Jun
Tin Stars
Simple symbols have plenty of meaning. We see them around us all the time: on signs, in artwork, and used as logos. Stars, crescent moons, disks, crosses, animal shapes and the like are so common that we hardly take notice.
A recent fad involves large metal stars. They show up in gift shops, garden supply stores and the like. The stars average two to three feet in diameter. I suppose most folks hang them up on a wall somewhere. Audrey and I bought a small one yesterday at one of those odd little stores that sells a little bit of everything at very low prices. It was red. I painted it a different shade of red, trimmed it with antique gold Rub n’ Buff, and then coated it with protective urethane. We nailed the star to the garage, in the small area between the peak and the top of the door. It looks good.
The five-pointed star is a very common symbol. It is frequent in Pennsylvania Deutsche hex signs. The symmetrical star is considered protective and hallowing. Within our tradition, the Star’s five rays correspond to Man and to the numbers of Thor, which are 5 and 25. The Star is also the symbol of Sir Gawain of the King Arthur legends. Wiccans regard it as their main symbol. When I was in the Army, a big star was emblazoned on the sides of all vehicles from jeeps to tanks.
Stars have meanings. However, it is wise to avoid the temptation to read something into every star you see. Sometimes a star on a garage is just a nice thing. And sometimes it is an esoteric thing. Sometimes it is a little of both.
