The Sun
Words describing The Sun: Joy, happiness, warmth, success, positivity, vitality, enlightenment, clarity, fulfillment, growth, confidence, abundance.
How to interpret The Sun in tarot
Past
Eight of Pentacles (reversed)
Present
King of Wands (upright)
Future
The Sun (reversed)
Basic Meaning of The Sun (Rider-Waite)
The Sun is the nineteenth card in the Tarot’s Major Arcana and symbolizes joy, success and vitality. The card’s image shows a shining sun above a landscape with a smiling child on a horse. It represents that when we are in touch with our inner strength and joy, we can overcome obstacles and achieve great success and happiness.
Upright Meaning
When The Sun appears upright in a Tarot reading it means that there is a time of joy, success and positive energy in your life. The card urges you to embrace this energy and use it to create positive changes and opportunities. It is a time to celebrate your accomplishments, to share your joy with others and to feel secure and content in your life.
Reversed Meaning
If The Sun is reversed in a reading it can indicate that you are having difficulty feeling joy and positivity, or that you have lost touch with your inner strength and vitality. It may also mean that you are ignoring the positive aspects of your life and focusing too much on the negative. The card urges you to regain your joy of life, to focus on the positive and to be grateful for what you have in your life.
Example Interpretation
If The Sun appears in a reading alongside the Nine of Pentacles and King of Wands it can be interpreted as focusing on joy, success and positive energy (The Sun) will lead you to a sense of independence, prosperity and personal satisfaction (Nine of Pentacles). This success will be further enhanced by expressing your leadership, creativity and courage (King of Wands), which will help you create a strong and inspiring presence in your life and relationships.
Psychological Interpretation
Archetypal Meanings
The Sun is a powerful and positive archetype that represents vitality, joy, and success. It is associated with the masculine principle and often symbolizes the father figure or authority. The Sun is also linked to the Greek god Apollo, who represents creativity, music, and intellectual pursuits. As an archetype, The Sun embodies the concept of life-giving energy, growth, and enlightenment.
Behavioral Patterns
When The Sun appears in a tarot reading, it can indicate a period of happiness and fulfillment. The person may experience a surge of energy, enthusiasm, and confidence. They may be outgoing, extroverted, and enjoy being in the spotlight. The Sun can also represent success and recognition in both personal and professional endeavors. However, The Sun can also represent the shadow side of these qualities, such as arrogance, overconfidence, and selfishness. In some cases, The Sun can also indicate a struggle to maintain happiness and optimism, which may result in feelings of guilt or shame.
Integration and Shadow Work
Psychologically, The Sun encourages us to embrace our inner light and radiate it outwards. It reminds us to tap into our true potential and use our creativity and talents to bring joy and fulfillment into our lives. To work with The Sun’s energies, one can focus on self-care, self-expression, and pursuing passions and hobbies. The Sun also encourages us to let go of any negative beliefs or behaviors that may be blocking our happiness and success. Shadow work with The Sun involves acknowledging and addressing any tendencies towards arrogance or selfishness and finding healthy ways to express confidence and assertiveness.