The Sun – General Meaning in a Tarot Spread
Many sources claim that the Sun is the best card in the Major Arcana. It doesn’t carry any hidden ambiguity or excessive elevation that could be alarming (which, for example, can be present in a card like the World).
It represents the full bloom of life, the happiness of existence, and tangible success. A person will receive a significant gift from life that they can simply enjoy. Through the Sun, a person may receive gifts that are beyond what they deserve or expect, gifts they perhaps didn’t think they were worthy of. These gifts should simply be accepted and enjoyed without asking questions, doubting, or trying to understand their true meaning. Achievement of a goal. A celebration of accomplishing something important. The Sun allows one to enjoy both what has been earned rightfully and what has been given freely (though this doesn’t mean karmically undeserved).
The Sun represents new life perspectives that open up for someone after the sleep of the Moon card, when they have the desire and strength to fully engage in the world, freed from illusions, fears, and doubts. Life turns towards the querent with its sunny side, and a bright and successful period begins — a time of activity, success, and happiness.
Undoubtedly, the Sun is one of the best cards in the deck. When answering almost any question, it provides a favorable response, signifying the achievement of something important and the long-awaited fulfillment of desires.
In a situation reading, the Sun predicts an unusually calm and successful resolution. Plans will certainly come to fruition, though perhaps not as quickly as desired. Nevertheless, the overall outcome will be exceptionally favorable, and the wait for expectations to materialize will soon be forgotten. This Arcana shows the absence of darkness in a question, which is quite rare.
In a practical sense – a trip to warm countries, relaxation.
The Sun – Personal State
The Sun brings a complete, healthy, and unclouded emotional state.
A rich and wise soul that now knows what happiness is, trust in reality, and the ability to accept life as it is. One must live in constant distrust of the world and fear of life to understand the gift of the Sun – the zest for life, the serene pleasure of everyday existence. It’s the ability to live with a childlike heart, wise in its kindness, and ready to rejoice in goodness, to appreciate every day, to bring warmth and light into the lives of others.
An elevated mood, contentment, and security. Optimism, clarity of judgment, knowledge, and understanding. Personal strength, self-belief, and confidence in one’s position. The ability to see one’s path clearly, without doubts, longing, or hesitation, overcoming anxiety and fear, trusting oneself. Reconciliation with one’s “shadow” side – once brought into the bright light of reason, previously unconscious things no longer frighten, and the person is ready for further self-improvement (with a clear distinction between right and wrong, able to look directly at their thoughts and actions).
The Sun often indicates that a person has successfully resolved some significant internal contradiction that was causing tension. In our consciousness, this corresponds to the forces that help achieve clarity, overcome deep fears and misconceptions. It is energy that counters the influences of the unconscious collective field that cause doubts about the correctness of one’s actions. The Sun helps to confess one’s individuality, to lovingly accept oneself as a unique person, and signifies someone who no longer lives by reflected light – they have found the ultimate source of inner light, radiating their wisdom and love to the world, filling themselves with the light of transformation.
This card usually appears when a person has done significant, often intense spiritual work, and has somehow actualized the highest part of themselves. Now, they receive as a gift the fruits of their labor and must savor them with feeling and thought. The sense of joy and fullness of being, the freshness of feeling and perception – these are the results of spiritual enlightenment, which is often preceded by a crisis.
The Sun Arcana often literally “peeks out from behind the clouds.” It describes a person who has undergone a “rebirth” and is now marveling at how blue the sky is – this state typically arises after a “storm.” And following the logic of the Major Arcana in Tarot – after the difficult emotional journey of the Moon, through layers of dark and heavy experiences, veils of fear and doubt, and along the shaky path of painful compromises, slipping between the swamps.
The lesson of the Sun is somewhat similar to the lesson of Temperance. It may seem simple: inhale the scent of a rose. Live here and now.
It is the ability to perceive life with the simplicity of both a sage and a child, to rejoice in every favorable circumstance, to enjoy the simplest gifts of life without empty questions or worries. The difference from Temperance is that the Sun does not emphasize patience, restraint, or inner peace. It announces the sacred truth of happiness. It’s not always simple. The famous psychotherapist Bert Hellinger once said, “Happiness is frightening. One must have the courage to feel it.”
