Crossword Genius

Cast rallied round, respecting the stars (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

astral

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'round respecting the stars' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'cast rallied' is the wordplay.
'ASTRAL' is hidden within the letters.
However, I'm not sure how the hidden word is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for astral that I've seen before include "Characteristic of stars" , "Universal" , "Resembling the stars - of the spirit world" , "Pertaining to the stars" , "Starry sort of altars." .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Mail.
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