The Sun card shines as the ultimate source of energy, life, and joy, holding the title of “Lord of the World’s Fire.” It’s a radiant force, illuminating everything in its path with warmth and positivity. Think of it as the embodiment of gold—precious, bright, and eternal. Whether in the sky or on the Tarot table, the Sun represents the Philosopher’s Stone, that magical element capable of transforming the mundane into the divine.

Number 19 – The Cosmic Pulse

The Sun is the 19th card of the Major Arcana, a number steeped in symbolism and cosmic rhythm. It’s not just any number—19 is the harbinger of a triumphant conclusion, a signal that the long journey is nearing its fulfilment. The path of the Sun, or the “stairway” (stezya 30) from Yesod to Hod in the Kabbalistic Tree of Life, shows us the ascent from the Foundation (Yesod) to Glory (Hod), making it a journey from strength to grandeur.

Letters: Kaf, Resh – The Keys to Enlightenment

In the mystical world of letters, the Sun is associated with Kaf and Resh, symbols that reflect expansion and brilliance. These letters remind us that enlightenment comes through the balance of power (Kaf) and understanding (Resh), and the Sun oversees this alchemical process. It’s not just about external brightness but the inner glow of wisdom and clarity.

Sun in the 5th House – The Joy of Creation

Astrologically, the Sun finds its home in the 5th House, a realm that governs creativity, pleasure, and the joy of living. This is the house of play, where life feels like a game meant to be enjoyed. The Sun in this position is all about expressing yourself, whether through art, romance, or the thrill of adventure. It’s where your inner child comes out to bask in the warm glow of life’s pleasures.

Auspicious Aspect of the Moon and Mercury

When the Sun forms a favourable aspect with the Moon and Mercury, the results are a harmonious blend of emotion and intellect. The Moon brings intuition and emotional insight, while Mercury adds quick thinking and communication skills. Together, they empower the Sun’s energy, making it easier to express yourself with both heart and mind in sync. It’s a recipe for success in both relationships and creative endeavours.

Occult Meaning – Happiness

The Sun’s occult meaning is straightforward yet profound: happiness. It’s the card that promises joy, success, and fulfilment, radiating the light of contentment and bliss. When the Sun appears, it signals that you’re on the right path, that your efforts are about to pay off, and that happiness is within reach. It’s the ultimate reminder that life is meant to be enjoyed, and now is the time to bask in that joy.

The Sun card is a beacon of hope and vitality, encouraging you to embrace life’s brilliance and celebrate your own creative potential. Whether through love, art, or personal triumphs, the Sun urges you to step into the light and shine.

General Meaning

The Sun – The Brightest of All Cards

Many sources claim that the Sun is the best card in the Tarot deck. It doesn’t carry the cryptic ambiguity or lofty grandeur that might make you hesitate (as you might feel with a card like The World). No, the Sun is pure joy—it’s the peak of life, happiness at its most tangible, and undeniable success. When this card shines upon you, it indicates that life is about to offer you a gift, something significant to simply enjoy. There’s no catch, no strings attached. These gifts may even go beyond what you feel you’ve earned or expected, but don’t question them—just accept and revel in them. The Sun reminds you that now is your time to bask in your accomplishments and, yes, some unexpected blessings as well.

Achievement and Celebration

Under the Sun, not only do you accomplish your goals, but you also get to celebrate them. This is the card of triumph, and it often signifies a time to reflect on what you’ve achieved, both deserved and gifted. It’s like being given a standing ovation for a performance—except you didn’t know you were even being watched! This card allows you to fully experience joy and success, not just from what you’ve rightfully earned, but also from those little (or large!) surprises life sometimes throws your way. And no, it doesn’t mean these gifts are karmically undeserved—sometimes, the universe just likes to be extra generous.

