The Sun

Many sources claim that The Sun is the best card in the Arcana. It does not carry any secret ambiguity or excessive loftiness that might cause alarm (which is present, for example, in a card like The World).

It is the very prime of life, the happiness of existence, and tangible success. A person will receive some substantial gift from life that they can simply rejoice in. Through The Sun, one can receive gifts beyond what is deserved and expected, which they perhaps did not consider themselves worthy of. These gifts must simply be accepted and enjoyed, without asking questions, without doubting, and without trying to understand their actual meaning. Achieving a goal. A celebration of accomplishing something important. The Sun provides the opportunity to enjoy both what was achieved and rightfully obtained, and what was granted freely (although this does not mean it is karmically undeserved).

The Sun represents new perspectives of existence that have opened up to a person after the dream of The Moon Arcana, when they have the desire and strength to directly engage in the life of the world in all its fullness, free from illusions, fears, and doubts. Life turns its sunny side to the querent, beginning a bright and successful streak, a period of activity, success, and happiness.

Without a doubt, The Sun is one of the best cards in the deck. When answering virtually any question, it provides a favorable response, signifies the achievement of something important, and the long-awaited fulfillment of desires.

In a spread for a situation, The Sun foretells an exceptionally calm and successful resolution. Plans will certainly materialize, though perhaps not as quickly as one would like. Nevertheless, the overall outcome of the situation will be remarkably successful, and it will soon be forgotten that one had to wait a while for hopes to be fulfilled. This Arcana shows the absence of darkness in a given matter, which is a great rarity.

In a strictly practical sense – a trip to warm countries, a vacation.

The Sun brings a whole, healthy, and unclouded state of mind.

A rich and wise soul who now knows what happiness is, trusts reality, and has the ability to accept life as it is. One has to live in constant distrust of the world and fear of life to understand what it is like – the gift of The Sun, the taste for life, the serene pleasure of everyday existence. The ability to live with a childlike heart, wise in its kindness and readiness to rejoice in the good, to rejoice in every day, to bring warmth and light into the lives of those around.

Elated mood, contentment, and safety. Optimism, clarity of judgment, knowledge, and understanding. Personal power, self-belief, confidence in one's own position. The ability to clearly see one's path, without doubts, torments, and tossing about, overcoming anxiety and fears, trusting oneself. Reconciliation with one's "shadow" side - brought into the bright light of reason, the previously unconscious no longer frightens and the person is ready for further self-improvement (while clearly distinguishing right from wrong and being able to look directly at their thoughts and actions).

The Sun often indicates that a person has managed to smooth out some significant internal contradiction that was causing tension. In our consciousness, it corresponds to the forces that help to gain clarity, conquer apprehensions and deep fears, and overcome delusions. This is the energy that opposes those influences of the unconscious collective field that give a person doubts about the correctness of their actions. The Sun helps to profess one's originality, to lovingly accept oneself as a unique personality, and denotes a person who does not live by reflected light – they have found the ultimate source of inner light, radiating their wisdom and love into the world, filling themselves with the light of transformation.

Usually, this card appears when a person has done a lot of, and most likely intense, spiritual work, somehow realizing the highest within themselves. Now they receive the fruits of their labor as if as a gift and must taste them with feeling and sense. The sensation of joy and the fullness of existence, the freshness of feelings and perception - this is the result of spiritual enlightenment, which is often preceded by a crisis.

The Sun Arcana often literally "peeks out from behind the clouds". It describes the state of a person who has experienced being "born again" and is now admiring how blue the sky is, and such a state usually arises after a "thunderstorm". And if we follow the logic of the Major Arcana of Tarot - after the difficult emotional journey of The Moon, through layers of gloomy and heavy experiences, a shroud of fears and doubts, along the shaky path of painful compromises sliding between the swamps.

The lesson of The Sun is somewhat similar to the lesson of Temperance. It would seem, what could be simpler. Breathe in the scent of a rose. Live here and now.

This is the ability to perceive life with the simplicity of a sage and a child, to rejoice in every favorable circumstance, to enjoy its simplest gifts without empty questions and worries. The difference from Temperance is that The Sun does not focus on patience, restraint, and inner peace. It proclaims the sacred truth of happiness. It is not always simple. It is not without reason that the famous psychotherapist Bert Hellinger noted: "Happiness is frightening. It takes courage to feel it."

