Stay Safe, Starchild Deck

The Fool

The Fool represents a new journey and a step into the unknown. It may indicate a new job, relationship, move, business, hobby, or travel. It has a naive, youthful energy and encourages you to do your own thing and not worry about what other people think. 

It also represents freedom and liberation. The bag on her back is small. This symbolizes baggage or experiences you are taking with you and the tools you need as you move ahead. Only take what you need, what still serves you, and leave the rest in the past. In this way, you will liberate yourself.

She carries a walking stick (wand), which symbolizes power or special talent. Because of its placement in the deck before the Magician, it is indicated that the Fool has this talent or power, but does not yet know how to use it. Keep this in your mind as you embark on your journey: you have the power in the situation or natural talent you will need, but you will have to go on this journey to learn how to use it. 

There are two cherubs overhead. These represent your guardian angels (often ancestors or loved ones who have passed), who will watch over you and guide you safely through your journey. They work in subtle ways, showing you signs and speaking through your intuition or “gut” feelings. You must stay present during your journey in order to notice and feel your guardian angels guiding you.

The Angel

/The Angel represents your connection to a high power or  the Divine. The Angel is a guardian, helping to keep you on your destined path (the place you are supposed to be). The Angel encourages you to listen to interventions and signs/nudges from the Divine.

• The Angel can be interpreted as an ancestor or loved one who has passed, who is acting as a guardian for you now.

• She can be read as saying you need to be more present to hear messages from the Divine.

Also indicates that you need to hear right now that you are never alone and you always have your angels to guide you.

The Angel Reversed

/You are closed off from your spiritual connection to the Divine. 

• Your spiritual health may be lacking or in need of  repair. 

• It is a negative indication for questions being asked.

The Magician

/The Magician symbolizes skill and talent. He’s ready to take control of his life and manifest what he desires the most. This card is all about intention and the ability to direct your energy to the things you want to accomplish, have, or be. The Infinity symbol represents unlimited potential, universal energy working for him.

He has everything he needs to make this dream happen.

The Fool Reversed

/Fear to take a risk, holding back, “playing small”. Instead of following your instincts, you are allowing fear to lead the way. 

• This can also be advising to look before you leap, that this new idea may not be a good one because you are too weighed down by responsibilities. It may not be wise to make a change. 

• Can also indicate naivete in a more negative way and even recklessness.

Can indicate bad timing.

The Magician Reversed

/The power becomes blocked, like a car that won’t turn on. This could come from laziness or lack of skill (not a lack of talent, but skill), not having the resources that you need. Unfocused energy.

You may be neglecting your gifts or misusing them to manipulate others. A warning against deceitful charm and self-serving motives.

/Symbolizes the need to follow your intuition. Stop looking for external opinions and instead follow your gut. 

• Some things in your life may be hidden or unseen, suggesting that you need to look under the surface of what’s really there. 

The energy of the card is passive. It suggests that you sit back, chill, be silent, wait until the time is right, wait until you get the sign.

/An inability to trust your instincts. 

• You may be mis-reading a situation or a person. 

You may have needed to act or speak but missed the opportunity.

/Blockage. 

• Lack of abundance. 

• lack of passion or a creative block. 

• an inability to take care of others or yourself. 

• relationship problems, means that it is time to seek help before it falls apart. 

• the cheating card.

• mother issues of any kind.

• trouble with expressing emotions or excessive emotions.

• overindulgence.

/Less stiff, more loving

• Losing your grip on power

• Abuse of power, control freak

• Lack of stability or security

• Marriage falling apart

• You may have father or authority issues

• Refusing to lead when needed

/Flowers represent abundance and growth. 

• Protection and love, protecting the ones we love. 

• Fertility and birth, can be a new idea or creative venture. 

• Creative energy. 

• The duties of caring for others, but she also cares for herself. 

• A time to explore passion or feelings. 

• A passionate relationship and being treated well by a partner. 

• If asking about prosperity or success, this card says yes, there will be abundance. 

• Feminine leadership like a matriarch or head of an organization.