This card suggests that there is some center in life, around which everything revolves – a child, a project, a relationship, or some other aspect – and from which the person draws enthusiasm and meaning.
Moreover, it brings light to the situations at hand, making the hidden apparent, revealing concealed facts and motives, bringing unexpected realizations of truth, revelations regarding what is happening. It is direct and bright light (which is greatly amplified when Justice or the Ace of Swords appears in the reading).
The Sun – On a Deeper Level
The Sun is the source of warmth and light and serves as a kind of material symbolic intermediary between God and man.
It represents the lower aspect of the divine and the highest aspect of the earthly. The Sun is a symbol of spiritual rebirth, a path that is open to all. It announces the miracle of personal Transfiguration, including the union bestowed upon the powers of consciousness and the subconscious, and the male and female principles. The formation of a new spiritual personality, whose sensual desires are purified (the child on the white horse, with the horse symbolizing Eros, governed by the chastened “childlike” knight). The triumphant crimson banner and crown symbolize the victory achieved and the beginning of real rebirth. Something new and transformative is ripening, requiring the completion of the alchemical process, the “great work.” The uncertain, instinctual light of the moon will be replaced by full clarity and understanding of some deep mystical questions of life.
The card symbolizes the transition between the light of this world and the spiritual light of the heavenly world, the highest consciousness, and spiritual wisdom. The union of the earthly and the spiritual is almost achieved—only the last wall remains. This is the instruction to continue, to take the final steps on the path of initiation, as the Sun announces that from now on the person will see it completely clearly.
The Sun represents the highest level of consciousness, decisive steps in self-awareness, and achieving clarity and purity of mind and heart. If the High Priestess and the Moon represent the feminine path to wisdom, then the Magician and the Sun represent the masculine path, emphasizing the ability to think logically and rationally, to bring what is hidden into the light of day.
The test of the Sun is to maintain a pure and bright perception of the world, untainted by any darkness. This Arcana reminds us of the old truth that true luck only comes to those who, like children, perceive life simply and wisely, acting easily and joyfully in their everyday lives. It is about resisting oppressive influences and preserving innocence, warmth, and virtue, as Christ said, “Be like children.” It is about rejecting the pursuit of “wisdom through experience.” The Sun is an allegory of the seeker’s self-identification, their joy of living in the present moment, as well as the hope that life will transcend to a higher level of being. This is not one of the first, but one of the final Major Arcana. Beyond it, there is only Judgment and the World.
The appearance of the Sun may herald freedom from significant karmic debt. This Arcana heals the oldest and most painful wounds.
We found a text describing a stage in spiritual development symbolized by the Sun:
“Those like you are referred to in esoteric traditions as ‘The Initiate.’ You have discovered a certain sacred truth and along with it – self-trust and intrinsic satisfaction with life. You have already overcome the fears and main contradictions of your life, embraced optimism, and become a charismatic and enlightened person. You have reached the highest level of self-awareness, recognizing both your flaws and strengths, knowing how to overcome your weaknesses and deepen your virtues. You have a rich, wise, and experienced soul, which has lived through much in this and previous incarnations. You have known happiness and have made your mark on our Earth. You know what your mission is, why you are here this time, and you do not shy away from fulfilling it, for in fulfilling it, you fulfill yourself. You have already settled your karmic debts, reconciled with your shadow side, and worked through everything you were meant to in this incarnation. Your character has not broken under the blows of fate, and you have not given in to trivial temptations. Now, you can accumulate good karma and also help others in doing the same. Be kind to them.”
The Sun – Career and Profession
Success in business.
Favorable overcoming of difficulties.
Understanding one’s purpose, work by vocation, enjoyment of one’s labor (which is of course most effectively achieved by those in creative and public professions). It is believed that the Sun also supports businesses related to education, enlightenment, children, play, and animals (such as horse breeding and dog breeding).
The ability to inspire and convince others, a lively and creative atmosphere, teamwork. Control over the situation, having power and authority (whether due to a high position or personal charisma). Self-realization, self-development, and self-education. Joining professional groups, associations, or even creating them!
Professional triumph, awards, recognition, and well-deserved honors. This represents new beginnings (the birth of an idea or project) and the achievement of a goal. A successful career, professional growth. Great achievements in any field (especially in the arts and public relations). Being in the spotlight.
