The Sun Tarot Meaning: Upright and Reversed

The Sun Keywords 

• Upright: joy, happiness, openness, clarity, optimism, success, confidence
• Reversed: overconfidence, high expectations, delays, disappointment, lack of clarity, wishful thinking

The Sun: Description and Symbolism

As number ‘19’ in the Major Arcana, the Sun card introduces themes of optimism and vitality to the tarot. The Sun’s golden rays fill the sky, illuminating the scene. Its outstretched light represents enlightenment and clarity. The goals of this journey are inner peace and freedom, symbolized by the blue background.

The smiling child depicted in the scene represents innocence and childlike wonder. He sits on a white horse, symbolizing his pure intentions. He has conquered old obstacles and limitations, represented by the gray wall in the background. The red flag symbolizes passion and success through his pursuits. The child’s arms and legs are outstretched to represent his openness to experiencing the world around him. He is free from old worries and hopeful about the future.

Across traditions and within nature itself, the Sun is known as a life-bringer. The depiction of a garden highlights themes of life that need the Sun’s light to thrive. The sunflowers symbolize abundant joy. There are four of them to correspond with the four elements, further representing oneness with the Universe. 

The child and his steed also need the Sun to light the way. The radiance of the sun not only brings awareness but also inspires the life force within. Astrologically, the Sun represents the ego, vitality, and self-knowing. Under the Sun’s influence, the child can express himself confidently.

Note: This description is based on the depiction of the Sun in the Rider Waite-Smith tarot deck.

The Sun – Upright Meaning

When the Sun card appears in a tarot reading, it shows you are feeling hopeful and enthusiastic about the future. You have gained the clarity you need to believe in a positive outcome. The Sun encourages you to remain confident in your approach while also having fun along the way.

The Sun may also signify a period of celebration. Perhaps you finally overcame an obstacle or achieved a goal you have been working towards. It is time to be proud of the progress you have made. Lean into the simple joys of the present moment – you earned it!

Ultimately, the Sun pushes you to choose commitments that energize and free you. Allow yourself to live in the moment at this time.

Love Meaning – The Sun Upright 

The Sun is a joyous card to pull for love and relationships. Your current connection is likely to bring you long-term satisfaction if you stay on this path. As advice, the Sun encourages you to make time for fun dates and experiences with your partner. Look beyond the mundane to deepen your connection.

If you are single, the Sun suggests that it is a hopeful time for new beginnings in love. You have plenty of energy to pour into new connections, so don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Dates are likely to feel more enjoyable when you stay true to yourself.

As a relationship dynamic, the Sun card represents a lively and fun connection. You and your partner connect on shared interests, but also find joy in each other’s differences. This makes for a supportive relationship where it feels safe to be yourself.

When reading for how someone feels, the Sun indicates someone who is hopeful about the connection. This love interest enjoys your company and is excited to see where things will go.

Career and Finance Meaning – The Sun Upright 

When the Sun card appears in a career context, you are finding your goals and creative ideas more approachable. You may finally get a wave of inspiration after a prolonged creative block, or you may suddenly have the urge to make that career switch. Whatever decision has been calling out to you, it is a wonderful time to take that leap. 

The Sun suggests that you are experiencing a positive trajectory within your finances. You may gain a sense of control over your budget after a period of struggle. Investments you have put off could also be more accessible to you now. Ultimately, this card encourages you to make the spending decisions that would fulfill you in the long term.

Health Meaning – The Sun Upright 

The Sun card signifies a period of increased energy and activity. You are highly motivated at this time, so it would be a great time to find a physical outlet for your overflowing energy. Consider going on a jog every morning or trying a new sport. Any activity that you find fun would be worth integrating into your schedule.

Spirituality Meaning – The Sun Upright

In a spiritual context, the Sun card encourages you to reconnect with your inner child. You will find clarity and wisdom in the habits and attitudes you held at a young age. There is also potential for spiritual growth in reminiscing on fond memories and revisiting nostalgic places.

The Sun Card As Feelings Meaning – Upright

The Sun represents feelings of excitement and optimism for the future. You are encouraged to adopt a light-hearted attitude towards life at this time.

The Sun Card As Actions Meaning – Upright

When the Sun card appears, it signifies energy and self-confidence. You are highly motivated to achieve what you set out to do, which is likely to bring desirable outcomes.

The Sun – Reversed Meaning

When the Sun card appears reversed, you may be experiencing a temporary sadness or disappointment. Perhaps your desired outcome has been delayed by an unprecedented event or is no longer possible. This card gently reminds you not to get wrapped up in wishful thinking. While your feelings are valid, you deserve the inner peace that comes from moving on.

