocchino Bolognese, the Star card depicts the Magi, known for following the comet to Bethlehem, where Jesus was born. This biblical event has become a powerful symbol of divine guidance and hope, akin to an ancient version of a "GPS," as we might whimsically describe it today. The comet is not just a sign of direction, but also represents the connection between the earthly and the celestial realms, a bridge between the human and the divine. This symbolism underscores the idea of a light guiding us through the darkness of uncertainty, leading us towards spiritual fulfillment.
The Number Eight: Union of Earth and Divinity
Another central element of the Star card is the eight-pointed star (as you can see from the image on top). In Christian numerology, this number is called Ogdoade and holds significant symbolic value. If God created the universe in six days and rested on the seventh, the eighth day represents the true completion of creation, the fulfillment of the divine work.
The number eight unites the earthly and divine planes. Earth, with its four elements, four seasons, and four winds, is symbolized by the square; the divine, on the other hand, is represented by the circle, a symbol with no beginning or end. The union of these two symbols creates the number eight, which not only represents the completion of Christian life (not surprisingly, many baptismal fonts are octagonal) but also becomes a powerful symbol of spiritual rebirth and regeneration.
The 15th-Century Woodcut and the Stars in Tarot
An important representation of the Star card dates back to the late 15th century and is now housed at Yale University. This woodcut, which influenced many later tarot decks, features a large central star surrounded by four smaller stars. Beside them stands a Naiad, a nymph of spring waters, kneeling as she pours honey from two pitchers into a pool of water. A small eight-pointed star also appears on the Naiad's shoulder, further emphasizing the symbolic connection to purity and generation.
But what does the honey symbolize? According to Neoplatonic tradition, as revived by the philosopher Porphyry in his De Antro Nimpharum (The Cave of the Nymphs), honey represents the seductive power of pleasure, which invites generation and birth. Nymphs, in particular, symbolize souls descending from above to enter the physical world, bringing with them the purity of water, a vital and purifying element.
Venus: The Goddess of Birth and Love
The Star card is not only associated with souls and purification but also with birth in a more earthly sense. In a 16th-century tarot deck housed in Rouen, for example, the goddess Venus is depicted emerging from the sea, an image that directly references the myth of her birth.
For the Sumerians, Venus was known as "the one who shows the way to the stars," a symbol of guidance and generation. As the goddess of love, she is intimately connected to the concept of birth, as love is seen as the primary force that moves the universe and gives rise to life. In this context, the Star card becomes a powerful symbol of rebirth, both physical and spiritual, where love and purity merge to create new life.
The Meaning of the Star Card in Cartomancy
In cartomancy, the Star card is considered one of the most favorable in the deck. It represents the soul, the birth of new opportunities, seductive pleasures, and harmony. Its energy is purifying and regenerative, symbolizing rebirth and the realization of new situations, relationships, or projects. The eight-pointed star, with its deep numerological significance, reinforces this idea of completeness and perfection, suggesting that every birth or transformation occurs in harmony with the universe.
The Star card, with its intricate layers of symbolism, connects the celestial and the terrestrial, the divine and the human, offering a message of hope, renewal, and guidance for those seeking spiritual and emotional clarity.
One of the most significant aspects of the Star card is the concept of objective hope. When this card appears in a reading, it doesn't merely symbolize a subjective desire or hope from the querent. Instead, it indicates the real possibility that a difficult situation will find a positive resolution. The presence of the Star carries with it the promise of a "clearing," a clear sign that the querent is on the verge of a turning point blessed by the stars.
Thus, the star represents the light at the end of the tunnel, a beacon of real and tangible hope signaling the end of adversity. This distinguishes it from other cards associated with hope, as here, the favor of the heavens is visible and directly influences the circumstances, illuminating the path ahead.
In conclusion, the Star card represents the favor of the heavens, divine protection, and the fortune that comes from a perfect astral alignment. It is the card of a favorable destiny, a symbol of harmony with higher forces, where the querent can expect difficulties to be resolved and the path ahead to be illuminated by the intervention of celestial energies.
The Star card is, therefore, a powerful confirmation that, even in the darkest moments, genuine hope exists, and the journey toward the light is always possible.