The Sun — Radiance, Freedom, and the Joy You Can’t Fake

Card Essentials

• Number: 19
• Hebrew Letter: Resh (ר) – The Head; highest consciousness and divine illumination
• Astrological: Leo ♌ – Creative self-expression, confidence, royal energy, heart-centered power
• Planet: The Sun ☉ – Life force, vitality, consciousness, masculine principle
• Element: Fire 🜂 – Pure creative energy, life force, vitality, illumination
• Other Names: Sol, Sun King, The Solar Deity
• Archetype: The Sun King / The Child / The Illuminated One / Sol
• Timing (Season): Midsummer/Leo Season (July 23 – August 22) – peak vitality, creative expression, confidence
• Yes/No: Yes
• Keywords: Joy, success, freedom, vitality, achievement, celebration, enlightenment, authenticity, creative expression, clarity, liberation, consciousness, confidence, happiness

The Mythology

Sol/Sun King – The life-giving solar deity who brings light, warmth, and growth to all living things. In tarot, The Sun embodies the masculine principle of consciousness and vitality; the power to illuminate truth, banish fear, and melt away the shadows that keep life from thriving.

Upright Meaning

When the Sun appears in a reading, it begins to strip away fear, doubt, and confusion. Its light allows you to step out of the shadows and into the radiance of freedom. Your creative side isn’t ready; it’s demanding that you release your confidence. Let your truth shine. Don’t apologize for who you are. Instead, own it. If you’re asking for a sign, it’s here — the night ends now, and the new dawn is yours.

This Leo card encompasses the good things in life: success, achievement, health, good fortune, and joy. It brightens any negative cards in a spread as it suggests prosperity, enthusiasm, honors, public recognition, and hitting your goals. Let the worry go. You can now see the glow at the end of the tunnel.

The Sun also represents consciousness, vitality, fun, success, life, and liberty. While the Moon reflects the feminine principle of intuition and mystery, the Sun blazes with the masculine principle of action and illumination. It’s life itself, the fire within that makes everything grow, good and bad. The passion thrives as you begin to express yourself freely. You’re thriving now as the world can finally see who you truly are. You have arrived.

Career & Money

Job and career are taking off as your business ventures become blessed. Maintain self-confidence, because the Sun fills your life. Should you take this job? Oh, hell yes.

Love & Relationships

This shows a beautiful connection with no restriction on expressing yourself – you’ll feel safe and nurtured. If you see a Cups, Empress, or the Pages with the Sun, a baby might be riding the rays.

Singles

It’s time to shine because potential partners will be drawn to your light. Should you date this person? Oh yes.

Reversed Meaning

The Sun reversed still holds its positive energy, but there may be delays in receiving the benefits. You might need to make adjustments you did not plan for, yet good fortune is still on its way.

You may feel unhappy or confused because clouds are hiding the Sun. It is still there even if you cannot see it, but you can feel its warmth. Move through this season knowing joy is ready to unfold. Do not focus on the obstacles. Focus on the gifts the Sun is preparing to bring into your life.