The Sun tarot card meaning

What The Sun means

The Sun is one of the most positive cards in the tarot. It stands for joy, success, vitality and clarity. When the sun shines in a reading, things are seen as they really are, and what's seen is good. It brings warmth, confidence and a sense of play, like the child on the horse. This card reminds you that happiness isn't only something you earn at the end of hard work. It's also something you can let in today.

Upright meaning

Upright, The Sun brings good news, success and a lighter heart. Projects go well, relationships feel warm and you have energy to spare. It's a great time to celebrate, to be seen, to enjoy life and to do whatever makes you feel most like yourself. Confidence comes more easily now. This card can also point to children, good health and recovery. Let yourself shine without apologizing for it. Your joy can be a gift to others too.

The Sun reversed

Reversed, The Sun's light is still there, just a little clouded. You may feel less enthusiastic than usual, or good news may be delayed. It isn't a negative card. Think of it as a cloudy summer day. Look for small joys, rest if you're tired and don't let a temporary gloom convince you the sun has disappeared. Sometimes the reversed Sun warns against overconfidence, so keep your feet on the ground.

The Sun in love

In love, The Sun is wonderful news. If you're single, you're radiant and attractive right now, and a warm, joyful connection is possible. If you're in a relationship, the card brings happiness, honesty and playfulness, and it can point to commitment, marriage or starting a family. Enjoy each other. Love here feels easy and bright.

As feelings

As feelings, The Sun shows someone who feels genuinely happy around you. You make them feel warm, light and confident, and their affection is open and sincere.

Work and money

At work, The Sun means success and recognition. Your efforts are seen and appreciated, and things go your way. It's a good time to launch, present or ask for what you want. With money, this is a card of abundance and comfort. Enjoy it, and share a little of your good fortune.

As advice

Let yourself enjoy something fully today, without waiting for a reason or permission. Step into the light, be seen and share your warmth with someone. Joy grows when you let it out.

Is The Sun a yes or no card?

The Sun is a clear, bright yes. Whatever the question, this is one of the most positive answers the deck can give.

Past, present and future

In the past position, The Sun points to a happy, successful time that shows what you're capable of. In the present, it brings energy, confidence and good news, so enjoy them and let yourself be seen. In the future, it promises success and joy, one of the warmest outcomes in the whole deck, and a reason to keep going.

What the card shows

A huge golden sun with a calm face fills the sky. Beneath it, a naked child wearing a crown of flowers rides a white horse with arms spread wide, carrying a big red banner. Sunflowers lean over a garden wall toward the light. Everything is bright, warm and open. After the uncertain light of The Moon, The Sun shows a world where nothing needs to hide.

• The radiant sun with a face: vitality, clarity and joy.
• The child on the white horse: innocence, freedom and trust.
• The red banner: energy and action.
• The sunflowers: growth that turns toward the light.
• The garden wall: safety, a protected space to play.

Astrology and numerology

In the Golden Dawn tradition The Sun corresponds to the Sun, the light of vitality, success and selfhood. As a Fire card, The Sun carries the energy, courage and will of Fire. Its number, 19, reduces to 10 and then 1 (1 + 9), which links The Sun to Wheel of Fortune and The Magician: one is the number of will and new beginnings.

Related cards

• The Moon: the night that comes before the light.
• The Star: hope that grows into full joy.