This card suggests that there is a certain center in life around which everything revolves – a child, a project, a relationship, or some other aspects – and from which a person draws enthusiasm and meaning.

Furthermore, it brings light to the situations under consideration, making the secret clear, exposing hidden facts and motives, bringing unexpected realizations of the truth, revelations about what is happening. This is a direct and bright light (which is multiplied many times by the presence of Justice or the Ace of Swords in the spread).

The Sun is a source of warmth and light and serves as a kind of material mediating symbol between God and man.

This is the lowest aspect of the divine and the highest aspect of the earthly. The Sun is a symbol of spiritual rebirth, the path to which is open to all. It proclaims the miracle of the Transfiguration of the personality, including the next unification granted to the forces of consciousness and subconsciousness, the masculine and feminine principles. The emergence of a new spiritual personality whose sensual aspirations are purified (a child on a white horse, psychologically the horse is Eros, controlled by a chaste "childlike" knight). The triumphant scarlet banner and the crown are symbols of the victory won and the beginning of real rebirth. Something new and transforming is ripening, demanding the completion of the alchemical process, the "great work". No longer will there be the shaky instinctive light of the moon, but full clarity and understanding in some profound questions of the mysticism of life.

The card symbolizes the transition between the light of this world and the spiritual light of the heavenly world, higher awareness, spiritual wisdom. The union of the earthly and the spiritual is almost achieved – the final wall separates from it. This is a prescription to continue, to take the last steps on the path of initiation, The Sun says that from now on a person will see it absolutely clearly.

The Sun symbolizes the highest level of consciousness, decisive steps in self-awareness, achieving purity and clarity of mind and heart. If The High Priestess and The Moon are the feminine road to wisdom, then The Magician and The Sun are the masculine path; they emphasize the ability to think logically and rationally, to bring what is hidden out into the light of God.

The test of The Sun is the preservation of a pure and bright perception of the world, unclouded by any gloom. This Arcana reminds us of the old truth that genuine luck comes only to those who, like children, perceive life simply and wisely, acting lightly and joyfully in their simple day. Opposition to oppressive influences, preservation of innocence, warmth, and virtue according to the word of Christ "Be as little children". The refusal to chase after the "wisdom of experience". The Sun is an allegory of the seeker's self-identification, their joy to live here and now, as well as the hope that life will move to a higher stage of existence. This is not one of the first, but one of the final Major Arcana. Beyond lie only Judgement and The World.

The appearance of The Sun can herald the release from a significant karmic debt. Under this Arcana, the oldest and most painful wounds heal.

We managed to find approximately this text describing the stage in spiritual development symbolized by The Sun: "Of those like you, in esotericism it is said: 'An Initiate'. You have found a certain sacred truth and, along with it, self-trust and essential satisfaction with life. You have already overcome the fears and major disagreements of your life, become imbued with optimism, and become a charismatic and bright person. You have reached the highest level of self-awareness, you see your bad and good sides, you know how to conquer flaws and deepen virtues. You have a rich, wise, and experienced soul that has endured a lot in this and in previous incarnations. You have known happiness and were able to leave your mark on our earth. You know what the mission is with which you came to earth this time, and you do not refuse to fulfill it, because, by realizing it, you realize yourself. You have already settled your karmic debts, reconciled with your shadow side, and worked through everything you had to work through in this incarnation. Your character has not broken under the blows of fate, and you have not succumbed to trivial temptations. Now you can build up good karma for yourself, and also help others to do so. Be kind to them."

Luck in business.

Successful overcoming of difficulties.

Understanding one's life purpose, working by vocation, enjoying one's labor (which, of course, turns out best for representatives of creative and public professions). It is believed that The Sun also patronizes businesses related to education, enlightenment, children, and play, as well as animals (horse breeding, dog breeding).

The ability to inspire and persuade others, a lively and cheerful creative atmosphere, teamwork. Control over the situation, the presence of power, authority (if not due to a high position, then due to personal charisma). Self-realization, self-development, and self-education. Joining any professional groups, associations (or even creating them!).

