← Encyclopedia of Tarot · lesson 20/121
The Sun
The Sun is the card of joy and clarity. After the uncertainty of the Moon, everything is in plain daylight: things are seen as they are, efforts tend to bear fruit, and there is room for warmth, play and confidence. It is widely read as one of the most positive cards in the tarot.
The image
A large sun with a face shines over a garden wall lined with tall sunflowers. In front of it a naked child rides a white horse bareback, arms open, carrying a long red banner. The sun is usually taken as life, vitality and clear sight, the child as innocence and simple delight, the white horse as strength carried lightly, and the sunflowers as growth that turns towards the light.
Upright
Joy, success, vitality, optimism and openness. Waite gives "material happiness, fortunate marriage, contentment". In everyday life it can point to a happy period at home or in a relationship, recognition for work done, good energy, a clear answer, or the pleasure of simple things. It tends to favour honesty and being seen for who one is.
Reversed
Waite gives the same meanings in a lesser sense. Modern readers often see a sun behind clouds: joy that is delayed or muted, optimism that needs a little realism, or happiness felt inwardly but not yet shown. It is rarely read as a hard card even reversed. Some readers do not use reversals at all.
Correspondences
Major Arcana card XIX. In the Golden Dawn system, which most English-language decks follow, it is the Hebrew letter Resh (the head), the 30th path on the Tree of Life, and the Sun itself. French (Papus) tradition attributes some Majors differently.
In a reading
In the past, it can describe a happy, confident time that still supports the present. As an obstacle, it is rare, but may point to overconfidence or to something too obvious to be noticed. As advice, it invites openness and enjoyment; as an outcome, success and contentment. After the Moon it is often read as clarity after confusion.
In astrology
The Golden Dawn's correspondences, which most English-language decks follow (French, Marseille-based tradition differs for some Major Arcana).
Planet: Sun