
The Sun
Other names: Prosperity Category: Major Arcana, sphere of the being Position: 19 Planet: Sun ☉ Time: Summer solstice
The Sun in tarot carries an energy full of life and enthusiasm. This arcana indicates a moment when success becomes attainable, and the daylight dispels all doubts. It is a signal of the end of darkness, a moment when merits are recognized and effort rewarded. In the upright position, the card portrays a situation in which one can tap abundantly into one's own potential, and others will notice and appreciate it. However, in the reversed position, its power may become a trap – excessive interest or external pressure can cause discomfort and limit freedom. In both cases, The Sun reminds us that success does not always mean an easier life, and a bright shine can be blinding.
Symbolism and Main Ideas of The Sun
In the Rider-Waite deck, The Sun is depicted as a joyful child riding a white horse in the rays of sunlight. The blue sky, blooming sunflowers, and the gray barrier in the background emphasize harmony and stability, while clearly separating what is known from what lies ahead. The red flag in the child's hand is a sign of triumph, and his nakedness symbolizes honesty and a lack of pretense. This image indicates that all the complicated elements of life have been reduced to simple, pure ideas, and everything takes place in the open, with no secrets or hidden motives.
Meaning of The Sun Card in the Upright Position
Key aspects:
- Success and achievements, full mobilization of potential
- Joy and contentment, carefreeness and authenticity
- A sense of fulfillment and satisfaction, harmony
- Openness to the world, clear goals and absence of hidden motives
In the upright position, The Sun symbolizes the moment when all troubles and shadows recede, and a bright future comes into view. A person gains self-confidence and can rely on recognition and admiration. In this state, what was once unclear becomes evident – obstacles turn into opportunities, and determination and perseverance lead to triumph.
Love and Relationships (Upright Position)
- Established harmony, mutual support, and honesty
- Joy derived from being together, complete trust
- Possibility of growing together and achieving goals
- For singles: a chance to meet the ideal partner
In the realm of emotions, The Sun is a sign that relationships are based on truth and openness, and any ambiguity gives way to clear communication. Partners are able to extract the best from life, inspiring one another.
Work and Finances (Upright Position)
- Positive career dynamics, a promotion or skill development
- Financial stability and favorable investments
- Opportunity to stand out, an increasing professional reputation
- An open path to success in creative ventures
In work and finances, The Sun favors building prosperity on solid foundations. In this atmosphere, it is easy to show initiative and creativity, which translates into real material benefits and recognition in the professional sphere.
Health and Well-Being (Upright Position)
- Strong immunity and good condition, rapid recovery
- Cheerful disposition, calmness, and inner balance
- Readiness to enjoy activity and movement
- Positive thoughts fueling a healthy lifestyle
The Sun emphasizes that body and mind operate in harmony. Such balance provides a sense of security and inspires active participation in everyday life.
Situations and Questions (Upright Position)
- Clearly defined goals, absence of misunderstandings
- A good time for implementing ideas
- Ease of making contacts, favorable circumstances
- Emphasis on simplicity and honesty
The Sun card suggests that now is the time to act and not hide your ambitions. External conditions favor success, and belief in one's own abilities becomes the key to achievement.
Spirituality and Karma (Upright Position)
- Positive vibrations, openness to higher ideas
- Pride in achievements that can inspire others
- Message: take advantage of the wisdom gained from experience
- Karmic lesson: honorable deeds bring blessings
On a spiritual level, The Sun indicates the belief that anything is possible. It is time to share your light and inspire others with your attitude.
Reversed Meaning of The Sun Card
Key Issues:
- Excessive self-confidence or misguided beliefs
- Distorted perception of one's own abilities
- Pressure and limitations, lack of complete freedom
- Short-lived successes that do not bring deep satisfaction
In the reversed position, The Sun signifies difficulties in deriving joy from achievements. It may turn out that the success was superficial and did not bring the expected fulfillment. In this situation, one must reconsider the true value of what once seemed so desirable.
Love and Relationships (Reversed)
- Misunderstandings, incompatibility, overly high expectations
- Conflicts arising from lack of understanding
- Lack of flexibility, failed attempts to find common ground
- For singles: disappointment and inability to form a stable relationship
In relationships, the reversed Sun indicates difficulties in building honesty. Partners may not always see their own shortcomings, and a lack of compromise leads to tension.
Work and Finances (Reversed)
- Poor results despite effort, lack of clear outcomes
- Attempts to overachieve that do not result in a positive reception
- Financial shortfall or insufficient compensation
- Unrealistic business plans without a solid foundation
The reversed position of The Sun in the context of work and finances means that overestimating one’s abilities can lead to disappointments. It is time to review your strategy and ground yourself from excessive optimism.
Health and Well-Being (Reversed)
- Neglect of physical and mental needs
- Hyperactivity that does not yield constructive results
- Frustration caused by inability to fulfill aspirations
- The need for support to maintain mental balance
In the reversed form, The Sun emphasizes that a lack of moderation in the pursuit of success can affect health and well-being. It is necessary to find a balance to avoid burnout.
Situations and Questions (Reversed)
- Hopes that turn out to be empty
- The need to limit ambitions to realistic possibilities
- A warning against rash decisions
- Disappointment with the outcomes of actions taken
In this context, the reversed Sun is a warning against getting lost in self-admiration or unrealistic plans. If dreams prove to be too distant, it is worth modifying them.
Spirituality and Karma (Reversed)
- An attempt to confront overwhelming spiritual challenges
- Complicated lessons arising from excessive ambitions
- Disproportionate effort relative to actual achievements
- The need to come down from the pedestal and adopt a more modest perspective
The reversed Sun on a karmic level indicates the difficulty of embracing humility. Success at all costs can lead to spiritual emptiness if it is not accompanied by deeper reflection.
The Sun as a Personifier
A person represented by the upright Sun is open, inspiring, and readily shares energy with others. They are a natural leader who draws attention without doing so at the expense of others. When The Sun is reversed, the image that emerges is of a person who is overly self-confident, unresponsive to criticism, and unable to maintain balanced, lasting relationships.
Advice and Warnings of The Sun Card
Upright Position: Boldly pursue your goals and take advantage of favorable conditions. Authenticity and honesty will be the keys to success. Warning: do not forget humility and the fact that an excess of sunlight can be blinding.
Reversed Position: Review your plans and ambitions, adjust your expectations. Warning: instead of reaching for unattainable ideals, focus on what is real and valuable. Accept that sometimes less is more.
The Sun: Meaning of the Card of the Day
Upright Position: Today, you will feel a surge of positive energy. It is an excellent time for action, achieving small goals, and enjoying all that life offers. Even difficult tasks will now seem easier to accomplish. Support from loved ones and a fresh perspective will help in making decisions.
Reversed Position: Today, the consequences of previously overestimating your abilities may become apparent. It is better to focus on simple actions rather than chasing an elusive goal. Acknowledge your limitations and seek support when you feel overwhelmed. A touch of humility will help you avoid disappointment.