/Commands the laws of society

• Father Archetype - a figure of severity

• Authority, steeping into authority role or dealing with authority figures

• Fatherhood of any kind

• law , order, stability, rules

• Work

• Power and control, could be you or someone else

• Emotional control

• A stable marriage, a good sign for formal commitment

• Harmony & unity in a relationship

• The trust and the unity that the lovers have gives each of them confidence and strength, empowering the other.

• marriage, and other close and intimate relationships.

• there may be a sacrifice that you must make in order to have this love

In regard to individuals:

• a choice between things that are opposing and mutually exclusive. 

• the development of your own personal belief systems, regardless of societal norms.

• Deciding what you are going to stand for, and what your philosophy in life will truly be. Deciding what you find important and unimportant in your life.

• Developing a strong sense of self and displaying authenticity

•  Disharmony can make daily life difficult and could be putting pressure on your relationships. 

• You should take time to think about what you are punishing yourself for, so you can forgive yourself and let it go.

• personal values and belief systems are not aligned with what you want from your life. 

• A break in communication 

• The foundation for your relationships may be cut off, creating an imbalance between you and your partner or loved ones. 

• You have been avoiding responsibility for your actions.

• Sign you are about to reach a victory

• Something is being conquered

• It’s a sign you are heading in the right direction, and in the right vehicle as you progress along your journey

• You are successfully getting a situation under control –for now– your willpower is pulling it together

• Losing control of a situation

• Energy is anxious

• Could be external circumstances or could be that you’ve lost sight of your goals or handed the reins over to someone else

• Giving up out of frustration

• Obstacles that derail a situation

• It may be time to let go of control

• Someone who is trying to bully to control a situation

Strength

Grace Under Pressure

• You’re facing your problems with great inner strength and courage

• Taming of inner demons like jealousy or addiction

• Grace under pressure

• Triumph of the human will

Strength Reversed

• Giving up

• Instead of facing the challenge, walking away

• Weakness or cowardice

• Passions and ego are stronger than will– we are overcome by our desires

• A power struggle

• Physical weakness/a loss of vitality

The Hermit

Isolation & Inner Wisdom

• Contemplation or meditation– turning inward for guidance

• A wise counselor, like a therapist or a teacher

• Learning a lesson from a situation you were in

The Hermit Reversed

• Not learning the crucial lesson from a situation

• Repeating past mistakes

• Immaturity or recklessness 

• Coming out of a time of solace or solitude

• Not being alone, being around others 

• Having trouble connecting with your own inner guidance

• Escapism or fear of people

The Wheel of Fortune

/Cycles of Life, Fate, & Destiny

• Symbolizes a change of fortune– things are beginning to turn in your favor

• Fate or destiny– things that are meant to be

• A pivotal change that might set you on a different course in life, usually for the better

The Wheel of Fortune Reversal

• A reversal of fortune

• A karmic cycle that needs to be repeated: you may not have learned from the consequences of your actions the first time around

• Bad karma– the consequences of past actions

• Refusing to accept a change

• Limbo– a situation where everything is up in the air and no one knows what the result will be

Justice

• Things have worked out the way they were supposed to– the reality now is the consequence of choices made in the past

• Karma 

• The law: divorce, crime– justice will be done 

• Demands truth and integrity from you

• Acting in accordance with your values

• A major decision that will have a big impact. If you are making a decision, weigh your options and make it with great care

Justice Reversal

• An unfair outcome– justice not being served

• Dishonesty or crooked behavior

• You may not be taking personal responsibility for your problems

• You may be blaming others for your issues

• Unfairly judging others

• Unfairness and inequality such as racism or homophobia

The Hanged Man

/Surrender & new perspective

Halo is a symbol of enlightenment. Sometimes we need to be in an uncomfortable position to see the truth of the situation.

• Surrender– letting go of your need for control

• Accepting a situation

• Faith needed when you are in an uncertain place and cannot do anything but trust in the universe and yourself

• Release: what are you ready and willing to let go of?