A New Dawn After The Moon’s Illusions

The Sun opens up new horizons, shedding light after the dreamlike, shadowy world of the Moon. It signifies stepping into life with full vigour, free from illusions, fears, or doubts. Life is turning its brightest side towards you, ushering in a period of activity, success, and happiness. The Sun’s rays pierce through any remaining fog, showing you a clear path forward, and this phase is bound to be golden and fortunate.

The Sun – A Sure Sign of Success

Undoubtedly, the Sun is one of the best cards in the deck. If you’re asking a question, the Sun is almost always a big, shining yes! It speaks of reaching important goals and the long-awaited fulfilment of desires. When the Sun appears, it’s a promise that things will turn out wonderfully, even if the timeline isn’t as swift as you’d like. Patience, as they say, is a virtue, and when the Sun is involved, the wait will be more than worth it.

Practical Magic – Holidays and Warmth

In the more practical sense, the Sun can also hint at a holiday to warm climates—think sunbathing on a beach or relaxing under palm trees. It’s a reminder that life isn’t all about work—sometimes, it’s about simply enjoying the sunshine and recharging your soul.

On a Deeper Level

The Sun: The Source of Light and Warmth

The Sun is a radiant bridge between the divine and the earthly realms, serving as a material symbol connecting humanity with the divine. It represents the lower aspect of the divine and the higher aspect of the earthly. Essentially, the Sun is the symbol of spiritual rebirth, a path open to all who seek it. It heralds the miracle of personal transformation, uniting consciousness with the subconscious, and harmonising the masculine and feminine energies within us. This is the birth of a new spiritual identity, one whose desires are purified (as symbolised by the child on a white horse – the horse representing Eros, now guided by the pure and innocent knight, as the child).

The triumphant red banner and crown symbolise victory and the beginning of a true spiritual awakening. Something new and transformative is brewing, waiting for the alchemical process to reach its conclusion – the Magnum Opus. No longer does the seeker rely on the flickering light of the moon, but instead, full clarity and understanding dawn, illuminating life’s mystical questions.

Union of Earth and Spirit

The Sun symbolises the bridge between the light of the earthly world and the spiritual illumination of the heavenly realms. It is the epitome of higher consciousness and spiritual wisdom. This card suggests that the union between the earthly and the spiritual is nearly complete – only a final wall stands in the way. It urges you to continue your journey, to make the final steps on your path of initiation, and assures you that from this point forward, you will see the Sun in all its clarity.

The Sun represents the highest level of consciousness, decisive steps in self-awareness, and the achievement of mental and emotional purity. If the High Priestess and the Moon represent the feminine path to wisdom, then the Magician and the Sun embody the masculine approach, focusing on logic, rationality, and the ability to bring hidden truths to light.

The Test of the Sun

The challenge of the Sun is to maintain a bright, pure perspective on life, untainted by negativity or pessimism. This Arcana reminds us of a simple truth: true success comes to those who, like children, approach life with simplicity, wisdom, and joy, acting with lightness and pleasure in their daily existence. The Sun calls for resistance to oppressive influences and a steadfast commitment to preserving innocence, warmth, and virtue, echoing Christ’s words: “Be like children.” It also warns against chasing “worldly wisdom” or becoming jaded by experience.

The Sun is an allegory of self-realisation, of finding joy in the present moment and holding the hope that life will ascend to a higher plane of existence. Being one of the final Major Arcana, it represents the culmination of spiritual growth – only Judgement and The World follow.

Liberation from Karma

When the Sun appears, it may signify liberation from a significant karmic debt. Under this card, even the oldest and most painful wounds begin to heal. The Sun often signals that you have reached a point of spiritual maturity, where you can look back on your experiences with wisdom and gratitude, having resolved the major conflicts of your life. You are optimistic, charismatic, and illuminated with inner light.

