The Sun in summary
The Sun is the nineteenth card of the Tarot and marks a pinnacle moment within the major arcana's journey. This card depicts a radiant sun shining brightly in the sky, often accompanied by the image of a child or children joyfully playing underneath. These children, sometimes shown riding a white horse, symbolize innocence, freedom, and the pure joy of being. The background typically features a robust garden wall, representing the successful completion of a long endeavor and the protection of a stable environment.
The Sun heralds a period of success, vitality, and profound clarity. This card is associated with the attainment of insight and the achievement of one’s goals. The light of the sun dispels shadows and illuminates truths, often suggesting a time when one's path becomes clear and obstacles are overcome. The vibrant sunrays suggest abundance and suggest that the querent is in a place where they can bask in the warmth of their achievements. Furthermore, The Sun is a sign of positive energy and good fortune. It indicates not only material happiness but also a profound spiritual and emotional fulfillment. The card invites the querent to celebrate their accomplishments and to embrace the warmth and stability that their successes bring. However, it also encourages continuing to grow and to use the energy of the sun to nurture further aspirations.
If you have drawn The Sun in a reading, it is a very auspicious sign for your endeavors. You are likely experiencing a time of joy and flourishing, where you can openly celebrate your successes. This is a time to enjoy the results of what has been built and to look forward with optimism to the new opportunities that await. The Sun's energy revitalizes and inspires, urging you to live fully and embrace the happiness that you have cultivated.
Passionate, devoted, fulfilling
When The Sun appears in a love reading, it often heralds a period of joy and success in your romantic life. This Major Arcana card symbolizes a time when you are likely to experience happiness and fulfillment in relationships. It suggests a strong connection with someone who brings light and positivity into your life, often indicating a relationship that enhances your self-esteem and personal growth.
For singles, The Sun is a promising sign that love is on the horizon. It reflects a time when you radiate confidence and attract potential partners with your vibrant energy. This card encourages you to engage in social activities and outings where your light can shine, increasing the chances of meeting someone special who resonates with your highest self.
If you are already in a relationship, The Sun indicates a flourishing partnership filled with warmth and mutual admiration. It suggests that your relationship is in a healthy phase, where both partners support and uplift each other. Major milestones such as engagements, weddings, or the decision to start a family may be on the cards, symbolizing the natural progression of your bond. However, if The Sun appears reversed in a reading, it may point to a lack of joy or warmth in your relationship. It can signify that one or both partners feel overshadowed or less appreciated. This is a call to bring more light into your interactions, to communicate openly, and to rediscover the joy that originally brought you together, ensuring that both partners feel valued and loved.
Creative, inspiring, positive
In terms of work, The Sun tarot card shines brightly on your professional endeavors, heralding a period of great success and recognition. This card suggests that your efforts and hard work are about to be rewarded, possibly with a promotion or public acknowledgment. The Sun symbolizes a time when your creative energy is at its peak, encouraging innovative ideas and projects. It's an excellent time for launching new ventures or expanding existing ones. The energy of The Sun card also points to a joyful work environment where camaraderie and teamwork thrive, fostering a collaborative spirit among colleagues.
Regarding finances, The Sun indicates a prosperous phase where financial stability is not only achieved but exceeded. This card often predicts a windfall or significant increase in income due to successful endeavors or wise investments. It’s a favorable time for financial planning and expanding your financial horizon. The Sun encourages you to explore unconventional investment opportunities that promise high returns. Additionally, the positive energy of The Sun may inspire you to share your wealth through charitable donations or by supporting causes that are close to your heart, thereby spreading prosperity and happiness.
Loyal, radiant, proactive
When The Sun card appears in a social or friendship reading, it signifies a period of joy and positivity in your social life. You are radiating warmth and vitality, attracting like-minded people who are drawn to your infectious energy. Your friends value your optimistic spirit, and you easily build strong, supportive connections. Social gatherings and group activities are filled with laughter and good times, as you find yourself surrounded by people who uplift and inspire you. Your confidence encourages others to open up and share in the collective joy, enhancing your network.
