The Sun follows the Moon in the Tarot, just as sun-ruled Leo follows moon-ruled Cancer in the zodiac. This great burning star symbolises the bright forces of energy, vitality, joy and glory. Apollo was the Greek god of the sun, while his twin sister Artemis was the moon goddess. A powerful and popular figure, he was god of prophecy, music, healing and archery. He was also often linked with the female muses, and shared patronage of the arts and poetry, dancing and music with them in many myths. He is usually shown as a beautiful young man at the height of his powers, radiant and virile. Ancient Egyptians venerated the sun as Re or Ra. He was closely connected with the pharaohs who were believed to represent the deity on earth. In astrology, the sun governs Leo, and the fifth house of the zodiac. This house is associated with creativity, self-expression, games, pleasures and romance - an interesting fusion of Apollo and the muses. Children - of the mind or body - are also linked to the sun's house. A child, or two children, is usually shown on this card. Interpretations are that children have emerged from the womb, represented by the moon, into the full light of consciousness; a union between the hidden, subconscious aspects of the personality and the clarity of intellectual expression is achieved. In many mythologies the sun and moon were twins, symbolising two halves of a whole - light and dark, positive and negative, intellect and intuition. The children also represent innocence, joy, and new creations. Some commentators say that the Sun represents the higher self. If we can contact this part of ourselves, and trust in the positive forces of the cosmos, we will receive inspirations and guidance. Interpretation The Sun Happiness and vitality are entering your life in some way. You could find yourself better off financially, enjoy your work wholeheartedly, or experience a particularly joyful time in your relationship. Socially, you are invited to delightful events where you can bask in the warmth of friendship and enjoy yourself. When this card refers to yourself, the message is one of energy and confidence. You are glowing with good health. You are able to achieve your dreams, and in so doing are likely to win the approval of others. If you have been struggling in some area of your life, things should become easier now. Your mind feels clear and you are able to make far-sighted plans. The sun has come out and you will feel very much at one with yourself. Life is good; there is nothing to worry about for success is certain. The Sun can also manifest literally in a reading. It can signify summer, or refer to hot sunny climates. Summer may be an important time of year for you, a time when things go well and you are able to celebrate some success or happy event. A hot country could be significant in terms of fortunate meetings, the beginning of a new career, or a wonderful holiday. Look to surrounding cards to see whether a particular aspect has been emphasised elsewhere. The card also represents children. There may be good news regarding them when it appears in a reading. A child develops some natural talent, a longed for baby is born, or a child who has been ill or in difficulties wins through. Reversed The sun's warmth is essential for life. Yet an excess of heat creates deserts and destroys living things. When you draw the Sun reversed, you may expect a failure of some kind. Doubts surround your future plans. Perhaps you have been so busy imagining your success, and all the glory it will bring, that you failed to put in the boring hard work required. Vanity and arrogance are indicated as probable blocks to success. In terms of a relationship, you may be experiencing difficulties. This is particularly true if you are married, or living with an established partner. You may feel taken for granted, unappreciated, or feel you are not getting enough attention. Other cards should indicate both background and solutions to this problem. Similar difficulties may be pervading a business partnership. Both partners may not see eye to eye, or one feels he or she is putting in more than the other. Perhaps one wants to initiate new activities while the other is resisting change. There may be worries concerning children. Hyperactive babies and children may be exhausting and puzzling their parents. A child could be over-sensitive either physically (allergies) or mentally. There might be problems at school, too. Finally, if the Sun is surrounded by positive, upright cards you can expect happiness and success, but it will be delayed. 0 - The Fool 1 - The Magician 2 - The High Priestess 3 - The Empress 4 - The Emperor 5 - The Hierophant or Pope 6 - The Lovers 7 - The Chariot 8 - Justice 9 - The Hermit 10 - The Wheel of Fortune 11 - Strength 12 - The Hanged Man 13 - Death 14 - Temperance 15 - The Devil 16 - The Tower 17 - The Star 18 - The Moon 19 - The Sun 20 - Judgment 21 - The World