The Enlightened One

We’ve come across a passage that perfectly encapsulates the spiritual stage symbolised by The Sun:

“In esoteric circles, people like you are called ‘The Initiated.’ You’ve uncovered a sacred truth and along with it, gained trust in yourself and a profound satisfaction with life. You’ve already conquered your fears and resolved the major conflicts in your life, filling yourself with optimism, becoming charismatic, and radiating light. You’ve reached the highest level of self-awareness, able to see both your flaws and strengths, and you know exactly how to overcome the former while elevating the latter.

Your soul is rich, wise, and experienced—having lived through much, not just in this life but in many others before. You’ve discovered happiness and left your mark on this earth. You know your mission this time around, and you’re not afraid to fulfil it because in doing so, you fulfil yourself. You’ve settled your karmic debts, made peace with your shadow side, and worked through everything required in this incarnation.

Your character hasn’t buckled under the weight of life’s trials, and you haven’t given in to petty temptations. Now, you’re in the position to build good karma for yourself—and even help others along the way. Be kind to them.”

A mix of wisdom, warmth, and self-mastery, The Sun represents the completion of a journey towards enlightenment and inner peace.

Personal Feelings

The Gift of the Sun

The Sun brings with it a state of wholeness, health, and unclouded peace of mind. This card symbolises a rich and wise soul that has finally understood what happiness truly is—the ability to trust reality and embrace life as it is. Living with a child’s heart, wise in kindness, ready to relish goodness and every new day, the Sun reminds us to radiate warmth and light to those around us.

Sunny Disposition

Expect an uplifted mood, contentment, and a sense of safety. The Sun card blesses you with optimism, clarity of judgment, knowledge, and understanding. It brings a strong sense of personal power and confidence in your own position. With the Sun, you can see your path clearly, without doubts, without restlessness, and without fear. It signals a time when you’ve reconciled with your “shadow” side—whatever was lurking in the dark has now been brought into the bright light of reason, no longer feared, and you’re ready for further self-improvement.

Inner Clarity

Often, The Sun suggests you’ve managed to resolve a significant inner conflict that had been causing tension. This card embodies the forces that bring clarity and help overcome fears, doubts, and misconceptions. The Sun radiates energy that fights off the influences of collective unconsciousness, reinforcing your confidence in your actions and helping you embrace your uniqueness with love. It symbolises a person who no longer lives by reflected light—they’ve found their own internal source of brilliance, shining their wisdom and love out into the world.

Reaping the Rewards

The Sun tends to show up when you’ve completed intense inner work. You’ve achieved something remarkable and are now invited to savour the fruits of your labour with grace and gratitude. There’s a feeling of joy, fullness of being, and renewed perception—these are the rewards of spiritual enlightenment, often following a crisis.

The Storm Has Passed

The Sun often emerges after a figurative storm, as if peeking through the clouds. It describes the state of someone who has experienced a rebirth, now marvelling at how blue the sky is. And let’s not forget—after the emotional turmoil of the Moon card, with its shadows, fears, and fog of uncertainty, The Sun is a much-needed breath of fresh air.

Live Simply, Joyfully

The lesson of The Sun is akin to that of Temperance, in a way. Life’s simple, really—just breathe in the scent of roses, live in the present, and don’t overcomplicate things. The difference lies in focus: The Sun isn’t about patience, restraint, or inner calm like Temperance. It’s about declaring the sacred truth of happiness. As the famous psychotherapist Bert Hellinger said, “Happiness is frightening. It takes courage to feel it.”

A Radiant Centre

This card suggests that there’s a central point in your life—whether it’s a child, a project, a relationship, or something else—that gives you meaning and passion. It brings light to situations, revealing hidden truths, facts, and motivations. This is the kind of clarity that leaves no stone unturned, especially when Justice or the Ace of Swords are in the mix, magnifying the bright light of truth.

Sunshine of Revelation

When the Sun appears, it’s a sign that you are basking in the light of success and truth. It brings revelations, exposing previously hidden aspects of a situation and giving you the answers you’ve been seeking. Enjoy the warmth, the clarity, and the sheer joy that comes with this golden moment.