The Sun is a very favorable card for professional matters, indicating that what you have worked hard and persistently on is now ready to shine with full clarity and completion.
Among Russian tarot readers, there is an opinion that when paired with unfavorable Arcana, the Sun may hint that a business will face difficulties due to government policies.
The Sun – Financial and Housing Situation
The Sun is a symbol of wealth, high social status, and material security.
Success in business ventures and financial investments.
The end of financial problems.
An improvement in the standard of living.
Material prosperity and flourishing. Enjoying well-being.
The Sun – Personal Relationships and Love Life
The Sun is a very favorable card in the realm of personal relationships, both in terms of “happiness” and “reconciliation.”
Sometimes, it signifies an important reconciliation with oneself, which is necessary for happiness with another person. The Sun also brings the message that the querent will finally accept their partner with love, just as they are, without attempting to change their nature or correct their flaws, and can expect the same unconditional acceptance in return.
If the situation is tense, the difficulties will be resolved, the essence of the problem will become clear, and the solution will reflect the best human qualities. People will grow closer, and everything will become simpler and more understandable. The card speaks of a real possibility to truly reconcile, overcome contradictions, and forget arguments and misunderstandings. Even if all bridges have been burned and it seems impossible to restore the relationship, the card still points to a “warming” and trust.
Openness and harmony in the interaction between two people. Agreement and warmth in the relationship, mutual love, and sexual satisfaction. True understanding, joy, and happiness. Partners pamper each other with attention and affection, receiving tenderness and love in return, rejoicing together in life and feeling united. This is a card of trust and kindness, loyalty and devotion. A strong, protected union, a very strong bond. Sincere and selfless feelings, generosity, magnanimity, and a willingness to give more than receive, the joy of selflessness for a loved one, the ability to give oneself without losing oneself. The sense of being personally needed, valued, important to the partner, feeling of great worth and desirability.
The Sun describes a good partner, courageous, energetic, creative, and honorable. For those who have not yet met their other half, it indicates that this person will be the best! The Sun confidently predicts new relationships, great love, and the appearance of a close person who will have a significant impact on the querent’s life.
The advice of the Sun is to be someone’s “sun”! Generously warming others with the warmth of your heart, delighting them with friendliness and affection, filling them with positive energy, helping another person believe that life is beautiful, “even when it’s tough and dangerous.” Comforting, approving, loving, and supporting.
The Sun is considered the significator of a fateful meeting, a declaration of love, engagement, marriage, and a successful marriage. This card predicts a joyful union (marriage), a happy married life, and/or the soon arrival of a child. Alchemically, it pertains to the harmony of the masculine and feminine principles. It represents their dance and correct attraction – the right partners will find each other. The Sun is the symbol of liberated partnership, where all energies are available for creative processes and are not wasted on fighting for something or against something. Acquired freedom is expressed in a state of joy, where true alchemical transformation of both souls can take place.
Joy over the success of children, overall well-being of children.
In its reversed position, the Sun can, according to one author, indicate a “joyful divorce” – both are thankful to each other, quite happy with the end of the relationship, and sincerely wish each other happiness in the future. It can also indicate relationships with a large age gap, where there is more display than genuine feelings and closeness.
The Sun – Health and Well-Being
Excellent health, vitality.
Full strength, activity, and energy.
A magnificent physical and spiritual state, complete well-being. Recovery (and sometimes literally victory over death, as the Sun is the source of life). A good emotional state.
The Sun may serve as a reminder that we do not live to work, but to live.
In the reversed position, it may indicate exhaustion, professional burnout. Heatstroke, sunburn (in extreme cases, skin cancer). Sometimes issues with the heart, but usually caused by overheating or excessive physical strain for one’s age.
An interesting observation is that the reversed Sun can indicate seasonal depression (what is called SAD in Western psychiatry – seasonal affective disorder). As the days shorten, daylight decreases, time shifts, and life rhythms change, a person may experience a decline in spirit and energy. This could also relate to a heightened sensitivity to the solar cycle and activity (eclipses, solar flares, magnetic storms, etc.).