• A sacrifice for a loved one or to achieve a goal

• In a legal sense it symbolizes conviction

• Getting a new perspective on a situation

• Waiting– everything is in suspension at this time

The Hanged Man Reversal

• An inability to let go 

• Being hung up on something or someone

• Landing on your feet or getting back on your feet

• Someone who is not enlightened, can’t see others’ point of view

• The inability to free yourself from a situation

• The martyr– letting others keep you in a situation

Death

/Change, Rebirth, & Transformation

• It’s time to let go over the old let in the new

• An end is near and necessary

• Transformation 

• Depending on other cards can indicate a fear of change and even fear of death

“Death represents the end of a significant phase of cycle in your life, which is needed to make space for something new. It symbolizes rebirth and growth, even if it is painful”.

Death Reversal

• Limbo, maybe change isn’t coming

• Resistance to change

• Energy is stuck, you are avoiding rebirth and change

Temperance

/Balance & Healing that follows change

• Moderation– find the middle way

• Blending– “temperance” is derived from Latin temperature, this means to mix and blend properly

• Testing things out to find the right mix

• Healing and recuperation

• Balance in all things including taking a balanced approach to conflict

• If you are making a major decision, be patient and weigh all aspects

• Patience in general, taking no action at this time, wait this out

Temperance Reversal

• Extremism 

• A situation getting out of control

• The tipping point has arrived and things are not in a good place

• Indecision 

• Going from one extreme to another

• Inability to get a grip on your habits

The Devil

/You are being controlled by your inner demons– the chains are an illusion

• Bondage– a situation you can’t get out of

• Addiction 

• Being a slave to your desires

• In a question about choices it can indicate that you are choosing between the devil you know and the devil you don’t

• Great negativity or the presence of evil

The Devil Reversal

/Release or liberation

• A change has taken place– the end of a bad situation

• Facing your demons or bad situations

• Reclaiming your power and self-control

The Tower

/Upheaval & Unexpected Change

A lightning bolt signifies a major revelation or a wake up call. Can also indicate the death of the ego. Crown represents breaking free of your ego. Flames represent cleansing, everything burns clean.

• A major upheaval. Chaos, uncertainty. A shocking, unexpected change.

• The situation needs to completely fall apart so that it can be rebuilt.

• Liberation leading to freedom.

• Revolution.

• Throwing something out. Decluttering.

• Jumping out of a situation even when you don’t have a safety net.

• Ego death

The Tower Reversal

/A more subtle change

• A change has already happened and a period of rebuilding has started.

• Repression or the refusal to accept a change.

The Star

/Wishes coming true

• Peace and hope returning after a crisis. Things are in healing mode, and things are looking brighter.

• Positive thinking manifesting positive things.

• Looking on the bright side and trusting that things will be okay.

• Visibility and fame.

The Star Reversal

/Pessimism 

• Fear or an inability to see the options right in front of you

• Depression, a need to seek treatment

• Someone who has lost their way and needs their North Star

• An inability to be open; the water is blocked and your body becomes tired and depressed

• illness , you may need to see a healthcare practitioner

The Moon

/Mystery, something is uncertain

• You cannot see the path ahead and must rely on your instincts.

• Nothing makes sense. Illusion: nothing is as it seems.

• Fluctuating circumstances or something that is going through a change.

• Pay attention to your instincts and your dreams.

• An emotional rollercoaster– an intensely emotional time

• A dark night of the soul.

• Pause and reflect, get introspective

• Fear or danger. A warning of darkness ahead or hidden motives.

The Moon Reversal

/Clarity at last.

• Facing your fears

• Depending on other cards, an emotional crisis

The Sun

/Happiness and joy.

• Success and prosperity.

• A sign that things are looking up

• You have a lot to be grateful for 

• Something good is coming

The Sun Reversal

/It’s hard for you to see the good around you at this time.

• There are circumstances beyond your control that may be diluting your joy.

• Someone has brought a dark cloud into your life.