Career

Shining Success

The Sun beams down good fortune in all things business and professional. It heralds the successful overcoming of challenges and obstacles. You’re not just doing a job—you’ve found your calling, and nothing compares to the joy of working in your true vocation (especially if you’re in a creative or public-facing role). The Sun is said to favour businesses tied to education, enlightenment, children, play, and even animals (looking at you, horse breeders and dog trainers).

Radiant Leadership

This card brings with it the ability to inspire and persuade others, creating a lively and joyful work environment. Whether you’re leading with official authority or just personal charisma, you have control over the situation. The Sun shines on self-realisation, personal growth, and lifelong learning. You might even find yourself joining—or founding—professional groups or associations.

Triumphant Recognition

Professional triumphs, rewards, and well-earned recognition are on the horizon. The Sun indicates both new beginnings (think: the birth of a brilliant idea or project) and the achievement of long-term goals. Expect to be at the centre of attention, as your career flourishes and you bask in the glow of your success. It’s a particularly powerful card for those in the arts and public relations, where shining in the spotlight comes naturally.

The Light at the End

The Sun is one of the most favourable cards when it comes to career matters. It says, “All that hard work you’ve been putting in? Get ready for the spotlight, because the light of clarity and completion is about to shine on your efforts.”

A Word of Caution

When the Sun appears alongside challenging cards, it can hint at business struggles due to governmental regulations and policies. But with the Sun on your side, even these obstacles can be navigated with optimism and determination.

Financial and Housing Situation

The Golden Ticket

The Sun isn’t just about a sunny disposition—it’s a bright symbol of wealth, high social standing, and rock-solid financial security. If you’ve been working on business ventures or investments, expect a warm wave of success to wash over them. This card practically shouts, “Goodbye, money worries!”

End of Financial Woes

When the Sun shines in your spread, it’s the cosmic equivalent of a jackpot. The days of scraping by are over—your financial problems are finally coming to an end. It’s like finding the last golden coin under the sofa cushion, except this time, the cushion is your career, and the coins keep coming.

Living the High Life

We’re talking about a serious upgrade in your standard of living. Fancy a few luxuries? Go for it! With the Sun backing you up, your material well-being is in full bloom. It’s time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the fruits of your hard work. Feel free to indulge a little—after all, you’ve earned it!

Prosperity and Pleasure

Not only does the Sun promise financial success, but it also encourages you to savour it. There’s no guilt in enjoying prosperity when you’ve worked for it, so let yourself bask in the glow of material comfort and happiness.

Personal Relationships

The Sunny Side of Love

The Sun is a wonderfully favourable card when it comes to personal relationships, representing both “happiness” and “reconciliation.” Sometimes, it’s a much-needed reconciliation with oneself that opens the door to true happiness with someone else. This card often signals that the querent will finally embrace their partner as they are—no more trying to change or fix their flaws—and, in return, can expect the same level of unconditional acceptance. It’s like a warm, cosmic hug saying, “You’re perfect just as you are.”

Conflict Resolution, Simplified

If things have been tense, never fear! The Sun brings clarity to the root of the problem, allowing everyone involved to show their best qualities. Barriers melt away like ice in the summer heat, and suddenly, everything makes sense. Even if all bridges seem burned, the Sun promises a thawing of the ice—a chance to heal old wounds, and maybe even rekindle trust. It’s all about people growing closer, solving problems with kindness and understanding, and making life just a bit brighter.

A Warm Embrace of Love

The Sun represents true openness and harmony between two people. We’re talking about the kind of relationship where both partners delight in each other, showering one another with affection and feeling like they’re two halves of a whole. Expect trust, devotion, and a strong, secure connection. It’s a partnership filled with joy, selflessness, and the kind of love where giving feels just as good as receiving. You’ll feel cherished, valued, and wanted—what more could you ask for?

