Major Arcana
The Sun
The Sun is one of the 22 Major Arcana in tarot. Upright, it speaks of joy, vitality and success. Reversed, it points to excess optimism, dazzle and passing gloom. In yes-or-no questions it leans toward yes.
- Number
- 19
- Element
- Fire
- Astrology
- Sun
- Yes or no
- Yes
Symbolism
A radiant sun shines on a nude child happily riding a white horse, holding a red banner. Behind are a stone wall and sunflowers turning toward the light. The wall is the limit already overcome, and the child is guiltless joy and regained innocence. The number 19 (1 + 9 = 10) joins the beginning and fullness.
Affirmation
“I allow myself to shine and celebrate the joy of being who I am.”
Upright meaning
- joy
- vitality
- success
- clarity
- optimism
- General
- The Sun brings light, warmth and the feeling that things finally become clear. It is the card of simple joy, vitality and success that comes from being authentic. After the shadows, you can show yourself without fear. Celebrate your achievements and share the positive energy.
- Love
- Happiness, warmth and transparency in love: the relationship is light, joyful and sincere. It can indicate celebration, family or children. If single, your authenticity makes you radiant and attracts healthy connections.
- Work & money
- Success, recognition and projects that flourish. Clarity of goals and energy to execute. Share the credit with your team and use the good moment to plan with confidence.
- Advice
- Show up fully and celebrate what went well. Enjoy the day, the light and the people you love.
Reversed meaning
- excess optimism
- dazzle
- passing gloom
- ego
- delayed success
- General
- Reversed, the Sun still shines, but something covers it: success is slow, joy loses its glow or enthusiasm becomes blinding and ignores risks. It can also indicate an inflated ego, or difficulty enjoying what you have. The light is there; it just needs room to reach you.
- Love
- A less radiant phase in which joy needs tending, or expectations that are too high. As a couple, routine may have dimmed the glow. If single, self-confidence is a bit low but returns with small pleasures.
- Work & money
- Success taking longer than expected, or enthusiasm without risk assessment. Keep optimism with realism. Acknowledge the progress already made.
- Advice
- Look for light in small things and keep your feet on the ground. Value what is already good.
Guides about The Sun
- Is The Sun a Yes or a No in Tarot?Find out why The Sun leans toward yes, what the card asks of you, and how to read reversed Sun in a yes-or-no question, with examples.
- What is the difference between the personal arcana and the sun sign?Understand the differences between the personal arcana and the sun sign: where each comes from, how they are calculated and why one does not replace the other.
- What Do the Sun and the Moon Represent in Tarot?Understand what the Sun and the Moon usually represent in tarot, how they appear in The Sun and The Moon cards and why they complement each other.
- What do The Tower and The Sun mean together in a tarot reading?See what The Tower and The Sun mean together in tarot: a false structure falling, followed by clarity, relief and a more honest fresh start.
- The Moon and The Sun together: from doubt to clarity?Discover what The Moon and The Sun mean together in tarot: the end of confusion, fears that fade and the truth that appears in the light of day.
- What does The Sun mean for studying?The Sun in a reading about studying speaks of clarity, confidence and joy in learning. See how to read it for school, college or exams, with no promised grade.