The Sun – Reversed
In the reversed position, the card symbolizes difficulties in communication with others, problems in marriage and partnerships, misunderstandings, false perceptions of success, excessive fussiness, and activity that yields no results. Sometimes, the reversed position predicts health problems, family issues, a temporary separation from a loved one, or a postponed wedding. Although not a bad card in the traditional sense, the reversed Nineteenth Arcana means that all the positive influences of the Sun in this position are weakened: success, but only after considerable effort; partial success, delayed triumph; hopes and dreams related to matters of the heart will come true, but not fully, and the fulfillment of hopes will be postponed for some time (but this doesn’t mean all is lost); making ends meet will be possible. In rare cases, authors highlight feelings of emptiness, loneliness, loss of meaning, and other direct negatives, but most agree that the Sun, no matter what, remains the Sun. This card never carries a completely negative meaning.
Even in the reversed position, it maintains its significance, indicating a small cloud that has passed over the Sun, but this cloud will dissipate (or it can be “waved away” with ease).
Some authors, in the reversed position, emphasize meanings like warmth, fire, heat, and the flames of passion.
In combination with highly unfavorable cards like the Tower, one could even interpret it literally as fire, burning, explosion.
An interesting interpretation by Mary Greer highlights the concept of “fear of happiness” according to Hellinger: a person is afraid of bringing themselves joy and accepting good things, as they lack belief that they deserve it, thinking “it’s too good to be true.”
The Sun – Manifestation of the Card in Combinations
Like The World, The Sun smooths and softens the negative influence of other cards in a reading, changing their meaning for the better.
With The Fool – serenity, carefreeness, and spontaneity.
With The Magician – the ability to fulfill all creative plans without risk and with financial success.
With The Empress – the situation is truly beautiful, luck is on the querent’s side, it’s a moment to seize.
With The Emperor – a strong tendency towards voluntarism, excessive willful pressure on others (either from the querent or someone in their circle).
With The Hierophant – a favorable combination, a clear vision of the goal and the meaning of one’s actions and desires, a blessing from fate.
With The Hermit – the period of solitude is over, it’s time to share one’s inner wealth with others.
With Death – a favorable combination, rebirth is complete, the perspective on the changes occurring in life is wise, and the positive filling of the cleansed space will not be long in coming.
With The Devil – blindness in the pursuit of material wealth. Deceptive prosperity in finances. Sexual dissatisfaction.
With The Tower – a good combination, enlightenment, and rebirth. There may be temporary issues with health or money (it’s best to avoid investments and debt obligations). There is a high probability of a depressive state.
With The Star – a wonderful combination, victory is near, just one last effort is needed to reach the goal.
With The Moon – disorientation, illusions.
With The World – completion of something, a great achievement. This is a tremendously positive combination of cards, bringing luck and protection to the querent on all planes of existence, from the most earthly to the highest, cosmic level.
With Ace of Wands – marriage.
With Two of Wands – personal strength, resilience.
With Six of Wands – received approval, achieved position.
With Ace of Swords – birth, successful release from burden.
With Six of Swords – depression, energy depletion.
With Eight of Cups – fatigue.
With Five of Pentacles – overexertion, exhaustion.
With Reversed Six of Pentacles – honors.
The Sun – Archetypal Correspondences
Keywords
- Vitality
- Success
- Joy
- Optimism
- Clarity
- Illumination
- Confidence
- Enlightenment
Corresponding Symbols
- Greek and Roman Gods:
- Helios, the personification of the Sun in Greek mythology.
- Apollo, the Greek god of the Sun, light, music, and prophecy.
- Ra, the Egyptian Sun God, representing life, creation, and death.
- Belenos, a Celtic Sun God symbolizing healing and light.
- Lugh, a Celtic god associated with the Sun, craftsmanship, and light.
- Yarilo, a Slavic Sun deity symbolizing fertility, spring, and the cycles of life.
- Heroic Figures:
- Achilles, a Greek hero whose strength and vitality were closely associated with the power of the Sun.
- Theseus, another Greek hero who overcame great trials and symbolized the triumph of light over darkness.
- Heracles, whose journey and trials are symbolic of facing challenges to emerge victorious and illuminated.
- Alchemical Symbols:
- Gold: Symbolizing purity, vitality, and the essence of life.
- Diamond: Represents clarity, transparency, and brilliance, all aspects of the Sun’s qualities.
- Rubedo: The final stage in the alchemical process, representing the achievement of spiritual enlightenment, wholeness, and the union of opposites.
