Imagine a frozen wasteland. Ice encapsulates the Earth, and life is nonexistent. Darkness drapes over your eyes. What was once a bustling metropolis is now nothing more than a desert. This is reality without the sun. Luckily, the sun bathes the world in a new light each day. It’s the catalyst of photosynthesis. Without it, we wouldn’t be here. The sun tarot card similarly suggests vitality.
The sun shines a light on the darkest parts of our lives. The moon sets the stage with mystery and relies on our intuition. The sun follows with enlightenment and clarity. This transition from confusion to clarity is a breath of fresh air. The Major Arcana, until now, teaches every life lesson with little chance to reap the rewards.
Credit: NASA/GSFC/SOHO/ESA
The Sun Symbolism
The sun card points to joyous times ahead. It’s a sign that everything will fall into place. Providing vital energy is inherent to the sun. Good omens are few and far between, and The Sun is a welcome one. We can see this message conveyed in the symbolism:
The Sun:
It nourishes the Earth with its golden rays. The lush foliage around us couldn’t thrive without that fiery ball in the sky. Like the nature surrounding us, we need the sun. In a world without, we wouldn’t be able to sustain life. The sun symbolizes life, energy, and positivity.
The Child:
The child is a reflection of ourselves. His young age and bare body symbolize innocence and purity. He knows no humiliation, and his calm expression alludes to our contentment. Navigating life with a beginner’s mind is a life-changing perspective shift.
The Flowers:
The flower crown could represent enlightenment and a healthy psyche. The sunflower symbolizes positivity, bringing smiles to those around them. The yellow petals can invoke happiness and a sense of peace.
The Horse:
The white horse, like the child, represents purity. A symbol of progression, the horse cascades us across the finish line with ease. He symbolizes the power and energy that comes with enlightenment. He’s an effigy of forward movement. Once the sun illuminates our path, progression is easy.
The Sun History & Evolution
The sun has ancient and worldwide resonance, representing vitality, growth, and enlightenment. Ancient Egyptians worshiped Ra, a solar deity. As the bringer of life-giving light, some saw him as a direct embodiment of the sun. Similarly, the Romans worshiped the sun god Sol. They celebrated Sol Invictus on December 25th, which was later used to symbolize Jesus’ birthday. These global traditions highlight the universal power and significance of the sun.
The Sun has been in the Major Arcana since the original Visconti-Sforza deck. In this version, instead of a sun, we see a mask. The child looks liberated as he removes this layer. He’s draped in a yellow and red ribbon, symbolizing passion and success. He levitates above the landscape, suggesting his ascension.
Le Soleil, or The Sun, in the later Marseille deck, shows two young children bathing in the rays of the bright sun. The simplistic imagery emphasizes the impact the sun has on us – energy, warmth, and joy. There need not be a horse, a ribbon, or a mask. These children thrive without. This minimalism reminds us that happiness and clarity often come naturally, without the need for complexity.
Final Thoughts and Reflections
From The Sun tarot card, we can learn to accept happiness and embrace the wisdom we’ve earned through our years. We can incorporate this energy into our lives by charging crystals with the sun or laying out in the sun. It also helps to reflect on what the sun card symbolizes to you. Does the sun make you feel happy? Do you relate to the child on the card?
How do you interpret The Sun tarot card? Comment below with your experiences! Make yourself heard and join the community on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest.