The Sun: Read the Card

(Tarot Prompts for Writers)

Here’s a compilation of my notes on reading The Sun as a card of the day or in a spread.

If you’re just learning tarot, use the deck that most appeals to you, and spend some time looking at your card. What does it say to you? (See my description of The Sun as I see it.)

Tarot is personal and open-ended. There are traditional meanings — and yes, you should know them if you want to read tarot cards — but it really only “works” if you follow what the cards mean to you personally. Your sun and my sun may not mean quite the same thing.

Number

Some say the number 19 takes on the meaning of its digits combined (1+9=10) to indicate completion, harmony, leadership, and the cyclical nature of life. 

Name

The Sun illuminates and warms us. It allows all life to thrive. We rely upon the sun, and many of us worship it in some way. Its presence reassures us; life is scary when it goes down. The Sun is the star around which our lives revolve. 

Placement

The Sun comes almost at the end of the major arcana but it’s an image of childlike joy and protection. It indicates safety following danger; peace following conflict; happiness following stress. The card is about attainment. There is no time of life that the sun isn’t welcome, but its placement suggests that you must work hard to get here. 

Traditional interpretations

The Sun is one of the most positive cards in the Tarot. It represents whatever brings joy to the ego: happiness, contentment, prosperity, and health; just rewards, acclaim and approval; hard-earned accomplishments enjoyed at last.

The card is about mastery of the ego, being who are you, the essential you, and not trying to be otherwise. Self-awareness is critical to happiness at this time in your life. Peace and joy are in your grasp. Growth, warmth, and success will prove long-lasting when you immerse yourself in a life practice and a social situation that allows happiness to bloom. 

The card often indicates new and successful beginnings, especially for the arts and sciences. It can indicate fame and fortune. But this place of sunshine is a consciously chosen and earned happiness – you don’t just stumble in here or luck out. It’s a good life that you build.

Reverse interpretations

The Sun reversed can have several meanings.

First, the card can remain positive to a lesser degree. Great achievement is close but obstacles block you. Persevere; plan sensibly and take it one step at a time and you’ll succeed.

The card reversed can warn of misjudgment that could result in failure or exposure of those who’ve succeeded by dubious means. Be careful not to lose a thing of value. 

The card reversed might suggest that you may need more enthusiasm. Regain your momentum. You have untapped potential. Don’t let fantasies of success replace real attainment. Don’t let fear or immaturity limit you into staying in a rut. Tap into your potential and act with vigour and dedication and you will get somewhere good. 

Thematic readings

  • In love, the card tells of a fortunate marriage and good relations, invigoration and mutual success. There may be a tendency to egoism, but this is a positive card.
  • In work, the card signifies the vindication of daring ideas. Success and triumph for a person with imagination. Great energy to advance your projects; a good omen. 
  • In general life, this is a good time for partnerships; a time to refresh your spirit with the good things in life. Enjoy yourself and all you have earned. 

Specific positions

  • Current situation: Everything is in its rightful place. Progress is underway. Make the most of this time and this good fortune. 
  • Past influence: You need to embrace the heart of a child. You may be in need of love and protection – but you have it, even if you can’t see it.
  • Outcome: Liberation from toil; safe refuge after peril. Any project you start here will flourish. Don’t be afraid to take center-stage. Live life to the full. Shrug off all doubt and fear and seize your bliss.
  • Blocked: Be willing to move beyond the safe and known. Don’t be too concerned with your image. Accept others for who they are. Don’t wait for things; take action to move toward your goals. 

Questions for the Querent

  • Do you have any reaction at first sight of this card? What do you focus on?
  • What do you see in the landscape? What do you think is beyond the wall?
  • Do you have a safe space for your creativity to flourish?
  • Is your happiness shared or solitary?
  • Do you feel connected to the world you are part of?
  • What situations bring you joy? 
  • Are you able to relax and play when you are supposed to be R&Ring? Can you surrender to the feeling of being safe?

Keywords to aid Memory

  • Happiness
  • Success / Prosperity / Attainment
  • Shelter
  • Flourishing / Growth

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Images on this page are by the following artists: Banner, left to right: Marseilles deck engraved by Nicolas Conver; Dragon Tarot illustrated by Roger and Linda Garland (also shown in box); Tarot Balbi by Domenico Balbi; Gilded Tarot by Ciro Marchetti; Radiant Rider-Waite deck illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith; Druid Craft deck illustrated by Will Worthington.