17 The Star

Epiphany

This is the card that signifies 'the light at the end of the tunnel' – it follows The Tower, and so perhaps all has been lost and we must rebuild, or perhaps it represents the spark of a new idea, a vision of ourselves, or a person we've met whom we'd like to get closer to. In any case, we are feeling some sort of lack or we're searching for direction in our lives; our desire is for fulfillment and to bask in the sunshine of that distant speck. It's there, this we know – what is needed is to move closer to it so that we immerse in its light and warmth - the Star gives us the incentive and the fortitude of spirit necessary to start moving and keep going. This to some may be interpreted as 'faith' – but faith can be placed upon something illusory; it's important to use all of our faculties to decide whether this distant light is more than a dream, that it is within our capability of attaining. Further, if it is attainable, is it the right thing for us to attain? Only our wisdom and judgment can guide us here, but remember the lesson of the Hanged Man, and allow divine guidance in – in a short time we should be able to see if this thing that seems to be destined is really in our destiny, or not. We all walk our own path, and it's easy to latch onto another's star, especially when we're young. Many people are led astray as such, and follow the glitter of an object, rather than seek out the heart of it. Our intuition should be able to tell us if something is a comfortable fit, or if we would have to stretch ourselves unnaturally – if you feel you could actually be the character and not just play the role, then chances are good that it's your star – keep the faith – but always remember what Don Juan told Carlos: 'follow the path with a heart.'

The same principles apply if a complete calamity has destroyed our old way of living – how are we going to rebuild? Are we going to basically reconstruct what we had, or shall we use the opportunity to re-invent ourselves and move into a new sense of self? All the same questions should be asked - what would I really like? Would it be right for me? Is it my own idea, or a mass-prefab tract-home idea? Will the direction I'll eventually choose to go have a heart? Search around in the dusty old memory banks for any long-abandoned dreams we might have had when we were young, about 'what we wanted to be when we grew up.' Maybe we can still be that thing, or some of that thing. Let the Star be your muse, reflect way out there into the sky to see what might be possible; use the mind as a crystal ball. And let's not forget what Sly Stone so melodically told us: 'Everybody is a Star.'

By Ananda G. Brady copyright 2011