The Sun from the Rider–Waite–Smith tarot deck

Arcana	Major · XIX
Suit	—
Element	Fire
Attribution	Sun

Major Arcana · XIX

The Sun

In shortIt is going well. You are allowed to enjoy it.

Upright

clarityjoyvitalitysuccessbeing seen

This is the clearest and most generous card in the deck. Things are visible, warm and going well — success that is not a secret, health coming back, happiness that does not need justifying. It has an uncomplicated quality that adult life makes rare, and where it turns up the honest reading is simply: this is good, and you are allowed to enjoy it. It also means truth coming fully into the open.

Reversed

dimmed joytemporary cloudsforced positivitydelayed success

The sun is still up but something is between you and it. This is happiness that is present but not landing, success that arrives without satisfaction, or cheerfulness performed over something unresolved. It rarely means disaster — more often a delay, or a reminder that the good thing needs to be actually felt rather than ticked off.

In the pictureA naked child rides a white horse without a saddle — total ease, nothing hidden, nothing controlled. The sunflowers turn toward the light; the red banner streams. The wall behind is being left, not approached: the garden is not the destination.

The turn

Say the good thing out loud and let it count. Enjoyment here is the assignment.