The reversed Sun could also suggest that a commitment or situation is not as fulfilling as you thought it would be. You may be putting up a façade that you are content, but deep inside, you are craving something better. It is time to listen to your inner voice to realign with what fulfills you.

Another interpretation of the reversed Sun card is that you are lacking energy or clarity within your given situation. You may need to reflect on the true source of your joy to determine what is draining or confusing you at this time.

Love Meaning – The Sun Reversed

When the Sun card appears reversed in a love context, it could feel like something is missing within your relationship. Perhaps there is a deeper need or feeling that you have been brushing over for a while. Rather than leaning into unquestioning optimism about your connection, it may be time to address underlying concerns. You are close to achieving the dynamic you seek, but it may require a meaningful check-in.

If you are single, the reversed Sun may suggest that you are experiencing delayed or disappointing results. Try not to get discouraged if recent dates or conversations with your love interest haven’t gone to plan. Reflect on whether your expectations are realistic or if you are getting in the way of your own joy at this time. This card reminds you that you are worthy of the love and support you seek. 

As how someone feels, the reversed Sun represents someone who is hopeful but unsure of what is next in the connection. In extreme cases, this card could symbolize someone with unclear intentions who simply wants to have fun. Either way, it would be best to give this connection space to grow within its natural timeline.

Career and Finance Meaning – The Sun Reversed

When the Sun appears reversed in a career context, you may be experiencing delayed or disappointing results. Perhaps your idea didn’t gain as much traction as you had hoped, or you are waiting to hear back from your dream company. Whatever may be slowing you down, this card gently reminds you not to dwell on it at this time. You can create your own fulfilling outcomes elsewhere, so try to keep your head up.

The reversed Sun card may also represent a work or financial situation that is draining your energy. Rather than putting on a smile to keep everyone around you happy, it would be a good time to buckle down on your passions. Allow your inspiration to guide you in a more fulfilling direction at this time.

Health Meaning – The Sun Reversed

The reversed Sun card could signify that your energy has felt depleted lately. Whether external factors have gotten you down or you are getting over a sickness, you are encouraged to build yourself back up gradually. Make time for fun hobbies and experiences that you can do within your energy levels, and you will be feeling better in no time.

Spirituality Meaning – The Sun Reversed 

In a spiritual context, the reversed Sun card suggests you may need to reflect on what truly fulfills you at this time. Your mask is ready to come down and reveal the true feelings you have been hiding. It is a great time to journal or lean on your support system to help you realign with your authentic joys.

The Sun Card As Feelings Meaning – Reversed

The reversed Sun card can represent both overconfidence and suppressed joy. Whether your high expectations are pushing you through a situation or you are becoming drained, you are encouraged to realign with effortless joys.

The Sun Card As Actions Meaning – Reversed

The reversed Sun represents pursuits inspired by wishful thinking. You can achieve the outcome you seek, but it may require you to reassess your expectations. 

Past, Present, and Future Positions

Past Position

The Sun in the ‘past’ position refers to a previous event or situation that brought you joy. Your past success has given you newfound hope and confidence in your abilities. You have learned the importance of putting your happiness first, which is now informing your current situation.

Present Position

In the ‘present’ position, the Sun encourages you to keep your hopes high. You are prioritizing commitments that make you happy, leading you to feel fulfilled and energized at this time.

Future Position

When the Sun card appears in the ‘future’ position, it predicts that your current situation will result in long-term happiness and clarity. Continue on your current path, and you will achieve the success you have been working towards.

Yes or No Meaning of The Sun Card

• The Sun Upright: Yes
• The Sun Reversed: No 

When the Sun card appears upright in a reading, it gives you a ‘yes’. Success is likely if you continue to prioritize your joy and livelihood in your given situation.

When the Sun card appears reversed, it gives you a ‘no’. There is a need for more clarity to achieve a desirable outcome in your given situation.

Advice and Message of The Sun Card

The Sun encourages you to be optimistic in all of your endeavors. You will find the clarity you need along the way, so long as you prioritize your happiness. This card reminds you to celebrate your progress to gain the most out of life. 

Summary of The Sun Tarot Meaning

When the Sun appears in a reading, it is time to open yourself up to fun new experiences. You have made progress that deserves celebration, so make time to enjoy yourself. When reversed, this card suggests that you may be struggling to maintain a positive outlook. To lift your spirits, you are encouraged to chase pursuits that fill your heart with joy at this time.