lodestar

A star, such as Polaris, that is used as a point of navigational reference.

A principle, interest, or person that serves as a guide.

A star that leads or serves to guide; especially, the pole-star: often used figuratively.

Same as loadstar.

A star used as a navigation reference, particularly a pole star such as Polaris.

A guiding tenet or principle.

guiding star; a star that is used as a reference point in navigation or astronomy

something that serves as a model or guide