Mythological and Archetypal Connections
- Solar Heroes: The Sun is often represented as the ultimate victory over darkness and adversity. It signifies the triumph of the hero after facing trials, such as Achilles, Theseus, or Heracles overcoming evil forces.
- Divine Illumination: The Sun represents enlightenment, the light of truth that dispels darkness and confusion. It aligns with the Enlightenment archetype, where deep understanding and spiritual clarity are achieved.
- The Inner Child: The Sun connects to the joy and purity of the child archetype, representing innocence, happiness, and new beginnings.
Astrological Significance
- The Sun in astrology represents the core of the self, embodying ego, individuality, and vitality. It speaks to the essence of one’s identity, life force, and sense of purpose.
- In a birth chart, the Sun governs self-expression, creativity, and the path to one’s soul’s purpose.
- The Leo zodiac sign, ruled by the Sun, embodies leadership, strength, and the drive for recognition and admiration.
Mythological and Religious Representations
- Ancient Egypt: The Sun God Ra is central to Egyptian mythology, symbolizing rebirth and the continual cycle of life and death. Ra was believed to travel across the sky in his solar barque.
- Greek Mythology: Helios, the personification of the Sun, drove the chariot of the Sun across the sky, ensuring light and life on Earth.
- Christianity: In Christian iconography, the Sun is associated with Christ’s resurrection, symbolizing the triumph of life over death and the eternal light of salvation.
Psychological and Archetypal Interpretations
- The Shadow: The Sun represents the light that illuminates and reveals the hidden aspects of the psyche, often helping to overcome the unconscious shadow.
- Self-Actualization: The Sun in the psyche corresponds with the Self, the fully integrated person, radiating authenticity and confidence. It represents the ego in balance with the true essence of the soul.
- The Hero’s Journey: The Sun symbolizes the return to the self, when the protagonist emerges victorious after facing trials. This is a symbol of self-realization and the realization of personal goals.
Numerical Significance
- As the 19th card in the Tarot, The Sun connects with the number 19, symbolizing completion, wholeness, and cosmic harmony.
- In numerology, the number 1 represents new beginnings, while the number 9 signifies completion, wisdom, and the end of cycles, bringing full illumination.
Divine Archetype
- The Sun is a divine archetype of consciousness, vitality, and clarity. It governs the conscious mind and the ego, representing self-confidence, radiance, and joy.
- It embodies personal power and creative energy, making it a symbol of vitality, charisma, and leadership.
Shadow Side of The Sun
- While The Sun brings joy, illumination, and clarity, in a reversed position or shadow aspect, it can indicate overconfidence, arrogance, or even a lack of self-awareness.
- It can also signal lack of clarity, a feeling of being in the dark, or a loss of vitality.
Key Lessons of The Sun
- Optimism and embracing the joy of living.
- Vitality: Embracing life’s pleasures and expressing one’s authentic self.
- Clarity and Truth: Light reveals the truth, and the Sun shines on all hidden aspects of life.
- Leadership: Leading with confidence and helping others find their inner light.
The Sun represents life, success, joy, clarity, and personal empowerment. It symbolizes victory over adversity, the radiant energy that fuels life, and a harmonious connection with the self. Through The Sun, we find our true purpose, confidence, and vitality, making it one of the most auspicious and beneficial cards in the Tarot.
The Sun – A Collection of Observations
The card depicts the immediate joy of life, simple and natural wisdom, and full satisfaction with what life offers, enjoying its sunny, unclouded side. It shows playing children. This card combines the characteristics of planets such as Mercury and the Moon – two planets that embody the most “childlike,” direct perception of life.
If these planets are in tension in the horoscope (square, opposition), the appearance of this card symbolically indicates a period when the aspect functions as resolved, and a normally unattainable lightness of being appears.
Additionally, the card symbolizes favorable life circumstances but does not support favorite secretive activities – one will have to live “in the light,” all while smiling in gratitude for simple human joys. This card demands the ability to perceive earthly life as it is, appreciating what is, even if it’s not exactly the joys you desire, so it’s not such a simple lesson. Lovers of moonlight will find the sun both tiresome and scorching.
Over to you…
Now, let me know in the comments: Do you have any personal observations about The Sun Major Arcana? How does it typically manifest in your tarot readings?
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