The Sun
Symbolic Attributes
- Element:The Sun
- Arcana:Major Arcana
- Suit:Trump
- Archetype:The Holy Masculine
- Numerology:19 = 1 + 9 = 10 (completion, exhaustion) 1 + 0 = 1 (starting point, opportunity)
- Hebrew Alphabet:Resh/Head/200
Keywords
Description
If The Moon is the long, uncertain night of the soul, The Sun is the triumphant dawn. It represents the moment the fog clears, the truth is revealed, and life returns to its fullest, most vibrant expression.To experience The Sun is to feel a burst of warmth on your skin after a long winter. The air is filled with the scent of blooming flowers and the sound of laughter. It is the feeling of absolute certainty—the moment you realize that the monsters you saw in the moonlight were merely shadows, and that you have arrived at the center of your own brilliance. "The Sun does not ask for permission to shine; it simply burns away the darkness until only the truth remains."
Light Meaning
- Seeing things clearly
- Experiencing intense joy
- Celebrating your own successes
- Knowing you're good at what you do
- Gaining recognition for your personal genius
Shadow Meaning
- Being dazzled by your own accomplishments
- Becoming absorbed in your own self-image
- Feeling rushed and distracted
- Exerting yourself to the point of exhaustion
- Overstating your abilities or misrepresenting your achievements
Questions to Ask Yourself
- •How can I take best advantage of the attention coming my way?
- •What are my highest spiritual goals?
- •How can I avoid being bedazzled by the energy swirling around me?
Personal Meaning
Successful in your endeavors. A time of good or improved health, vitality, and energy. Seize the day and let your light shine.
You experienced successful in your endeavors. Your energy or health may have improved.
Successful in your endeavors. A time of good or improved health, vitality, and energy. Seize the day and let your light shine.
Personal Reversed Meaning
Do not allow the sun's brilliance to blind you. Avoid being over-confident overestimating your abilities. Stay humble. See your strengths and weaknesses realistically.
The sun's brilliance blinded you. Over-confidence and overestimating your abilities impaired your judgement.
The sun's brilliance has blinded you. You are being over-confident and are overestimating your abilities. A bit of humility is called for at this time. Take off the rose-colored glasses and take realistic stock of exactly what your strengths and weaknesses really are.
Fortune Telling
- •Everything's coming up roses (or sunflowers, whatever the case may be)
- •Whatever's on your mind, go for it because you can't lose today
Mythical / Spiritual Context
God the Father. Sun gods, including Ra, Apollo, and Helios. The moment of baptism. Claiming a new faith as your own.
How to Interpret This Card in a Reading
A guide to deepening your understanding of Tarot symbolism.
Context is Key
No Tarot card exists in a vacuum. While the meanings above provide a foundation, the true significance of this card depends on where it lands in your spread. Is it in the past position, indicating a phase you are moving away from? Or is it in the outcome position, suggesting a potential future? Always consider the neighboring cards — they often tell a story that modifies or amplifies the message.
Trust Your Intuition
Traditional meanings are the starting point, but your intuition is the compass. When you look at the card imagery, what draws your eye first? A specific color, a symbol, or a facial expression might trigger a personal memory or feeling. That immediate reaction is often the most relevant message for your current situation, even if it differs from the standard definition.
Understanding Reversals
If this card appears reversed (upside down), don't fear it. Reversals often suggest an internalizing of the card's energy, a delay, or a need to revisit the lesson before moving forward. It can also indicate that the "shadow" aspects described above are currently more active, inviting you to bring them into the light for healing.
Connecting with the Element
Remember the suit this card belongs to. Wands speak to passion and action (Fire). Cups dive into emotions and relationships (Water). Swords navigate the mind and conflicts (Air). Pentacles ground us in the material world and resources (Earth). The Major Arcana represents larger life themes and soul lessons. Filtering the card's meaning through its elemental lens will give you a grounded, practical way to apply its wisdom to your life.