The Sun — Tarot Card Meaning, Upright & Reversed
The Sun is one of the key cards in the Major Arcana — carrying deep symbolism for love, relationships, career, money, feelings and spiritual growth. On this page you'll find upright and reversed meanings, symbols, element and astrology for the The Sun, plus tips for reading it inside real spreads. You can also try a free tarot spread or connect this card to your Arcana Destiny Matrix to see how it echoes your long-term life themes.
The Sun is joy, clarity, and success—vital energy illuminates your path, revealing green lights, genuine happiness, and permission to fully shine.
- Element: Fire
- Astrology: The Sun • Life force, identity, and vitality
- Numerology: 19 — fulfillment, radiance, enlightened self-expression
- The Sun Yes or No: Yes
- The Sun Timing: Very soon; daytime; summer; during peak clarity and confidence
Symbols on the The Sun tarot card
sunflower, child, horse, banner, wall
The Sun in mythology & story
Mythological story tie-in: Apollo, god of the Sun, truth, and illumination. In Greek mythology, Apollo represents clarity, music, prophecy, and radiant vitality. His light exposes deception and brings harmony to chaos.
The Sun card mirrors this solar archetype. After the confusion of The Moon, daylight reveals what is real. The child on the white horse symbolizes innocence and authenticity—confidence that comes not from ego, but from alignment.
The mythic lesson of The Sun is that truth is liberating. When you stand in your authentic light, illusions dissolve, vitality returns, and success becomes a natural extension of clarity.
The Sun Upright Meanings
The Sun Tarot Card Meaning (Upright)
Upright, The Sun is one of the brightest cards in the tarot, symbolizing joy, confidence, and positive outcomes. It brings clarity where there was confusion and encourages you to celebrate your progress openly. This card validates your right to exist as you are—to laugh, play, and claim space without apology. It reminds you that warmth and optimism can be powerful strategies, not naive weaknesses. The Sun also highlights authenticity. When you show up honestly and share your gifts, you become a magnet for experiences and people that resonate with your true nature.
The Sun Love Meaning (Upright)
In love, The Sun upright signifies happiness, security, and vibrant connection. Relationships feel lighter, more playful, and infused with mutual appreciation. If you are single, this card suggests a period of confidence and magnetism. You may attract partners who appreciate your true self, especially when you allow your personality to shine instead of dimming to fit in. If you are in a relationship, The Sun supports joyful moments—dates, shared adventures, quality time, and honest affection. It can also indicate milestones like moving in together, engagements, or creating a family.
The Sun Career Meaning (Upright)
Career-wise, The Sun upright points to recognition, visibility, and success. Your efforts are noticed, your contributions valued, and opportunities for advancement or public acknowledgment are likely. This card is favorable for launches, promotions, leadership roles, and any situation where stepping into the spotlight is beneficial. It is a reminder to own your accomplishments and speak confidently about what you bring to the table.
The Sun Money Meaning (Upright)
In finances, The Sun upright represents healthy growth, positive outcomes, and a sense of security. You may experience increased income, successful deals, or relief after financial stress. This is a good time to enjoy some of your resources, as long as you stay aligned with what genuinely brings happiness rather than performative spending. Prudent risks and well-considered investments are favored under this card’s bright energy.
The Sun as Feelings (Upright)
As feelings, The Sun upright suggests someone feels happy, proud, and naturally drawn toward you. Your presence may feel energizing, safe, and fun to them. They are likely open, expressive, and willing to share positivity and affection freely.
The Sun as Advice / Action (Upright)
As action advice, The Sun invites you to say yes—to opportunities, to joy, to visibility. Share the win, celebrate your progress, and choose activities that keep your energy vibrant. Simplify where you can, lean into what feels warm and life-affirming, and let your enthusiasm light the way for yourself and others.
The Sun Reversed Meanings
The Sun Tarot Card Meaning (Reversed)
Reversed, The Sun can suggest muted joy, minor delays, or difficulty fully recognizing how far you’ve come. The light is still here, but something—stress, fatigue, self-doubt—may be dimming your experience of it. You might be waiting for ‘perfect’ circumstances before allowing yourself to feel happy or proud.
The Sun Love Meaning (Reversed)
In love, The Sun reversed may indicate that external factors—schedules, stress, ego, or distractions—are dimming the connection temporarily. There is still warmth and affection, but less time or energy being devoted to shared joy. Play, laughter, and presence may have taken a backseat. This card encourages intentionally making space for fun, appreciation, and lightness again.
The Sun Career Meaning (Reversed)
Career-wise, The Sun reversed can mean under-celebrated achievements, imposter syndrome, or success that arrives but isn’t fully acknowledged. You may be doing well, but downplay your contributions, or work in environments that take your efforts for granted. The guidance is to advocate for yourself: track your wins, share them appropriately, and let yourself feel proud of your progress.
The Sun Money Meaning (Reversed)
In finances, The Sun reversed suggests reasonably positive conditions, but with caution to avoid overconfidence or careless spending. You may be comfortable enough to relax, but still benefit from keeping long-term happiness and values in mind when you choose where money goes. Align spending with what genuinely lights you up, rather than trying to ‘buy’ the appearance of success.
The Sun as Feelings (Reversed)
As feelings, The Sun reversed indicates someone cares and feels warmth, but may be tired, distracted, or not fully able to express it. Their light is there, just a bit dimmed by life circumstances or internal worries.
The Sun as Advice / Action (Reversed)
As advice, The Sun reversed asks you to simplify, rest, and intentionally step into the light. Prioritize joy, even in small ways: a walk in the sun, a creative break, a genuine smile. Gratitude for what is already working can help reignite your natural radiance and momentum.
Go deeper with The Sun on Taroscoper
Knowing the standalone meaning of The Sun is powerful, but it becomes even more insightful when you see how it shows up in full tarot spreads and in your bigger soul map. Explore these tools to weave this card into your ongoing story.
See The Sun inside a tarot spread
Pull a daily or multi-card spread and notice where The Sun lands—past, present, future, or advice. Its position adds extra nuance to the upright and reversed meanings you just read.
Explore tarot spreads →Connect this card to your Destiny Arcana
In Taroscoper's Arcana Destiny Matrix 22, each Major Arcana connects to a life theme, core lesson and long-term trajectory. See how cards like The Sun echo your birth energies and current cycle.
Discover your Destiny Matrix →The Sun — Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Sun a yes or no card?
Yes. The Sun is one of the most positive cards in tarot, indicating success, clarity, joy, and favorable outcomes.
What is the mythological meaning of the Sun tarot card?
The Sun is often associated with Apollo or Helios in Greek mythology. It symbolizes illumination, truth, vitality, and radiant self-expression.
What does the Sun mean in love readings?
In love, the Sun indicates happiness, openness, emotional warmth, and positive relationship growth.
What does the Sun mean after the Moon?
After the Moon’s confusion and uncertainty, the Sun represents clarity and resolution. Truth becomes visible and confidence returns.
What does the Sun mean as advice?
As advice, the Sun encourages authenticity, celebration, confidence, and embracing visibility without shrinking.