phrase
ad astra
ad astra
Classical[aˈdas.tra]Ecclesiastical[aˈdas.tra]
Meaning
- idiomaticto the stars, to heaven (cf. reach for the stars)
per aspera ad astra
Through hardships to the stars.macte novā virtūte, puer, sīc ītur ad astra
2007 translation by Ahl, Frederick Blessings on your new manhood, my boy. That’s the pathway to heaven.29 BCE – 19 BCE, Vergilius, Aeneis 9.640
Origins
Literally, “to [the] stars”, as a metaphor for immortality and eternal glory.