Shining Partner on the Horizon

If you haven’t found your other half yet, the Sun promises they’re on their way—and they’ll be a keeper! Think courageous, energetic, creative, and all-around wonderful. For those already in a relationship, the Sun speaks of new beginnings and deeper love. This card often foreshadows a significant other who will change your life for the better, bringing warmth and positivity into everything they touch.

Be Someone’s Sunshine

The Sun offers some heartwarming advice: be a source of light for someone else. Don’t be stingy with your warmth—spread kindness, love, and positive energy wherever you go. Help others believe in the beauty of life, even when it’s challenging. Offer support, comfort, and love, and you’ll see how much brightness you can bring to someone’s world.

The Path to True Love (and Maybe a Wedding)

This card is often seen as a sign of destiny—a fated meeting, a declaration of love, or even a wedding on the horizon. The Sun predicts a joyful union, whether it’s marriage or a happy partnership. There’s also a hint of alchemical harmony between masculine and feminine energies, as if the universe is orchestrating the perfect dance between two souls. And don’t forget the children! The Sun also signals joy and success in family life, particularly around children’s wellbeing and happiness.

Divorce, but Make It Happy

In its reversed position, the Sun can offer a cheeky twist. One author suggests that it might indicate a “happy divorce” where both parties are actually quite relieved to be moving on—grateful for the time spent together but ready to part ways with well-wishes for the future. There’s also the possibility of a relationship with a significant age gap, where there’s a lot of show but not much substance beneath the surface.

Health

Radiant Health and Vitality

The Sun card bursts with life and energy, symbolising excellent health, both physically and spiritually. It speaks of strength, activity, and a vibrant sense of well-being. If you’ve been feeling unwell, this card is the bearer of good news—recovery is on the horizon, and in some cases, it even symbolises a victory over death itself (after all, the Sun is the source of life). It’s a reminder that life is meant for living, not just working. Take time to soak in the joy and light!

A Sunny Reminder

The Sun may also be nudging you with a little reminder: we aren’t here just to work ourselves into the ground; we’re here to live, thrive, and enjoy. It’s a call to focus on your well-being, both mental and physical, and embrace the warmth and energy the Sun brings.

The Shadow Side

However, when reversed, the Sun can signal burnout—whether professional or personal. It may indicate exhaustion, a case of too much heat, or even something as mundane (yet uncomfortable) as heatstroke or sunburn. At its extreme, some interpretations even suggest the possibility of skin cancer, though that’s a bit rarefied. More commonly, the reversed Sun speaks to heart issues caused by overexertion, especially for those pushing their bodies beyond what’s wise for their age.

Seasonal Blues

One fascinating interpretation of the reversed Sun is its link to seasonal depression, known in psychiatric circles as SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). As the days grow shorter and the light fades, some individuals feel their energy and spirits dip. The reversed Sun might point to this sensitivity to the solar cycle—whether it’s the changing seasons, eclipses, or solar storms affecting moods and energy levels. Keep an eye on how these shifts in light and seasonality impact your mental and emotional well-being.

Reversed Sun

Clouds on the Horizon

In its reversed position, the Sun card brings a few hiccups to the otherwise sunny forecast. While it’s not inherently negative, it does suggest struggles in communication, relationship woes, misunderstandings, and misplaced ideas of success. It can also point to a flurry of activity that, unfortunately, yields little in the way of results. You may find yourself dealing with health problems, family dramas, or even a postponed wedding. But fret not—the Sun, even when upside down, is still the Sun.

Success, But with a Catch

Here’s the thing: the positive influence of the Sun is simply dialled down a notch. Success is still possible, but only after some serious effort. You may experience partial victories, delayed triumphs, and dreams that don’t quite materialise on time. But that doesn’t mean they won’t happen at all. You’ll manage to pull things together, even if it feels like you’re treading water for a while. It’s all about patience and persistence.

