Falling stars, also known as shooting stars, are seen as ways the gods, ancestors, spirits, and other powers communicate things they want us to know. Sometimes they are sending good news, and other times, they’re giving us a heads-up to watch out for ourselves!
Falling stars, also known as shooting stars, are seen as ways the gods, ancestors, spirits, and other powers communicate things they want us to know. Sometimes they are sending good news, and other times, they’re giving us a heads-up to watch out for ourselves!
Some call our belief in this silly, and say believing this way is against logic and reason, but many of us know that a little superstition goes a long way. Becoming attuned with the meaning of falling stars helps those who listen to receive the divine guidance they are being sent.
What is a Falling Star?
The falling ‘stars’ we see shoot across our skies are actually comets, asteroids, and meteoroids, which are all differing sizes of outer space rocks.
Meteoroids range in sizes from tiny specks to larger chunks up to a meter wide, with the smallest pieces of them being called “space dust”.
Comets are different, as they have a central body that is made up of icy matter, and they have a “tail”, or, particles of dust and gas that form when the sun heats the particles.
Meteoroids mostly form from broken off bits of asteroids and comets. When these meteoroids enter our atmosphere, we can see a flash of light, and this it appears a star is ”falling” or “shooting” through the sky. Thus, we call them falling stars and shooting stars!
While this information may seem to take the magic and mystery out of shooting stars, it really shouldn’t. Magical and spiritual people have always understood that things seen in nature have far greater meaning sometimes than just the fact they exist as they are.
What Does Seeing a Falling Star Mean?
Falling stars meanings vary depending on culture, geography and how far developed science was at the time of discovery.
Roman Falling Stars
Shooting stars portended important events to the Romans. In the August of 30 B.C., Cassius Dio, a historian of Rome wrote about “comet stars”, which are interpreted to mean shooting stars, and he took them to be a response to the demise and death of the prolific Egyptian pharaoh Cleopatra.
A comet following the death of Julius Caesar was taken to give a sign, that he was to be deified as a god.
Greek Falling Stars
The Greeks named annual meteor showers ‘The Perseids’, after sons of the Greek hero Perseus. Every August, the earth’s orbit passes through particles of dust and rocks from the comet called ‘Swift-Tuttle’. The Greeks believed this event was triggered by the constellation named after Perseus, and named it because of this. Perseus was a great hero of theirs, who defeated a horrifying monster who threatened his people’s very safety and saved the beautiful Andromeda in the process.
The Perseids are visible from mid-July through late August, peaking August 9-14.
Early Christian Falling Stars
In the 3rd century A.D., a well-loved Deacon named Lawrence, was the seventh deacon to be executed by the Emperor Valerian. He was later canonized, and became the patron saint of comedians, cooks, tanners, librarians, and archivists.
The Perseid meteor shower was visible when he was put to death, and was now named “The Tears of St. Lawrence” by devotees. They remember his life as a teacher, and his wonderful sense of humor on his feast day which falls on August 10, which is regarded as the day of his death-right during the Perseid showers.
Ancient Jewish Falling Stars
Halley’s Comet was passing by when the beginning of the Jewish Roman revolt began. These events led to the 2,000-year long Jewish diaspora, which saw the Jewish people begin to move out of their ancestral homelands. They spread to every continent, taking their rich culture, mouthwatering foods, and sacred religion with them.
The Romans thought the comment meant they would be victorious over the Jewish people. While the Romans destroyed the Temple, the Jews consider themselves to be in an exile they call Edom. They believe this was to be their fourth, and final, exile, and when they return home, they would never ever be exiled again.
Falling Stars’ Spiritual Meanings
There are certain spiritual beliefs about what a falling star specifically means, some of which you may have already heard of, and some of which will surprise you.
Make A Wish
“When you wish upon a star, it makes no difference who you are. Anything your heart desires will come to you,” begins a famous song used by Disney. More than just a children’s song for a cartoon, this is a belief that is very old.
Ptolemy wrote about making a wish on stars, in the 2nd century A.D. It’s believed that the gods would look through gaps in the sky to view Earth and sometimes, a star would fall through the gaps. People saw this as a great opportunity to gain the God’s attention and to ask them to fulfill a wish.
Certain areas in the world have different parts to the make a wish practice. In Chile, the moment you see a shooting star, pick up a stone and make a wish. However, in the Philippines, no stones are needed, but you need to tie knots in a handkerchief. The belief that it’s the perfect time to make a wish when you see a shooting star is held in many parts of the world.
Spirits Are Among Us
Some say falling stars are the spirits of departed loved ones letting you know they are still near you, and they are letting you know you still have a connection with them. Others say a shooting star is a soul going to heaven.
A Good Omen
Some ancient Celtic tribal people thought shooting stars to be the breath of a dragon, and that was a very good thing. Others claim seeing a shooting star is telling you that you will achieve your destiny, take heart that your greatest potential is ready to be yours before you know it.
Some simply say seeing a shooting star is good luck in general, and there is no other meaning behind it.
Challenges are Coming
Indigenous North American Indian people believed shooting stars were fire falling from the heavens or signs that bad things were to come. It’s also believed that death or sickness is on its way for those who see the shooting stars.
Endings and Beginnings
A shooting star can signal an ending, like the deaths of St. Lawrence and Cleopatra. Others state that shooting stars signify major change and new beginnings are coming your way. So be ready if you do see one, as you might have some big decisions to make with a fresh start.
It has also been said that a shooting star acts as a green light, telling you the powers that be are saying to go ahead with whatever it is you have wanted to. Nothing can hold you back now, it’s time to begin.
Let the Stars be Your Guide
Most people see shooting stars as good messages from beyond, and enjoy the beauty of their trips through the sky. Make your wish on a shooting star, just make sure to make that wish while it’s still falling. Pick up a stone if you can, and if you have one, tie a knot in your handkerchief. May all your wishes come true!
For knowledge and guidance on how to read the stars for the benefit of your future, and the future of your loved ones, talk to one of our divine psychics and mediums today. For your daily dose of spiritual guidance, consult our free online tarot reading service!
We have selected the most relevant psychics for this article, you can connect with any of them and get accurate advice on this subject.
