XVII The Star
Joanna Powell Colbert
Lord of the Rings

The Star card traditionally brings us a message of hope and inspiration, and often refers to spiritual gifts and a higher purpose or destiny. In J. R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, Galadriel is the great Elven queen who offers sanctuary to the members of the Fellowship of the Ring in the fairy woods of Lothlorien. She tests each member of the Fellowship in turn by searching his mind and spirit for trueness of heart and certainty of purpose. She in turn is tested when Frodo offers to leave the Ring of Power in her keeping. She overcomes this temptation, and when the Fellowship leaves her lands to face the growing shadow of Mordor, she offers them gifts of sustenance and of spirit. She gives Frodo a starry vial filled with the Light of Elendil and tells him, "Let it be a light to you when all other lights go out . . ."