Not All Is Lost

While some may focus on the more dramatic side of the reversed Sun—emptiness, loneliness, a loss of direction—most interpretations agree that it’s never a truly negative card. The sun is still shining, but perhaps a little cloud has drifted across its face. Don’t worry—clouds pass. In fact, with a bit of effort, you can almost wave them away.

Fiery Passion, with a Hint of Trouble

In some readings, especially paired with cards like The Tower, the reversed Sun can symbolise heat, fire, or even passion that gets out of hand. We’re talking about literal or metaphorical flames—anything from a fiery romance to the possibility of actual fire (yes, really). So, if you’ve got some volatile energies in your spread, it might be wise to tread carefully.

The Fear of Happiness

Mary Greer offers an interesting take on the reversed Sun: it reflects what Bert Hellinger called the “fear of happiness.” Sometimes, we sabotage ourselves because we believe that things are just too good to be true. The reversed Sun reminds us that we may struggle to accept joy or believe we’re worthy of the good things that come our way. It’s time to realise that you do deserve happiness—don’t let fear cast a shadow over your sunny days.

Combination with Other Cards

Sunshine and the Fool

When The Sun pairs with The Fool, life feels like an endless holiday—carefree, spontaneous, and full of whimsical adventures. It’s a lovely combination, signalling that it’s perfectly fine to dance through life without a care in the world. Just remember to wear sunscreen!

Sun and The Magician

This duo promises success in all your creative ventures, with a touch of magic (literally). You’ll be pulling rabbits out of hats—and let’s not forget, the financial rewards will follow. It’s like having your cake and eating it too, with extra sunshine on top.

Sun and The Empress

With The Empress, you’ve hit the jackpot. Everything is flourishing—creativity, love, even the houseplants! Now is the moment to seize the day. The universe is basically screaming, “Go on, enjoy this golden moment!”

Sun and The Emperor

Beware the temptation to become a bit of a tyrant when The Emperor shows up. Either you or someone around you might be pushing their will a bit too forcefully. Remember, you can catch more flies with honey than with imperial decrees.

Sun and The Hierophant

A glowing combination! The way forward is crystal clear, and it’s blessed by the cosmos. You’ve got divine support behind your plans, so keep your eyes on your goals, and don’t forget to send a thank-you note to the universe.

Sun and The Hermit

Your days of solitude are over—time to share all that inner wisdom with the world. The world could use a bit of your sunny disposition and the pearls of wisdom you’ve gathered while quietly reflecting in your metaphorical cave.

Sun and Death

Here comes a fresh new start! The Sun shines after Death’s transformative energy. You’ve completed the rebirth, and now, all that positive energy is ready to flood your life. Just make sure the new you is wearing some shades, because things are about to get bright.

Sun and The Devil

You might be chasing material wealth or physical pleasure with blind enthusiasm. With The Devil in tow, you could be mistaking financial success for happiness. It’s also possible that your love life is leaving something to be desired. Maybe it’s time to reassess your priorities.

Sun and The Tower

This pairing brings a sense of enlightenment after the storm. Yes, there could be some health or financial setbacks, and you may feel a bit down, but trust that this too shall pass. It’s a wake-up call to slow down and avoid unnecessary risks.

Sun and The Star

Just one last push and victory is yours! This is a stellar combo, full of optimism and hope. You’re on the brink of achieving something major—keep your eyes on the prize and don’t stop now.

Sun and The Moon

Not everything is as it seems. With The Moon alongside The Sun, illusions and confusion may cloud your judgement. It’s like trying to find your way with a foggy pair of sunglasses—take them off, and see things for what they really are.

Sun and The World

What a magnificent combination! You’re reaching the pinnacle of success, with completion and fulfilment at every level—personal, professional, even cosmic. The Sun and The World together are the ultimate dream team, illuminating every corner of your life with positivity.

Sun and Ace of Wands

Time to tie the knot! With The Sun and Ace of Wands, marriage or a major commitment is on the horizon. It’s a passionate, joyous union—so break out the confetti!