Professional triumph, reward, recognition, well-deserved honors. This includes new beginnings (the birth of an idea, a project) and the achievement of a goal. Successful career, professional growth. Great successes, achievements in any field of activity (and especially in the fields of art and public relations). Being in the center of attention.

The Sun is a very favorable card in professional matters; it says: what you have worked hard and persistently on is ready to be illuminated by the light of full clarity and completion.

Among Russian tarot readers, there is an opinion that, in combination with unfavorable Arcana, The Sun may hint that a business will face difficulties due to state policy.

The Sun is a symbol of wealth, high social status, and material security.

Success in business ventures and financial investments.

The end of money problems.

Improvement in the standard of living.

Material well-being and prosperity. Enjoyment of prosperity.

The Sun is a very favorable card in the realm of personal relationships, both in the meaning of "happiness" and in the meaning of "reconciliation".

Sometimes this is a very important reconciliation with oneself, which is necessary for happiness with another person. The Sun also brings the message that the querent will finally lovingly accept their partner as they are, without trying to somehow change their nature and correct their flaws, and can count on the same unconditional acceptance from their side.

If the situation is tense, the difficulties will be resolved, the essence of the problem will become clear, the best human qualities will be manifested in its solution, people will become closer to each other, everything will become simpler and clearer. The card speaks of a real possibility to truly reconcile, overcome contradictions, and forget quarrels and disagreements. Even if all bridges are burned and it is impossible to restore the relationship, the card still points to a "warming" and trust.

Openness and harmony in the interaction between two people. Agreement and warmth in relationships, enjoyment of mutual love, sexual satisfaction. True understanding, joy, and happiness. Partners pamper each other with attention and tenderness, receiving affection and love in return, enjoying life together and feeling like a single whole. This is a card of trust and kindness, loyalty and devotion. A strong protected union, a very strong bond. Sincere and selfless feeling, generosity, magnanimity and readiness to give more than to take, the joy of giving oneself to a loved one, the ability to give oneself without losing oneself in the slightest. The feeling of being personally in demand, of importance to the partner, of one's enormous value and desirability.

The Sun describes a good partner, courageous, energetic, creative, and decent. To those who have not yet met their half, it reports that this half will be the best! The Sun confidently foretells a new relationship, a great love, the appearance of a close person who will have a great impact on the life of the querent.

The advice of The Sun is to be someone's "sun"! Without sparing, to warm with the warmth of one's heart, to please with friendliness and affection, to fill with positive energy, to help another person believe that life is beautiful, "even when it is difficult and when it is dangerous". To comfort, encourage, love, and support.

The Sun is considered the significator of a fateful meeting, a declaration of love, an engagement, a wedding, a successful marriage. This card predicts a joyful union (marriage), a happy married life and (or) the imminent birth of a child. Alchemically, it relates to the harmony of the masculine and feminine principles. This is their dance and correct attraction – suitable partners will find each other. The Sun is a symbol of a liberated partnership, when all energies are available for creative processes and are not wasted fighting with something and for something. The acquired freedom is expressed in a state of joy, in which a true alchemical transformation of both souls can occur.

Joy over the successes of children, the general well-being of children.

When reversed, The Sun may, according to one of the authors, indicate a "joyful divorce" - both are grateful to each other, are quite happy to end the connection, and sincerely wish happiness in their future lives. Also relationships with a large age difference, where there is more demonstrativeness than genuine feelings and intimacy.

Excellent health, vital energy.

Fullness of strength, activity, and cheerfulness.

Excellent physical and spiritual condition, full well-being. Recovery (and sometimes literally a victory over death, because The Sun is the source of life). Good state of mind.

The Sun can serve as a reminder that we do not live to work, but we work to live.

Reversed may indicate exhaustion, professional burnout. Heat stroke, sunburn (in absolutely extreme cases - skin cancer). Sometimes - heart problems, but usually caused by overheating or physical exertion beyond one's years. It is an interesting observation that the Reversed Sun can indicate seasonal depressions (what in Western psychiatry is called SAD - seasonal affective disorders). The solar day shortens, the time changes, the rhythm of life changes, and a person feels a decline in spirit and strength. Perhaps this could relate generally to a person's heightened sensitivity to the solar cycle and activity (eclipses, flares, magnetic storms, etc.).

