19 - The Sun
Note: This guide is based on the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot deck. Other tarot decks may have unique meanings, or some of these meanings may not apply.
| Upright Keywords: | Happiness, success, enjoying where you are, contentment, enlightenment, vitality |
| Reversed Keywords: | Sadness, pessimism, loss of happiness, dimmed or dulled happiness, hopelessness |
A naked child in a feathered flower crown happily rides liberty on the back of a white horse. The child holds their arms out to either side, apparently unafraid to fall. In one hand, the child holds a long pole which displays a long, billowing red banner.
Above, a serious-faced Sun shines brightly against a sky that fades from shadowy blue to light blue. Sunflowers grow behind the child atop a stone wall.
There is an air of confidence and carefree joy to this card's composition. Day has come, life is good, and that's worth celebrating.
In Readings: Upright
Upright, the Sun is a powerful symbol of joy. The child on the card represents innocence and happiness under a bright Sun. The flowers' seeds have sprouted and bloomed, indicating a payoff of work already done.
This card is overall positive. Setbacks are temporary and can be overcome. Success is only a matter of time if the subject keeps at it with enough confidence.
Under the Sun's bright light, things just make sense. Answers fall into place, details become more obvious, and the path ahead seems so much clearer than it did before. Receiving this card is a call to stride forth unhindered and with courage. If you can get things done, you should.
Card Combinations:
Suggestions for possible meanings of this card when combined with others.
Eight of Swords, reversed: You will finally break free and see the light of day.
Knight of Pentacles: Steady, persistent hard work is finally paying off as you get exactly what you want.
Five of Swords: Feels good to be the winner. Rub it in.
The Empress: A lengthy period of happiness, freedom, and abundance will follow. If you want it, it's yours.
In Readings: Reversed
When reversed, the goodness of the Sun goes cold. Victory that should have been assured is lost at the very last moment. One could interpret this as "throwing the game." The lack of confidence in your triumphs are poison, a self-assured destruction no matter how hard you try.
It may be worth asking the subject whether their pessimism is actually helping, or if it's fear talking them down from doing great things.
This could also indicate just good old-fashioned loss. Something that made you happy in the past is gone now, for one reason or another. You'll either need to rekindle its light or find a new source of vitality.
Card Combinations
Suggestions for possible meanings of this card when combined with others.
Three of Swords, reversed: Although you'll never regain what was lost, at least you'll finally be able to move on.
Two of Cups: You might be able to talk it out, if you can get over how angry you are.
Seven of Pentacles, reversed: It's a huge setback, and it might be your fault. Try again?
The Moon: The first steps after failure are shrouded in mystery. Find them and the rest will come easier.
Other Perspectives
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