The Sun XIX

Keywords & phrases

• Warmth & growth
• Light & clarity
• Success
• Confidence, enthusiasm & dynamism
• Positive thinking
• Happiness
• Openness, transparency, innocence
• Power of now
• Masculine principle

First impressions

What a contrast to The Moon! In The Sun card we see joy, movement and everything out in the open. There are no shadows here. And nowhere to hide.

What is happening in the card?

A golden-haired child with flowers and a red feather in their hair sits naked and bareback on a gentle white steed brandishing a huge russet red banner. Behind we see a (garden) wall over the top of which several giant sunflowers grow, standing tall and proud and all facing front.

The Sun blazes down on this joyful scene, rays beaming out to every corner of the sky. The face of The Sun, like the flowers below, gazes directly out at the seeker. 

What we are looking at is unbridled enthusiasm and joy in the moment.

How can we relate to this card?

We all need sunshine in our lives. Our lives depend on it. We literally revolve around it.

The Sun card represents those times in life when there is the highest potential for growth and development. In these moments we have clear vision and feel confident and energetic.

This card radiates growth, achievement and success. For all to see. And it’s time to bask in it.

Message & affirmations

Today, welcome the sunshine in my life. I feel safe, secure and confident and I can clearly see the path to growth and development ahead. 

I am creative and collaborative. A force to be reckoned with.

My personal experiences of this card

I love this card when it appears in readings, just like I love a sunny day. Who doesn’t love The Sun?

I have to say that even though I love the sun, the sun doesn’t always love me. I have to be very careful of that fierce fire ball in the sky. If I’m not very careful I burn, I blister and I peal. 

So, I show respect. I admire from a distance, soaking up the light and warmth from underneath an umbrella. I avoid putting myself in the full glare of The Sun. I guess I’m just not a ride bareback and naked kind of chick. Is this a metaphor for the way that I am in the world? I’m going to have think about that and return to this paragraph with my thoughts…

… OK, well I’m loving writing this page. Just thinking and writing about The Sun has made me feel more alive and positive on what is quite a grey day. As Caitlin Moran said…

Events, situations & readings

In a relationship spread:
The Sun almost always shines a positive light on a relationship reading, suggesting warmth, openness and growth in your personal life. Take this happy moment. Soak it up and make hay while The Sun shines.

In a work, business or finance spread:
Now is the time for positivity and dynamism. Work and business ventures are likely to succeed if you take your opportunities and act with courage and creativity. Productive collaborations are indicated and offer the chance for growth and development.

In a health and wellbeing spread:
The Sun suggests a time of mental clarity, honesty and personal growth. It speaks of new-found confidence, enthusiasm and dynamism.

Get out into the sunshine, to make sure that you’re getting your full quota if vitamin D. But do be careful not to burn out there, folks. Sun protection factor 30. Minimum. Factor 50 on the face and neck, ladies. And on the Kiddos who just love playing in the sun ☀️

People & interaction with other cards

With the Tarot Aces, The Sun is suggestive of new beginnings, successful ventures in love, life and work. And with the Tens this splendid card indicates completion. Even in the 10 of Swords we see the sun rising on a new day after a dark night.

The Sun and The Moon together draw attention to the light and shade in a situation. Masculine and feminine. Yin and Yang. Opposites attracting. Magnetic forces at work.

When they appear in a spread, The Sun and The Empress speak of creativity, growth and fruition. Taken very literally we see a story of pregnancy, childbirth and children.

With The Emperor, this card indicates the presence of a strong masculine energy – positive, dynamic, driving, powerful. And this combination instantly makes me think of Tony Robbins.

Questions, prompts & insights

Where can you shine a light in your life? What ventures and relationships need a little sunshine.

In what ways can you grow and develop? Do you look on the bright side?

What does success look and feel like to you? Can you look around you and see how far you have come? Are you present in this moment?

Featured decks:
Main image from The Rider Waite Tarot.