The Sun
Major Arcana, XIX · Fire
The Sun means happiness, success and clarity, warmth and joy returning after a difficult stretch. Reversed, it shows the joy is still there, dimmed by a mood, a setback, or a habit of expecting good things to be taken away.
Finally. Happiness coming back after a hard stretch, that's what I'm getting. Let it be good. Don't go looking for the catch.
- happiness
- joy
- success
- warmth
- vitality
- clarity
From Rosemary's own notes on the card.
The Sun upright
A naked child on a white horse, sunflowers behind the wall, and the sun has a face. Happiness, joy, success, warmth, vitality, healing, clarity, emotional fulfillment, and the way I read it is happiness returning after difficulty, which is why it's one of the most positive cards in the deck. Children come up with this card too. Everything's lit, and you can see where you're going.
The Sun reversed
The sun's behind a cloud, and the joy is still there behind it. Something's dimming the light, a mood or a situation, or you've gotten into the habit of expecting the good part to be taken away. It's still daytime. Let yourself have it.
In love
Warmth, happiness, a connection that feels easy for once. Let it be simple. Not everything good has to be hard-won to count.
In work and money
Success, and the clarity to enjoy it. Things that were murky at work get obvious in this light, and money feels warmer and more straightforward than it has.
As advice
Let yourself enjoy what is going well without waiting for the catch. Spend time outside, say yes to simple fun, and share the good news.
Yes or no?
Yes, because The Sun is one of the most positive cards in the deck, pointing to success and clarity. A single card shows a lean, never a promise of how things turn out.
For yourself
Joy is a frequency, and you can live in it. Healing can look like feeling good again for no reason, and that counts as healing.
Questions about The Sun
What does The Sun mean in tarot?
The Sun means happiness, success and clarity, warmth and joy returning after a difficult stretch. Reversed, it shows the joy is still there, dimmed by a mood, a setback, or a habit of expecting good things to be taken away.
What does The Sun mean in love?
In love, The Sun points to warmth and happiness, a connection that feels easy and simple in the best way.
What does The Sun mean reversed?
Reversed, The Sun shows joy dimmed for a while by a mood or a situation, while the good part of things is still there underneath.
What does The Sun mean as feelings?
As feelings, The Sun suggests someone who feels genuinely happy around you, with open affection and a warm, easy fondness.
Is The Sun a yes or no card?
Yes, because The Sun is one of the most positive cards in the deck, pointing to success and clarity.
The short answers, the advice and the yes-or-no lean on this page are traditional readings of the card, written by the team that builds this site.
Want to ask the Oracle about this card?
The Oracle is an AI that reads in my style, not me. It will draw cards for your question, free, no account needed, and a yes-or-no question works with one card. If you'd rather sit with a person, I'm here too.
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Card image: the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, drawn by Pamela Colman Smith, 1909. Public domain.