pole-star
True north beacon
The pole-star is the star closest to a celestial pole, appearing nearly stationary while other stars rotate around it.
In the Northern Hemisphere, this is Polaris, used for centuries in navigation to find true north.
Figuratively, a pole-star is any guiding principle or fixed point of reference: Justice was the pole-star of her career.
Also spelled polestar.
Guiding light source
- lodestarCelestial navigation reference
- constantFixed, unvarying quantity
- fixed pointValue unchanged by function
- referenceDirecting attention elsewhere
touchstone · anchor · unwavering · steady · true north · benchmark · standard · ideal
Celestial north marker
- Ursa MinorNorthern circumpolar constellation
- constellationNamed pattern of celestial bodies
- starlightLuminance from distant suns
- night skyDarkness above after sunset
astronomy · magnitude · luminosity · circumpolar · celestial sphere · astronomical · telescope · observatory
Device showing cardinal directions
- sextantMaritime angular measurement device
- celestial navigationLocation-finding via astronomical observation
- latitudeGeographic or personal freedom
- marinerOne who navigates ships
sailing · wayfinding · voyage · bearing · course · charts · astrolabe · seafaring
Trusted wisdom-giving advisor
- guideLeader or instruction book
- inspirationSource of creative impulse
- leaderOne who guides others
- role modelPerson others emulate
guru · sage · guiding light · luminary · influence · exemplar · authority · wisdom
beacon
Guiding light source
- lodestarCelestial navigation reference
- constantFixed, unvarying quantity
- fixed pointValue unchanged by function
reference · touchstone · anchor · unwavering · steady · true north · benchmark · standard · ideal · goal
Polaris
Celestial north marker
- Ursa MinorNorthern circumpolar constellation
- constellationNamed pattern of celestial bodies
- starlightLuminance from distant suns
night sky · astronomy · magnitude · luminosity · circumpolar · celestial sphere · astronomical · telescope · observatory · Little Dipper
compass
Device showing cardinal directions
- sextantMaritime angular measurement device
- celestial navigationLocation-finding via astronomical observation
- latitudeGeographic or personal freedom
mariner · sailing · wayfinding · voyage · bearing · course · charts · astrolabe · seafaring · navigator
mentor
Trusted wisdom-giving advisor
- guideLeader or instruction book
- inspirationSource of creative impulse
- leaderOne who guides others
role model · guru · sage · guiding light · luminary · influence · exemplar · authority · wisdom · direction
pole-starwandering star
Heavenly body that moves
planet · shooting star · meteor · comet · will-o'-the-wisp
pole-staraimlessness
Lack of direction
disorientation · will-o'-the-wisp · red herring · directionlessness · lost
pole, star, poles, poled, poling, polar, polarity, polarize, polarized