• Temporary burnout

Judgement

/A higher calling

• A wake up call that it is time to make a change

• Can be related to your job

• An ending or rebirth

• A need to review your life and see what changes you need to make

• Having to use your judgement to make a good decision

• Taking accountability to for past mistakes

• Forgiving yourself and others

Judgement Reversal

/A refusal to listen to the call

• Poor judgement

• Self-doubt 

• Avoidance of introspection

• Feeling lost or uncertain about your purpose

The World

/Something has come to a conclusion

• The successful conclusion to a long journey

• Spiritual graduation– you have learned the lesson

• closure – a cycle has come to an end and you are now ready to begin something new

The World Reversal

/Things have become stagnant, coming to a halt. Go back to see where things went wrong.

• A lack of closure

• Let the past go so that you can move forward

• Delayed success– you’re not there yet but do not give up yet.

Ace of Wands

• The beginning of a creative project or a new job

• An opportunity to embrace your talents and creative skills

• Feelings of passion, motivation, and inspiration

• A yes answer

Ace of Wands Reversed

• A block against creative energy

• A lack of inspiration or passion or motivation

• A delay in new opportunities

• A no answer

Ace of Cups

• Love in its highest, purest form

• A new love or a new emotional beginning

• A new chapter in your life with the potential for love, happiness, and fulfillment.

• A yes answer

Ace of Cups Reversed

• A block against your emotions, not fully feeling your emotions

• Relationship difficulties

• Emotions that are waning

• Repressing emotions or letting them control you

• A no answer

Ace of Stars

• New material opportunities: financial or material

• A new job or a promotion

• Taking an idea and turning it into a reality

• A yes answer

Ace of Stars Reversed

• A missed opportunity related to finances or the material world

• A delay in material gain

• Business failure or loss of a job

• A no answer

Ace of Swords

• Experiencing a breakthrough

• Focusing on your goals

• Honesty and making good decisions 

• Embracing clarity and assertiveness

• Cutting through deception and finding the truth

• A new job or a new opportunity at work, especially one that requires your intellect

• A yes answer

Ace of Swords Reversed

• Your thoughts are unsure, confused, and chaotic

• A bad time to be making decisions

• A time to slow down and work methodically on your goals

• A no answer

Two of Wands

• Success– plans are coming together perfectly.

• You’ve reached a certain level and now you’re ready to plot out your next big move.

• Choices: will you stay where you are or will you go bigger? What’s next?

• For entrepreneurs: work on your marketing.

• A need for boundaries. The brain as a house theory.

• For travel: yes, go travel.

• For relationships– a long distance relationship or having to wait for someone.

Two of Wands Reversed

• A problem with the plan or a plan that is stalled as you are taking a risk, but you should still take action.

• A need to let your walls down with others, let people in in a healthy way.

• For travel– there may be a delay or another problem with your planning.

Two of Cups

• The beginning of a relationship.

• Attraction/connection

• Meeting halfway or seeing eye to eye

• In a question about health, this is about healing or meeting with the right healers

• Decision made from the heart

• Needing to consult with a loved one before making a decision

Two of Cups Reversed

• The connection has become broken

• Conflict or unwillingness to cooperate

• A breakup

• Communication breakdown

• Believing that a love affair means more than it does

• Going through the motions of a love affair with one party not really caring

Two of Stars

• A need to make a financial decision

• Having to carefully balance your energy

• The ability to balance more than one thing

• Juggling your finances

• Juggling two sources of income

• You may be weighing important options at this time

Two of Stars Reversed

• You are overwhelmed and can no longer manage your load

• Indecision causing inaction

• Poor financial decisions which jeopardize your stability

Two of Swords

• A time to rest and reflect on the difficult decision you need to make

• Withdrawing due to burn out

• A truce– be neutral and do not get in the middle of things

• Emotional unavailability because you are attempting to stop emotion– it’s all too much and you are freezing up

Two of Swords Reversed

• The balance is lost– you are unbalanced

• You see clearly what you must do

• The end of a period of isolation, getting back in the game

Three of Wands

Accomplishments are behind you but there are more ahead.

• The need to be open to new possibilities.

• Plotting your future

• The reward for your hard work is near.