Sun and Two of Wands

You’re exuding strength and resilience with this pair. The Sun is fuelling your personal power, and you’re prepared to tackle whatever life throws your way. Shine on, you unstoppable force!

Sun and Six of Wands

This is your victory lap. You’ve earned respect, admiration, and a well-deserved place in the spotlight. Bask in the applause—you’ve worked hard to get here, and now it’s time to enjoy the recognition.

Sun and Ace of Swords

Expect a happy delivery! With The Sun and Ace of Swords, childbirth or a successful new beginning is on the horizon. It’s all about clarity and breakthrough moments that bring joy.

Sun and Six of Swords

This combo indicates a bit of a rough patch—potential depression or feeling physically drained. Don’t worry, though. Even if the clouds are gathering, the sun will shine again soon. Just take it easy and recharge.

Sun and Eight of Cups

Feeling a bit worn out? The Eight of Cups with The Sun suggests that you’re tired, emotionally or physically. Maybe it’s time for a well-deserved break—put your feet up and soak in some rays.

Sun and Five of Pentacles

This pairing suggests burnout or overwork. The energy that once fuelled you has been depleted, so make sure you’re taking care of yourself. Even the sun needs to rest!

Sun and Reversed Six of Pentacles

Expect some honours or recognition coming your way! Even in its reversed position, The Six of Pentacles with The Sun suggests that your hard work won’t go unnoticed. The spotlight is firmly on you—enjoy your moment of glory.

Archetypical Correspondence

The Sun Gods: A Celestial Line-up

Let’s start with the star-studded cast of solar deities. We’ve got Helios, the OG charioteer of the sky, zooming across with his flaming horses. Then there’s Apollo, the god of music, healing, and all things bright and beautiful (and let’s not forget that six-pack). We can’t forget Ra, the Egyptian sun god, who had the whole “morning commute” sorted, sailing his solar boat across the sky. Belenos and Lugh from the Celtic pantheon also shine brightly, reminding us that every culture needs a sun god to help the crops grow. And then there’s Yarilo, the Slavic sun god who doubled up as a fertility deity—busy man!

Heroes Bathed in Sunlight

Now onto the golden boys of mythology: Achilles, Theseus, and Heracles. These lads knew how to soak up the sun while slaying monsters, toppling kingdoms, and completing impossible labours. These sun-drenched heroes weren’t just mighty in battle—they also had a certain radiant glow about them, like they’d just come back from the best beach holiday ever. It’s no wonder they were favoured by the gods.

Sun Worship: A Ritual Worth Rising For

If you think modern-day yoga at sunrise is impressive, just wait until you hear about the ancient rituals of sun worship. Civilisations from the Incas to the Egyptians would literally rise and shine for elaborate sunrise ceremonies, complete with chants, offerings, and sometimes a cheeky sacrifice (not recommended today, obviously). These rituals were a way to give thanks for that big fiery ball in the sky that, let’s face it, makes life possible. It’s a wonder we don’t all still do it.

Gold and Diamonds: Shining Bright Like the Sun

When you think of the sun, what comes to mind? Gold, naturally—the metal of kings, immortals, and the fabulously wealthy. Gold is synonymous with the sun’s warmth, brilliance, and indestructible nature. But don’t stop there; throw in a diamond for good measure. The hardest substance known to man, diamonds capture light like a little sun in your pocket. No wonder these gems have been prized for centuries by anyone with a taste for the finer (and shinier) things in life.

Alchemical Rubedo: The Red Stage of Perfection

And now, for those who enjoy a bit of medieval magic: Rubedo, the final stage of the alchemical process. It’s all about reaching spiritual and material perfection, often symbolised by gold—because who doesn’t love a shiny finish? This is where the base metals of life, like hardship and suffering, are transformed into something precious. In tarot terms, think of The Sun card—it’s the golden moment of enlightenment and joy when everything comes together. Just like the perfect tan after a summer’s day in the sun.