Have you ever been lucky enough to take a picture of a shooting star?
It’s a lot easier during a meteor shower when these celestial streaks light up the sky.
Click to find out when is the next meteor shower
Meteor Shower | Peak Month(s) |
---|---|
Quadrantids | Early January |
Lyrids | Late April |
Perseids | August |
Orionids | October |
Geminids | December |
Ursids | Late December |
A “shooting star” is the popular, common name for what astronomers call a meteor, a piece of cosmic debris burning up in Earth’s atmosphere. But in spiritual and cultural traditions, a falling star is more than just space dust; it’s a sign, a message, a moment of magic.
Seeing a Shooting Star: What Does It Mean?
Across different cultures and mystical traditions, shooting stars have long been seen as omens, messengers, and even the souls of the departed.
Shooting star symbolism
A Wish-Granting Moment 
The old belief of making a wish on a shooting star stems from the idea that such rare celestial events create a moment where the veil between worlds is thin.
A Message from the Departed 
Ancient Egyptians saw stars as the souls of the dead, residing among the deities. A falling star could signify a spirit reaching out, guiding or watching over you. If you want to honor that presence, see this Spell for a Dead Loved One for a meaningful ritual.
Excerpt from the book Japanese Mythology and the Primeval World
A Death Omen? 
In some European folklore, each person has a star in the sky that is lit at birth and falls when they die. A shooting star was sometimes seen as an indicator of a recent or upcoming death.
From the book After Life in Roman Paganism
Why Do I Keep Seeing Shooting Stars?
If you’ve been seeing them often, consider:
- Are you at a crossroads? Shooting stars are often associated with transitions and big life changes.
- Are you seeking answers? They can be an encouragement to trust your inner wisdom.
- Are you in need of protection? Some beliefs hold that shooting stars ward off negative energy and bring divine guidance.
If you find yourself frequently witnessing other rare celestial signs—like a ring around the moon or ‘moon dogs’—you might be on a path where the universe is actively sending messages your way. Curious about lunar halos and moon dogs? Check out Seeing a Ring Around the Moon (or Moon Dogs) to learn more about these atmospheric wonders.
On a similar note, seeing a shooting star alone could indicate you’re entering a period of heightened awareness and transformation.
Leonid Meteor Shower over Niagara Falls - Anonymous, 1892
Seeing a shooting star is more than just a beautiful moment—it’s a reminder that the universe is vast, mysterious, and full of magic. Whether you take it as a wish-granting moment, a time for a meteor showers ritual, a spiritual sign, or an omen, trust your intuition and how the experience feels to you.
Have you ever had a meaningful encounter with a shooting star? Drop your experiences below!