Sun as a Person (Upright & Reversed) Tarot Card Meaning

The Sun is the card of happiness, success, optimism, confidence, and joy. The card depicts a sun rising above a joyous, happy child. The sun is a symbol of vitality, optimism, happiness, and the joy found in the here and now. Compared to its counterpart the moon, the sun’s light is strong, vibrant, and fully illuminating. 

The Sun reminds us that there is something positive to be found in every situation. Even when your relationship feels like it’s languishing, there is something to appreciate and to love. There is positivity everywhere, even if it is hidden behind a cloud. The Sun reminds us to tune into gratitude and to be positive.

Upright Sun as a Person

If the Sun appears in a Tarot spread as a person, that means that this person is magnetic and exhibits natural leadership skills. Unlike the Emperor, who leads through power, the Sun usually leads by example. It is astrologically associated with the Sun. Because the Sun carries a masculine energy, this card carries an active, assertive energy. We all have a little bit of both energies expressed in a balanced way, regardless of which gender we identify as. Because this is a Major Arcana card, some of these defining traits make up a major part of their identity. So, for example, being an example to others or being a leader will play a major role in who they are, or how they view themselves. Note that they may not reveal this side to you at the beginning stages of your relationship, to others, or ever.

For physical characteristics, the Sun as a person represents someone who is charismatic, people are just naturally drawn to them. They are natural attention grabbers, they don’t have to try too hard. Cliché as this may sound, literally do “light up” any room they walk into. They’re usually very active physically, always on the move or working out. They are a human embodiment of the Sun’s vitality, energy, and light. They usually have star power, or that inexplicable aura of somebody that you know is meant to do great things in life and potentially even become famous. They might charm you with their confident body language, boisterous sense of humor, or just their aura of authority. 

For emotional characteristics, the Sun as a person represents someone who is generous with their light and knowledge. Not only do they naturally become the center of attention, they like to share their spotlight. Just like the Sun at the center of our solar system, this person likes shining their light on others. They are generous with their compliments. If they have clout they will love using their platform to celebrate others in their industry, their peers, or just shine a light on a cause that is important to them. And just like the Sun helps plants grow, this person uses their masculine energy to mentor and help develop people they see potential in.

For careers, the Sun can represent someone who works in the spotlight, or as the spotlight. They enjoy mentoring and helping others reach their highest potential. Like sunlight, they help you grow. So this could be an athlete who later becomes a coach or trainer. This could be a model or an actress, who later in their career becomes an agent or a photographer. People value their experience and opinions. This person may literally work with light, for example as a photographer, cinematographer, physicist, lighting technician at the theater, or work at a solar panel company. Note that because the Sun is technically a Star, many of the career descriptions of the Star card will also apply to the Sun. 

The Sun as a person represents someone who makes you feel uplifted. They are ambitious but not overly competitive. This person doesn’t waste any time trying to one-up anybody else, because the only person this person competes with is themself. They’re always trying to outdo themselves, and become a better, and ultimately the best, version of themselves. This person has a healthy ego. They have no trouble sharing their spotlight or helping others grow, because they feel threatened by no one. On top of that, they tend to be the type of people who believe that there’s enough success to go around. Everybody has a time to shine.

Reversed Sun as a Person

If the Sun reversed appears in a Tarot spread as a person, that means that this person is an attention seeker. This is the type of person who can seem like they’re almost pathologically addicted to attention. They may be unhealthily competitive. You may notice that when they are not the center of attention in a given situation, they will get restless, start panicking, or even become openly upset and throw a tantrum. Because this is a Major Arcana card, some of these traits will be inherent aspects of their identity. Good or bad, nobody is perfect and people can change, if they choose to.

For physical characteristics, the Sun reversed as a person represents someone who struggles to get attention. They don’t have much of a commanding presence. This person may aspire to be in the public eye or achieve some level of fame, however, that may not be part of their life path. In fact the lesson that they may need to learn in this lifetime is that they should be okay with not being “highly visible”. They may be labeled “thirsty” by their peers. This may be a card that represents somebody who fails to manifest attention and adoration because they chase it as opposed to being in the mindset of receiving.

For emotional characteristics, the Sun reversed as a person represents someone who can be a party pooper. They can somehow manage to find something negative about even the most positive, happy life event. This card may also represent somebody whose raison d’être is to chase the spotlight. They may do this on a large or small scale. For example, they could relocate to pursue an acting career at any cost. Or, alternatively, they may constantly try to gain approval from a parent due to an unhealthy sibling rivalry. Because the Sun is often associated with a paternal figure, they may have issues with their father or their own fatherhood.

For careers, the Sun reversed can represent someone who is more concerned with fame and recognition than the substance that they actually work on. They would never survive working behind the camera, or as a backup singer, or a ghostwriter. Acknowledgment and external approval is the air they breathe. They would gladly become famous for being famous, even if there is nothing remarkable about them. Ironically, this can lead them to doing some pretty irresponsible things that could potentially ruin their reputation, along with their chances of getting any sort of gainful employment. Unfortunately, this may also mean that they have no trouble taking credit for another person’s work, so be careful if you’re inquiring about a colleague! If you’re inquiring about a competitor in your industry, make sure you protect your intellectual property.

The Sun reversed as a person represents someone who makes you feel down. Unlike its upright counterpart, the Sun in reverse does not enjoy uplifting people. Because the Sun is a masculine symbol of ego, this person could have a very fragile but large ego. Whereas the Sun upright derives pleasure in helping people meet their greatest potential, the Sun in reverse constantly feels threatened by their perceived “competition.” They’re always trying to one-up you, which can leave you feeling drained and exhausted. In fact, this person might feel like they have to put other people down to feel better about themselves.

Conclusion

For love readings, the Sun is a very positive card. Whether upright or reversed, the Sun shines its light on everything. The lesson in this card is that the truth will always come out, one way or another. Daylight always comes again, and summer will always be just around the corner. The best way to move forward is through communication. Don’t take your partner for granted. Show appreciation every day, and your positivity will shine through.

If you find yourself needing further clarity in your relationship matters that go beyond reading for yourself, Sibyl offers unlimited tarot readings on love & relationships, as a neutral and objective third party.