in

The Sun tarot card meanings (upright & reversed)

This post may include affiliate links to products we think you'll find useful. We may earn a small commission if you buy through these links. Read our affiliate disclosure.

Tarot cards serve as tools for introspection, offering insights into various facets of life. Among the deck’s 78 cards, The Sun stands out as a beacon of positivity. This radiant card symbolizes joy, success, and abundance in its upright form, while its reverse cautions against negativity and setbacks.

The Sun keywords & concepts

The Sun upright keywords 

  1. Joy
  2. Optimism
  3. Abundance
  4. Success

The Sun reversed keywords

  1. Pessimism
  2. Sadness
  3. Lack of success
  4. Negativity

The Sun tarot card description & symbolism

The Sun tarot card serves as a beacon of positivity, shining its warm light into various facets of your life. When this card appears in a reading, it’s like the universe is giving you a hearty “yes” to joy, optimism, and all-around good vibes. The Sun stands as a symbol of clarity, illuminating the path ahead and dissipating the fog of confusion or doubt. It calls upon you to embrace your inner child, to revel in simple pleasures, and to approach life with a sense of wonder.

In essence, this card acts as a cosmic green light, signaling that it’s your time to thrive. It embodies the pinnacle of well-being, suggesting that you’re in alignment with your true self and life’s opportunities. Whether you’re navigating relationships, career, or personal growth, The Sun assures you that you’re on the right track, radiating confidence and positivity.

Upright The Sun meanings

1. Joy

When The Sun card shows up, it’s like an invitation to a spiritual dance party. Imagine this card beaming joy right into your life. You feel lighter, happier, and more alive than ever. Joy is not just about cracking a smile; it’s an inner sense of contentment and vitality. This card tells you that your soul is singing, and it’s your time to be unapologetically happy. Forget the stresses and fears for a moment; joy is in the air, and you’ve got every reason to let it wash over you. The Sun card wants you to revel in that unmistakable feeling of being fully immersed in a joyful moment.

2. Optimism

Think of optimism as your inner sunshine, and The Sun card is like saying, “Hey, the skies in your mind are all clear.” This card rolls out a carpet of positive vibes and urges you to walk it. When you’re optimistic, you see possibilities instead of problems, solutions rather than setbacks. It’s not about ignoring life’s challenges; it’s about approaching them with a can-do attitude. The Sun card nudges you to believe in the best outcomes, even when things look a bit cloudy. Remember, optimism often becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy; expect good things, and good things often come your way.

3. Abundance

Abundance and The Sun card go together like a hot summer day and ice-cold lemonade. This card is a sign that the Universe is ready to shower you with plenty — whether that’s love, opportunities, or even material wealth. Abundance isn’t only about accumulating stuff, though. It’s the fullness and richness in every aspect of your life, from relationships to personal growth. When this card pops up, take it as a signal to open your arms wide and be ready to receive. The Sun tells you that you’ve sown good seeds, and now’s the time for the harvest.

4. Success

When you pull The Sun card, you’re getting the cosmic thumbs-up for success. This is your “go ahead, celebrate, you’ve earned it” card. Success, in this context, isn’t just about reaching the finish line; it’s about how you feel on the journey and when you get there. You’re in sync with your goals, and everything is clicking into place. It’s like that sweet spot where preparation meets opportunity, and boom, you knock it out of the park. The Sun card is a pat on the back from the Universe, telling you that not only did you achieve what you aimed for, but you also gained valuable experiences and happiness along the way.

Reversed The Sun meanings

1. Pessimism

When you see The Sun reversed, it’s like a reminder that your internal weather report might be forecasting more clouds than sunshine. Pessimism often acts like a sneaky filter that dims the vibrant colors of life. The reversed Sun suggests that you might be seeing the glass as half-empty right now. Instead of envisioning possibilities, you may be focusing on limitations and what could go wrong. The card nudges you to question this mindset. Is it really serving you, or is it just blocking the light?

2. Sadness

Now, let’s talk about sadness. The reversed Sun card can signify a period where you’re not exactly feeling on top of the world. It’s as if that inner light you usually rely on has dimmed a bit. Sadness can be isolating, but this card encourages you not to bottle it up or hide away. Instead, look for ways to address the root cause. It’s okay to seek help, whether from loved ones or professionals. The Sun, even reversed, shows that the capacity for joy and brightness is still within you—it might just be behind the clouds for a bit.

3. Lack of Success

When it comes to a lack of success, pulling a reversed Sun card might feel like a cold splash of water on your ambitions. Perhaps you aimed high but fell short, or maybe you’re facing setbacks that are making you question your path. This card doesn’t spell out ultimate failure; rather, it asks you to reassess and regroup. Success is a long game, full of ups and downs. The reversed Sun prompts you to learn from this dip, recalibrate, and then give it another go with renewed insight.

4. Negativity

And lastly, let’s delve into negativity. A reversed Sun card might indicate that you’re caught in a web of negative thoughts or surrounded by negative vibes. This isn’t just your run-of-the-mill bad day; this is more like a pattern that needs breaking. Negativity can be infectious, affecting not just you but also those around you. This card serves as a wake-up call to shift your mindset. Break the cycle, whether that’s by talking to someone, practicing mindfulness, or finding a creative outlet. Just because you’re in a negative space now doesn’t mean you have to set up camp there.

