The Sun tarot card
What The Sun means in the Rider-Waite tarot: upright and reversed, in love, at work and as advice. Free online reading.
Major Arcana 19 · Element: Fire
Keywords: joy, clarity, success, vitality, truth
The advice
Show up, celebrate and tell the truth out loud — the moment is yours.
A smiling child rides a white horse beneath an enormous sun, a red banner in hand, tall sunflowers behind the wall. Nothing here is hidden: the light falls on everything.
The Sun upright
The Sun is the most generous card in the deck. She speaks of clarity, simple joy and visible success — the kind of phase in which things go well and you can feel it while it happens. She is also the card of truth coming to light, and of being yourself again without a disguise.
In love
A happy relationship, openly acknowledged, without drama. It also shows up in reconciliations and in phases of vitality and play between two people.
In work and money
Recognition, an approved project, a result that shows. A good time to put yourself out there and take the stage.
In your inner life
Self-esteem in good shape, good physical energy, that rare state of being at peace with who you are. Enjoy it consciously.
The shadow
Optimism that doesn't look at the detail. Even in a good phase, read the contract and listen to whoever disagrees.
The Sun reversed
The light is there, but covered. It's the joy that doesn't arrive, the success that isn't felt, the good news that doesn't lift you. It also shows up as forced optimism — smiling outside while everything feels heavy inside. The reversed card asks for honesty about your own state.
In love
A relationship that is good on paper and dim in practice, or difficulty showing affection openly.
In work and money
Success that runs late, merit that goes unrecognized, or an achievement that didn't bring what it promised.
In your inner life
Stubborn discouragement, low energy, self-esteem sinking. This calls for real care, not willpower.
The shadow
Compulsory positivity. Faking well-being tires you more than the sadness you are pretending not to have.
Combinations with The Sun
The Sun + Death
An ending that opens up light. What ends is not a punishment; it is what stood between the person and their own light.
The Sun + Six of Wands
Brightness and recognition. What was done will be seen. A good pair for work, visibility, public response, without promising a prize or a promotion.
Frequently asked questions
Is The Sun a yes or no?
Yes, in so many words. The Sun is the most generous card in the deck for this question: things tend to go well, and you can sense it as it happens. Reversed: Yes, but with less shine than you imagine. The light is covered by clouds, not put out: the result may come without the celebration you expected, and it's worth being frank about how you are before celebrating.
What does The Sun mean in love?
A happy relationship, openly acknowledged, without drama. It also shows up in reconciliations and in phases of vitality and play between two people.
What does The Sun reversed mean?
The light is there, but covered. It's the joy that doesn't arrive, the success that isn't felt, the good news that doesn't lift you. It also shows up as forced optimism — smiling outside while everything feels heavy inside. The reversed card asks for honesty about your own state.
What is the advice of The Sun?
Show up, celebrate and tell the truth out loud — the moment is yours.