Major Arcana cards：XIX The Sun

Card Interpretation

This is the most auspicious card in the Major Arcana, symbolizing knowledge and vitality.

On the card, a child rides a horse, singing praises of the life-giving power of the sun and embracing the energy bestowed by its rays. The sun’s power is so mighty that it breathes life into all things on earth; its radiance is so warm that it touches the heart of every living being. Its power is entirely positive, brimming with hope and ideals—no darkness can stand against its light. The key to interpreting this card lies in the concept of vitality: it is the power of hope and ideals, unshackled by external disturbances or inner conflicts. Even if the dark corners of your mind try to cloud your judgment, they will vanish instantly under the sun’s brilliant glow. Thus, there is no need to be troubled by trivial worries.

A cherubic, smiling child leaps out from behind a gray wall on horseback, a portent of breaking free from constraints and rushing toward freedom. On the child’s head rests a daisy wreath and a familiar feather—the very same one worn by the Fool and Death—said to symbolize transcendence over mortality and the attainment of rebirth. Behind the gray wall lies a lush garden filled with golden sunflowers, seemingly a man-made paradise. Yet the child pays no heed to these artificial delights, choosing instead to gallop toward the unadulterated, natural world—just like his naked body, pure, authentic and unspoiled.

All four sunflowers turn their faces toward the child, not the sun. This seems to tell us that a pure, natural, and authentic individual transcends even the sun itself—a state far beyond the reach of power and wealth, and also the source of true joy, as reflected in the beaming smile on the child’s face.

Upright Position

When drawn upright, the card signifies: Vitality, abundant life force, vibrancy, boundless energy, smooth progress at work, help from noble benefactors, a happy marriage, and healthy social connections. In your career, you will receive assistance from supportive allies and be presented with better opportunities for development. Emotionally, you and your partner have emerged from the twists and turns of your relationship; a path paved with songs and joy stretches ahead, and you will begin to plan your future life together.

Reversed Position

When drawn reversed, the card signifies: Low spirits, physical exhaustion, lack of consistency, dejection, life instability, poor interpersonal relationships, emotional fluctuations, and divorce. In your career, your overly eager competitiveness has driven away your rivals—and also made your partners uneasy. Perhaps it is time for you to relax. Emotionally, minor changes have cropped up between you two; you have started to dwell on your partner’s attitude and your own sacrifices, though these doubts are probably unnecessary.