Three of Wands Reversed

• A failed expedition

• An unforeseen issue has steered you off course

• Your plans were not realistic and the mission was doomed from the start

• Being stuck in the past and being unable to move on or see what is ahead

• Love: being a third wheel or someone who is on the outside looking in

• Love: after a break-up, the refusal to acknowledge that it is over

Three of Cups

• A celebration or party, any gathering

• A victory is ahead

• Friendship or a circle of support

• Friendship: Encourages you to get together with friends

• Business: represents networking

Three of Cups Reversed

• Someone interfering in a relationship

• Break-up of a group of friends

• Isolation

• Something that has not yet born fruit

Three of Stars

• Skill and talent

• An apprenticeship and developing new skills through mentorship

• Collaboration and teamwork

• Creativity or artistry

• Renovation or planning an event

Three of Stars Reversed

• A lack of talent or shoddy workmanship

• A lack of teamwork

• Office politics

• Something falling apart or in need of repair

Three of Swords

• Heartbreak, loss, and sorrow 

• Trauma

• Something is coming to a painful conclusion

• Divorce/Break-ups 

• Betrayal and sabotage

Four of Wands

• Life is a party and there are plenty of reasons to feel good

• An actual party or celebration

• Love: a marriage ceremony is on the way

• Overall feeling of optimism

Four of Wands Reversed

• Energy is slightly muted but still overall positive

• You’re feeling happy for no reason at all

• A smaller party or get-together

Four of Cups

• Discontent or boredom

• For decisions: Meditate on it, consider your options with care

• Love: Emotional unavailability. Disinterest. A commitment issue.

Be willing to look at the situation from another angle and someone else’s point of view. Feelings are not facts. Be willing to be wrong. Uncross your arms and start saying yes.

Four of Cups Reversed

• A person who is getting back into action

• It’s time to make a decision

• It’s time to open up

• A new outlook

• A new love

• inspiration after a period of stagnation

Four of Stars

• Greed, materialism, hoarding, miserliness

• Someone who is trying to create structure and stability

• Boundaries 

• Possessiveness 

• Love: jealous lover

• Taking control of a situation, especially a financial one

• Fear of leaving your comfort zone

Four of Stars Reversed

• A financial loss

• A need to loosen your grip on money

• The need to be more generous

Four of Swords

• Rest, meditation, or prayer

• Healing the pain of recent events and moving on

• Gathering your strength after a tough battle

• A necessary withdrawal from a situation

• “Sleeping on it” instead of rushing a decision or action

• Illness and resting in a healthcare institution

Four of Swords Reversed

• A time of rest has come to an end– you are getting back into action

• You're restless and trying to do everything at once, but your body is exhausted. This is a warning to slow down

Five of Wands

• Competition– good or bad based on other cards and context of question

• An energetic environment that inspires you to up your game

• Rivalry or conflict

• People who are jockeying for power

• Groups of people who are incompatible.

• Something being introduced into a situation that brings about a change

Five of Wands Reversed

• A battleground

• A win-at-all cost mindset which can include someone who is not playing by the rules

• Being overpowered by a stronger rival, having a hard time holding your own in a debate, a game, or at work

Five of Cups

• Change of heart

• Grief, heartbreak, loss, and sorrow

• You are so consumed with your grief that you are unable to see what remains

• You must move on; there is still something left to salvage

• You are choosing to wallow in the loss rather than use the support available to you to move on

Five of Cups Reversed

• A new outlook

• The pain is beginning to subside and you are seeing a new way forward

• You are ready to start over, move on with what is left, and begin again

• Acceptance of what has happened

• Forgiveness toward those who have caused you sorrow

Five of Stars

• Financial hardship and struggles

• Having support and help through tough times

• Scarcity mindset

• Offering help to others who need it

• A codependent or unhealthy relationship

• Couples who bring up the worst in each other OR

• A couple who sticks together through thick and thin

• Being an outsider socially

Five of Stars Reversed

• A sign that the bottom has been reached and you are now climbing your way back up

• There is a light at the end of the tunnel

• Help is on the way

• Healing 

• Leaving a broken relationship once and for all

Five of Swords

• A victory through deceit or by any means necessary 

• A hostile takeover in business

• A difficult change– one brought through a conflict

• Deception and ill-gotten gains

• Someone who is not on the “up and up”

• Theft or deception

• Keep an eye out

Five of Swords Reversed

• The energy is still negative, but softened a bit.

