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The study of celestial bodies and their relationship to human experiences has long been relegated to newspaper horoscopes and meme culture, often dismissed as trivial entertainment. But STARTELLING, founded by Brazilian-born and New York-based creative Larissa Xavier, is redefining this perception. Blending astrology with art and literature, Larissa has created an astrological atelier that revives the practice’s ancient roots and infuses it with contemporary relevance.
With a career that began in fashion—working for brands like C&A and Havaianas—and an educational background that explored art history and literature, Larissa brings a fresh, multidimensional perspective to astrology. “Astrology was never just about self-knowledge,” she explains. “It’s a tool to better align actions with the help of cosmic forces and, more importantly, explore our creative potential.” This philosophy is the foundation of STARTELLING, which aims to showcase astrology as an artistic exploration of identity rather than a series of generic descriptions.
The name STARTELLING itself is a playful fusion of “star” and “telling,” reflecting Larissa’s intention to craft narratives that merge celestial wisdom with storytelling techniques. Each reading is named with literary themes in mind, such as “Book Cover,” “Synopsis,” and “Draft Chapter,” highlighting Larissa’s deep appreciation for literature and her mission to show people how their life’s story is written in the stars.
“Studying fashion made me fall in love with art’s theoretical side, and my passion for literature allowed me to channel that into my writing,” says Larissa. This blend of fashion, art, and literature is evident in STARTELLING’s content, where astrological readings are presented as immersive visual experiences. From her exploration of Tim Burton’s birth chart to her unique interpretations of planetary movements, Larissa offers insights that delve beyond the surface, helping clients understand how their astrological makeup influences their creative output.
But STARTELLING’s mission goes beyond individual readings. Larissa is determined to challenge the stereotypes that surround modern astrology, such as its fixation on personality traits and daily horoscopes. “Astrology has suffered much automation in recent years, reducing it to a psychological tool,” she says. STARTELLING seeks to reclaim astrology’s original role, which, as Larissa explains, “includes the concept of fate and helps people connect with their true nature.”
This approach is not without its challenges. Larissa acknowledges that finding the right messaging was crucial to reaching the audience she envisioned. “Initially, we tried to appeal to a broad audience, but we realized our content speaks more to those open to viewing astrology as an art form,” she notes. This led her to refine STARTELLING’s narrative, blending the ancient teachings of astrology with artistic disciplines like literature and visual arts.
Looking forward, STARTELLING is poised to make an even bigger impact. The brand will soon participate in an art fair in San Francisco, showcasing products that merge forgotten astrological concepts with creative expression. “These aren’t just zodiac-themed trinkets,” says Larissa. “Each item is designed to be a creative expression of astrology’s depth.”
With workshops and new collaborations on the horizon, Larissa’s goal is to expand STARTELLING’s influence into markets like the U.S. and Europe, connecting with people who see astrology as more than just a tool for self-reflection but as a medium for creative exploration. Her advice to those looking to merge creative careers with esoteric fields? “Don’t limit yourself to what’s been done before. Bring your own experiences and show how astrology can be more than people expect.”
With STARTELLING, Larissa Xavier offers a fresh take on astrology that is as visually captivating as it is enlightening—one that redefines the planets as the true “Stars of the Show.”
