The Sun: Meaning, Symbolism & Reversed Interpretation
Keywords: joy, success, vitality, confidence, clarity
What The Sun Means
The Sun is one of the most positive cards in the deck—unambiguous, radiant, life-giving. This card appears when things are going well, when clarity replaces confusion, when you have reason to feel confident, joyful, and alive. After The Moon's uncertainty, The Sun brings everything into the light. What was hidden is visible. What was confusing is clear. What was threatening reveals itself as manageable or even illusory. This is the card of success, vitality, and well-being. If you've been struggling, The Sun says: better times are here or coming. Allow yourself to feel good. You're allowed to be happy.
Reversed Meaning
The Sun reversed can indicate temporary setbacks to happiness, blocked success, or inner light that's been dimmed by circumstances or attitude. The sun is still there—clouds are just obscuring it. This reversal sometimes suggests that you're not allowing yourself to be happy, that pessimism or past disappointments are preventing you from enjoying what's good. Rarely, the reversed Sun can indicate too much confidence—burn without warmth, ego inflation, or success without substance.
Love & Relationships
In love, The Sun is wonderfully positive. For singles, it indicates joyful energy that attracts connection, potential for meeting someone who brings happiness, or a period of loving yourself more fully. For couples, The Sun brings warmth, clarity, and joy to the relationship. This is a time of happiness, growth, and celebrating your connection. If there were recent difficulties, The Sun suggests they're passing.
Career & Money
In career readings, The Sun indicates success, recognition, and thriving in your work. You're on the right path, doing well, and the outlook is bright. This card supports new ventures, job searches, promotions, and any career activity that benefits from confidence and positive energy. Shine.
Symbolism & Imagery
The Sun radiates in the sky with a human face (consciousness, benevolence). A child rides a white horse, representing innocence, joy, and the natural self. The wall behind represents achievement and security. Sunflowers face the sun (growth toward light). The nakedness of the child represents purity—nothing to hide, nothing to prove. The red banner represents vitality and life force. Everything is visible, bright, unambiguous.
See The Sun for each zodiac sign · Browse all 78 tarot cards