It is easy to interpret the meaning of The Sun: even those who have never encountered the cards before will identify it as a joyous, hopeful, life-affirming card. It is radiance and all good things. When it appears in a reading, The Sun points towards a time of contentment, of great positive energy, and of discerning the beauty in the world we live in. Having encountered The Moon and stood, with courage, before the pool and its unknowable depths, we have taken the road back through the mountain pass and now see everything differently. This card suggests new, happy perspectives on things, and the melting away of problems, like snow, in the gentle warmth.
The Sun, too, directs us to the idea of the self-fulfilling prophecy: and just as a negative mindset can tend towards a disappointing outcome, so too can facing the world with hope, openness and love bring about an even greater abundance of these things.
The Sun reversed most often means that we are not recognizing the good things in our lives; perhaps we have become numb to our surroundings, or we do not trust that such things may be truly ours. No matter what the reason, the reversed card counsels that we must work to recognize the opportunities for joy that our lives are offering us, that are possibly unseen. Once we can do this, then The Sun will shine down unconstrainedly, blessing us once more with its unconditional warmth and elemental magic.
The Sun, whether upright or reversed, is a card of light and simple happiness. In either position it assures us that good times are there, ready for the taking; when upright we stride out to enjoy its glow, and when it’s reversed we hang back in the shade, not quite believing in our good fortune.