If The Sun card is reversed, it may indicate temporary barriers in your social circle. Perhaps a cloud of pessimism or self-doubt is making you feel disconnected from others. You might be retreating or shielding yourself from social situations, feeling that your energy isn't matching up to expectations. Give yourself the grace to recharge, and lean on supportive friends to help you find your way back to your usual brightness.
Unifying, encouraging, stable
When The Sun appears in a family-oriented tarot spread, it generally heralds a period of joy, success, and harmony within the family unit. This card suggests that relationships among family members are flourishing, with clear communication and genuine affection at the forefront. It could also indicate a time of celebration or a significant, happy event such as a wedding, a family reunion, or the birth of a child that brings everyone closer together. The warmth of The Sun fosters an environment where each member feels seen, supported, and valued.
In its reversed position, The Sun may signal that despite outward appearances, there are underlying issues of discontent or unrecognized feelings among family members. It suggests a need to address these hidden tensions before they dampen the overall happiness. Family members might be putting on a brave face rather than sharing their true emotions, leading to a superficial sense of harmony. It’s a call to bring these issues into the light to restore true joy and unity within the family.
Enlightened, intuitive, radiant
From a spiritual perspective, The Sun represents a period of enlightenment and profound joy. You are basking in the radiant light of clarity and purpose, illuminating your path with optimism. The universe is encouraging you to embrace your authentic self and share your gifts with the world. This card invites you to step into the fullness of your potential, knowing that your spirit is aligned with your higher purpose.
The Sun asks, "How brightly are you shining?" Are you fully embracing the abundant energy within you to inspire and uplift others? Trust in the warmth of your inner light, take bold steps forward, and the universe will amplify your intentions, bringing boundless opportunities to manifest your highest visions.

When The Sun appears in its upright position, it radiates positivity, joy, and achievement. You find yourself basking in a period of celebration and fulfillment. Whether you've recently accomplished a significant goal, reached a new height in your career, launched a successful venture, or experienced personal growth, this card heralds a time of triumph and contentment. It is a reminder to embrace your accomplishments and to share your joy with those around you. You are in a moment where clarity, confidence, and optimism shine brightly, dispelling any lingering doubts or shadows.
The Sun symbolizes your ability to overcome challenges and the strength to pursue your ambitions with unwavering conviction. It reflects a renewed sense of purpose and energy, illuminating the path toward future successes.
Allow yourself to soak in this radiant energy, nurturing your confidence, creativity, and inner child. Recognize that you are precisely where you need to be, with all the skills and talents necessary to achieve your dreams. The Sun encourages you to express yourself authentically, to revel in your uniqueness, and to share your light with the world. Celebrate the abundance that life offers, for this is a season of happiness, growth, and boundless potential.

When The Sun appears reversed in a reading, it suggests that you're on the brink of experiencing joy and success, but something is preventing you from fully basking in the light. It may be a lingering shadow of self-doubt, a reluctance to step outside your comfort zone, or a situation that seems to cloud your sense of optimism. This card reversed signals that you're allowing pessimism or negativity to dampen your potential achievements. You might be struggling to celebrate your victories or express your true self out of fear of judgment, failure, or inadequacy.
Alternatively, The Sun reversed can imply that you are too focused on external validation, striving for recognition or approval that might not come, leaving you feeling drained and overlooked. Your enthusiasm and energy are at risk of waning due to these unmet expectations. The reversed Sun asks you to reconnect with your inner joy and creativity, letting go of the need for others to validate your worth.
It may also point to a period where overexertion or unrealistic optimism could lead to burnout. This is a time to balance your goals with a healthy dose of realism and self-care. Find small moments of gratitude and contentment to restore your spirit, reminding yourself that the sun still shines even behind the clouds.
To go further
Card meanings
Discover all the tarot cards and interpret their presence in your reading.
The Major Arcana
Discover the 22 Major Arcana to understand their meaning and what they promise.
The Minor Arcana
Discover the 56 Minor Arcana with interpretations of the Swords, Pentacles, Cups, and Wands cards.