Stars, birds and horses are woven throughout the entire novel. What do you think they symbolize? Why do you think the author chose the title, Wandering Stars?
To Native Americans, animals often communicate their spiritual values and beliefs. Many of their creation stories are full of animals. Perhaps the most important bird to Native Americans is the eagle which is seen as the closest to the creator. Stars symbolize ancestors. Given the multi-generational themes of this book, the title makes perfect sense.
Totems come to mind be it an object or animal that represents the spiritual beings and beliefs that provide continuity among groups and connection to ancestors.
There’s the obvious level of Star as the surname for one family whose generations wander across the country, having been uprooted from their ancestral homeland, language and culture. There’s also that connection Opal learns from her mother, Bird Woman: “The stars are our ancestors.” They are a “guiding light to our darkness…” Members of the Star family in each generation are looking for that guiding light as they wander metaphorically, looking for a way to belong, to matter, to find a way to be “at home” in America as much as in a family.
And on another level, we all are, as human beings. It is a fundamental need we all share.