• A conflict has happened, everyone involved is now moving on 

• Recovery is possible, but there is lingering pain

• A situation averted

• Lies will be exposed and the liar will be caught before they are able to do too much damage.

Six of Wands

• Success is ahead 

• A mission has been accomplished

• Being well-supported and having the help you need to be successful

• Leadership

Health: good health or a successful recovery

Six of Wands Reversed

• Defeat

• Supporters abandoning you 

• A fall from grace

• Seeing someone for who they really are and this leading to their downfall

• Betrayal by enemies or frenemies

• False optimism, toxic positivity

Six of Cups

• Enjoy the simple pleasures of life

• A trip down memory lane

• Appreciating the present moment, even though the past may bring you joy

• Love: Sweet and pure romance

• Childhood or a time when you felt safe and protected

• Anything pertaining to children

• Relationships with giving and receiving 

• Growth you have made since you were younger–a time to assess your positive progress

Six of Cups Reversed

• Getting hung up on the past OR

• Finally breaking free of the past and moving toward the future

• The glory days 

• Bad memories that prevent you from trusting the present

Six of Stars

• Charity or generosity– give generously to a situation

• Justice is being delivered despite how you feel about it

• Receiving help

• Love: One sided relationship– one person is giving more than the other person

• hierarchies – condescension or one person feeling that they hold superiority

Six of Stars Reversed

• Greed and withholding aid

• Resentment from the people who are receiving charity (and pity)

• A refusal to ask for help

• Help is no longer needed, you are back on your feet. It may be time to start standing on your own without assistance

• An energy vampire who is taking too much from you

Six of Swords

• Moving on after a loss or a difficult period

• There is help and support available of for you during this journey

• A transition– you need to leave a situation behind and move on 

• A solution to a problem

• Depending on other cards present: Mourning or Grief

• A physical move or a journey

Six of Swords Reversed

• Getting stuck in a rut

• Obsessing over the past

• An inability to see a way out

• A stormy physical or spiritual journey

• Travel woes

Seven of Wands

• A conflict

• A hard-won victory

• You need to hold your ground or defend yourself

• Defending your beliefs

Seven of Wands Reversed

• Giving up a fight

• Collapsing under the strain of fighting

• Cowardice or indecision

• Inability to defend yourself– you don’t have the time, skills, motivation, resources

Seven of Cups

• An inability to make decisions, especially when there are lots of options

• It’s time to set an intention because your wish may manifest

• Daydreams, wishes, delusions, idealism, & illusions

Seven of Cups Reversed

• The hesitation comes to an end and you are able to see what path to take 

• You are turning your dreams into a reality

• Having a choice made for you

• Clarity after confusion

Seven of Stars

• There is a big job ahead for you

• Taking a rest from hard work

• You have invested enough work into something whether it is a job, a relationship, a project, that you can now step back from it without it collapsing

• It’s time to get back to work

• You need to be patient– everything is moving along fine, but you still need to put the work in

• The rewards and satisfaction that come from hard, meaningful work

• The need to assess and weed something out of your life

Seven of Stars Reversed

• An inability to find work 

• Working with little to no rewards

• Impatience— you are expecting results before you have given it the time to grow

• The anxiety that happens when a job or project isn’t going as you hoped

• An unwillingness to finish work that you have started

Seven of Swords

• Theft, robbery, or deception 

• A daring, impulsive act when a careful plan is required

• Stealth or craftiness– from you or others, such as needing to fly under the radar at work

Seven of Swords Reversed

• The deception or theft is out in the open– everyone knows who committed it 

• The truth has come to the light

Eight of Wands

• Something, maybe a creative project, is heading in the right direction

• Manifesting a big idea

• Swift movement or progress

• Things are moving swiftly

• Travel or a move

Love: Actions taken in a relationship