Learn the Tarot: The Sun Meaning
Learn the Major Arcana with That Oracle Guy Patrick. Together we’ll dive into the meanings, symbolism, and history behind each card — with affirmations, journaling prompts, and theme songs to help ground the lessons into your daily life. The Wisdom of the Major Arcana is yours to claim.
#19 The Sun, Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot Deck
Meeting The Sun:
After wandering through the shadows of The Moon, the Fool steps into dawn.
The fog lifts. The path is warm beneath his feet. Above him, the sky opens — wide and bright — and the golden sun rises in full glory. It does not whisper like the Moon. It sings.
A child rides a white horse through a garden, arms open, cheeks kissed by light. A red banner flutters triumphantly behind him — not of war, but of life.
The Fool watches in awe.
No more masks. No more fear. Just truth, joy, and radiant being.
The child looks back at him and smiles. “Welcome,” he says, “to yourself.”
And the Fool realizes: he has come home — not to the end, but to his own shining core.
He is no longer becoming. He simply is.
Keywords for The Sun:
Joy
Clarity
Vitality
Success
Truth
Confidence
Rebirth
Radiance
Associations:
The Element: Fire (illumination, warmth, growth, passion, will)
The Planet: The Sun (authenticity, confidence, joy)
Card Symbolism:
The Sun Itself: The source of all light and life. Symbolizes truth, clarity, and divine illumination.
The Child on the Horse: Represents the inner child, reborn and unafraid. He has no armor, no shame. Just joy.
The White Horse: Purity, forward movement, and spiritual integration. The body in harmony with the soul.
The Red Banner: Victory through life force — a celebration of vitality, not conquest.
Sunflowers: Four sunflowers behind the wall = four elements or four suits of the Minor Arcana — now blooming in the light of self-realization.
The Stone Wall: Marks a boundary overcome. The child is free from past limitations, yet the wall still holds the structure of the journey.
The Child’s Nudity: Total authenticity and vulnerability — nothing is hidden in the light of The Sun.
The Smile of the Child: Contentment and harmony. Joy not as escape, but as arrival.
Roman Numeral XIX: 1 + 9 = 10 → further reduces to 1. Ten symbolizes completion — all cycles fulfilled. One symbolizes a new beginning — rebirth into true selfhood.
Upright Meaning:
When The Sun appears upright, it is a resounding yes.
This card brings clarity, joy, and vibrant life energy.
It marks a period of confidence, success, and alignment. Whatever has been unclear — is now illuminated. Whatever has been difficult — now feels purposeful.
Rachel Pollack saw The Sun as the card of true consciousness — where the lessons of darkness are integrated and transmuted into radiant wisdom. It’s not naïve optimism — it’s earned joy. Joy that comes after the shadows have been walked. You worked for this, you chose this, and now you can celebrate following your highest timeline.
In Jungian psychology, The Sun corresponds to individuation fully embodied.
The ego and the Self are no longer in conflict. There is harmony, wholeness, vitality. You’ve claimed your true identity — and you're shining it outward.
Reversed Meaning:
Reversed, The Sun may suggest delayed joy, burnout, or a struggle to believe you deserve happiness. You may be hiding your light or doubting your radiance.
It can also point to overexposure — doing too much, burning out, or being caught in performative “positivity” without tending to your real needs.
The reversal may be a sacred nudge: Are you making room for joy? Are you letting yourself be seen in your truth — or are you dimming to stay safe?
Pollack notes that even reversed, The Sun is still positive — but it asks you to clear away internal blocks to your joy. Sometimes we have to choose our own joy, and every day, every morning, is an opportunity to connect with that radiant energy.
Journal Prompts for The Sun:
When do I feel most alive and aligned with my true self?
What parts of myself am I ready to bring into the light?
How can I reclaim my inner child’s joy, curiosity, and trust?
What does success look like for me when it's based in joy — not pressure?
Affirmations:
“I radiate joy, truth, and confidence from the core of my being.”
“I shine in my authenticity, trusting that my light inspires others.”
“I am safe, seen, and celebrated — exactly as I am.”
Theme Song:
Good As Hell by Lizzo, 2016
About The Author
Patrick is an evolutionary tarot reader specializing in deep, transformative tarot sessions that empower clients to gain clarity, break limiting patterns, and navigate life with confidence. As a lifelong believer that there are no coincidences, he knows firsthand the power of tarot and oracle cards as a north star for your personal growth.
Ready to experience a deeper tarot journey? Book a reading today or explore more articles and resources at: ThatOracleGuy.com
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