The Sun meaning for love & relationships

Upright

When you draw an upright The Sun tarot card concerning your love life or relationships, it’s a fantastic omen. This card represents a phase where love feels abundant, mutual, and full of warmth. It’s like finally hitting that groove in your relationship where you both just “get” each other, or perhaps meeting someone who lights up your world. If you’re single, The Sun indicates that you’re radiating a positivity that’s irresistibly attractive to others. In existing relationships, it often shows that you’re feeling connected and deeply satisfied. The Sun encourages you to enjoy this fulfilling time and to share your happiness with your partner or the people around you.

Reversed

On the flip side, pulling a reversed Sun card in a love context could indicate trouble in paradise. This card suggests that your relationship might be going through a rough patch filled with misunderstandings or emotional distance. Maybe you’re feeling a bit down and it’s affecting your love life, or perhaps you and your partner are stuck in a cycle of negativity. If you’re single, it might signify a period of loneliness or pessimistic thoughts about your love prospects. But don’t despair; the reversed Sun serves as a wake-up call. It’s urging you to identify the issues and work on them, either through open communication or some serious introspection. It’s a signal to put in the work to reignite that spark or reassess what you’re looking for in love.

The Sun meaning for work & career

Upright

Drawing an upright The Sun tarot card in a career reading is like getting a high-five from the universe. You’re on a roll! Whether you’ve recently landed your dream job, nailed a project, or received the recognition you deserve, The Sun suggests you’re basking in the light of your achievements. Your hard work is paying off, and you’re feeling fulfilled and appreciated. It’s a promising period for growth, so seize the opportunities coming your way. The card doesn’t just predict success; it urges you to step into it with confidence.

Reversed

Pulling a reversed Sun in a career context might feel like stumbling right before the finish line. Things might not be going as smoothly as you’d hoped, whether it’s a project that’s faltering or workplace relationships that are causing tension. It might even indicate a sense of failure or stagnation in your current position. But don’t lose heart. The reversed Sun isn’t saying your career is doomed; it’s more of a caution flag. Take this time to reassess your goals, strategies, and relationships at work. Use this moment as an opportunity to fix what’s not working and realign yourself with your career objectives.

The Sun meaning for wealth & prosperity

Upright

Drawing an upright The Sun card for your finances is like hitting the jackpot, metaphorically speaking, of course. This card is a sign that your financial situation is likely to be as sunny as the card itself. You could be looking at a period of increased income, a successful investment, or just a stable and comfortable financial scenario. It signifies that you’re not just managing but thriving, maybe even having some extra to splurge or invest. The Sun encourages you to keep doing what you’re doing because it’s leading you toward financial abundance.

Reversed

If you pull a reversed Sun card in a financial context, it might feel like a cold front has moved in on your sunny weather. This could indicate some unexpected financial hiccups or setbacks. Maybe an investment doesn’t pan out as you hoped, or you’re facing unexpected expenses that shake up your budget. But the reversed Sun isn’t a doom-and-gloom card; think of it as a financial weather warning. It’s advising you to be cautious, review your financial plans, and perhaps prepare for some rainy days ahead. This is a good time to revisit your budget and maybe cut back on some non-essential spending until things stabilize.

The meaning of The Sun tarot card in different spreads

The Sun tarot card can wear many hats, depending on where it lands in a spread. For instance, in a past-present-future spread, if The Sun shows up in the “past” position, it could indicate a recent period of success or happiness that has shaped your current situation. In the “present” slot, it usually means you’re in a positive phase right now, feeling energized and optimistic. And if it graces your “future” spot, you’ve got some sunny days ahead, so look forward to reaping rewards or experiencing joy. In a love spread, it often heralds a period of happiness and mutual affection, while in a career spread, it can signal upcoming successes or promotions. The Sun’s position in the spread and the cards around it help to pinpoint exactly where its rays are shining the brightest in your life.

Final thoughts

The Sun tarot card is like your personal cheerleader, urging you to bask in joy, optimism, and success. When it appears, consider it a cosmic high-five, validating that you’re on the right path. It’s more than just a positive omen; it’s an invitation to live fully, love openly, and shine your light unapologetically. In short, The Sun is all about embracing life’s opportunities and thriving in your own unique glow.

A complete guide to the Major Arcana tarot cards

  1. The Fool
  2. The Magician
  3. The High Priestess
  4. The Empress
  5. The Emperor
  6. The Hierophant
  7. The Lovers
  8. The Chariot
  9. Strength
  10. The Hermit
  11. Wheel of Fortune
  12. Justice
  13. The Hanged Man
  14. Death
  15. Temperance
  16. The Devil
  17. The Tower
  18. The Star
  19. The Moon
  20. The Sun
  21. Judgment
  22. The World

The Moon tarot card meanings (upright & reversed)

Judgment tarot card meanings (upright & reversed)