January 21, 2001

Beginning last Friday the influence of the Sun in Aquarius is present. Although Aquarius in not a water sign (it is a fixed air sign), the representational icon is a human figure pouring water from a vessel. The water flowing freely represents the transformational aspects of Aquarius; the flowing water washes away errors, inequality, imbalance and injustice. By the force of the cascading water the old guard is cleansed away, meaningless traditions and rituals are scrubbed out; the inane, the meaningless, the outgrown, the hindrance are purged.

The days under the influence of Aquarius are a time of awakening. Awaking from spiritual somnolence to the truths of life and of moving towards a positive understanding of whom we are. The actions undertaken when the Sun is in Aquarius are tempered with logic and reason; thus our emotional responses are buffered from the necessary changes brought about as a result of our undertakings. Change seen as challenge, not as upheaval nor as threat.

Aquarius inspired changes are always interesting and most often innovative.

Although the creators of many modern and post-modern decks attribute other zodiacal influences to the card know as The Star (number 17) I see this card as the embodiment of Aquarius and of the Water Bearer.

Before me I have laid out the corresponding card from many decks: Tarot of Marseilles, Rider Waite Smith, Williams' Renaissance Tarot, Gendron, Thoth, the Ibis Tarot, Tarot of the Southwest Sacred Tribes. Each of these decks varies greatly in cultural influences and represent several hundred years of tarot evolution. Each, with the exception of the Gendron, depicts a woman pouring water from a vessel: Gendron's woman has water flowing from the tips of the fingers of her right hand.

The woman represents purity. Her water vessel(s) represent harmony and balance. Water, the lifeblood of the Earth, flows in a continuous stream to endow life to all it touches.

The inherent concepts of the cards before me are varied by circumstance, but are cohesive nonetheless: self-esteem, reputation, recognition, confidence, the power of speech, innovation, confidence, fulfillment...

The seven star-shapes on the majority of these cards represent the seven astrological planets. The larger central star on some of the cards represents the so-called Shepherd's Star of benevolent protection and guidance. Esoterically, this star is endowed with the potency of the goddess incarnate, not as the space around her, nor of the elements depicted, but as the personification of the Egyptian goddess Nuith, Our Lady of the Stars. Her cups as breast to nurture the world of mankind.

Another cohesive element between these widely varied decks is the inclusion of plants and animals. In the Ibis deck there is a butterfly sipping from a lotus blossom: the butterfly symbol of transformation and the human's power to change; the lotus, the Egyptian Source of All Life.

From my personal tarot table I give you the following:

When the FOOL encounters The STAR, intuition is fully realized. The FOOL is empowered by The STAR to transmute emotions to perceptions of great clarity and purpose. The lust of sexuality, and the impetus to procreate, discovered by The FOOL on The ROTA of The DEVIL, is moderated, and influenced, by recognizing the many sides of emotion and by the teachings of LIAISON.

The STAR gifts The FOOL with the actualization of complete and unquestioning self-trust. Precognition and prescience are instituted at this point. The effort becomes to externalize this newly recognized ability without undue pride or hubris. Self-satisfaction should never be allowed to become smugness. Conversely, false modesty is to be banished and the recognition of self -worth and confidence donned as a mantle.

An understanding of the power of the spoken word is embraced. Vocabulary and grammar are emphasized. The STAR in co-joined to the Hebrew letter Phe (an extension of the letter Beth) and expresses the ability of the organs of speech, the spoken word. In this expression, reputation and credibility can be either determined or destroyed by how thoughts and ideas are presented. Sloppy speaking habits and bad grammar are certain to undermine credibility. Reputation is oft times founded on how one speaks. Guard words well, use language with respect, speak efficiently, and candidly. Expression is the core lesson to be learned via The STAR. The MAGE enhances The FOOL'S power to communicate with skill.

The STAR'S confidence and innovation increase the inherent FORTITUDE of The FOOL. FORTITUDE coupled with the curiosity and initiative of The EMPEROR, the implementation of The HIEROPHANT, the immanence, virtue, and directive of The EREMITE, bolstered by the equilibrated power of The HANGED MAN, sees The FOOL well-prepared for the next part of the journey.

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