In a Reversed position, the card symbolizes difficulties in contacts with people, problems in marriage and in partnership, misunderstandings, false ideas about success, excessive fussiness, activity that does not yield results. Sometimes the reversed position foretells health problems, family troubles, a temporary separation from a loved one, or a postponed wedding. Not being a bad card in the strict sense, the Reversed Nineteenth Arcana means that all the positive influence of The Sun in this position is weakened: success, but only after considerable effort, partial prosperity, postponed triumph, hopes and dreams regarding matters of the heart will come true, but not completely, the fulfillment of hopes is postponed for some time (but this does not mean that everything is lost), ends will meet. In rare cases, authors emphasize emptiness, loneliness, loss of meaning, and other direct negations, but most agree that The Sun, no matter how you spin it, remains The Sun. This card never carries a negative meaning.

Even in a Reversed form, it retains its meaning, perhaps indicating a cloud that has cast a shadow on The Sun, but this cloud will dissipate (or it makes sense and is possible to "dispel it with one's hands").

Some authors emphasize meanings such as warmth, fire, heat, and the flame of passion in the reversed position.

Theoretically, in combination with strongly unfavorable cards like The Tower, one can imagine literally such things as burning, fire, explosion.

Mary Greer's interpretation is interesting, which emphasizes exactly the "fear of happiness" according to Hellinger: a person is afraid to bring themselves joy and accept good things, they lack faith that they are worthy of all this, it is "too good to be true".

Like The World, The Sun smoothes and softens the negative influence of other cards in the spread, changing its meaning for the better.

With The Fool – serenity, carelessness, and spontaneity.

With The Magician – the opportunity to realize all your creative plans without any risk and with financial success.

With The Empress – the situation is truly beautiful, luck is on the querent's side, you must seize this moment.

With The Emperor – a great inclination towards voluntarism, excessive strong-willed pressure on people (either from the querent, or some person in their environment).

With The Hierophant – a favorable combination, a clear vision of the goal and meaning of one's actions and aspirations, the blessing of fate.

With The Hermit – the period of loneliness is over, it is time to share inner wealth with others.

With Death – a favorable combination, rebirth is complete, the view of the changes taking place in life is wise, and the positive filling of the cleared space will not take long.

With The Devil – blinded by the pursuit of material goods. Deceptive well-being in the financial sphere. Sexual dissatisfaction.

With The Tower – a good combination, illumination, rebirth. There may be temporary problems with health or money (it is better to refrain from investments and debt obligations). The likelihood of a depressive state is high.

With The Star – a wonderful combination, victory is very close, it remains to make the final effort to achieve the goal.

With The Moon – disorientation, illusions.

With The World – the completion of something, a great achievement. This is a colossal combination of cards in terms of positive energy, bringing luck and patronage to a person on all planes of existence, from the most earthly to the highest, cosmic level.

With Ace of Wands - marriage

With Two of Wands – personal power, resilience.

With Six of Wands – received approval, achieved position.

With Ace of Swords - childbirth, successful delivery.

With Six of Swords – depression, loss of strength.

With Eight of Cups – fatigue

With Five of Pentacles – overwork, exhaustion

With the Reversed Six of Pentacles – honors.

Helios, Apollo, Ra, Belenus, Lugh, Yarilo, and other solar deities.

Achilles, Theseus, Hercules

Sun worship rituals.

Gold. Diamond.

Alchemical stage Rubedo

The card depicts the immediate joy of life, simple and natural wisdom, full satisfaction with what it gives, enjoyment of its sunny, unclouded side. It depicts playing children. This path connects the characteristics of such planets as Mercury and the Moon - the two planets of the most "childlike", direct perception of life.

If they are in tension in the horoscope (square, opposition), then the appearance of this card symbolically speaks of a period when the aspect functions as worked through, and a usually unattainable lightness of being appears.

In addition, the card symbolizes favorable life circumstances, but does not favor favorite secret affairs - one will have to lead a life "in the light", and with a smile of gratitude for simple human joys. This card gives and demands the ability to perceive earthly life as it is, appreciating what is, even if these are not exactly the joys you want, so this is not such a simple lesson. Those who love the moonlight are tormented and scorched by the sun.