The Sun

The Kabbalistic symbol of the Sun is represented by the Hebrew letter Resh and is directly associated with the sun itself, unlike the Moon, which symbolizes Pisces.

In his Tarot version, Waite departed from French traditions by depicting a single child on a horse with a fiery red banner in hand, similar to old Flemish decks.

Perhaps Waite chose this imagery for clarity in the astrological symbolism of the card, eliminating associations with Gemini.

The omission of twins on the Sun card eliminates any potential confusion regarding its connection to the Gemini sign. Waite preferred to focus on the symbolism of the child on the horse, emphasizing the separateness of the Sun from Gemini.

In ancient Germanic runic tradition, the symbol of the horse is associated with the Sun, which may have influenced Waite's choice. The horse symbol in the runic alphabet represents the movement of the sun across the sky.

The central element of the Sun card is the luminary, reflecting the radiance of the Sun as a Kabbalistic symbol:

The yellow, round face of the Sun on the card corresponds to the letter Resh, meaning head, face. The Sun is associated with the sixth Sephirah on the Tree of Life, colored yellow.

The orange banner held by the child on the horse resembles the shape of the letter Resh and is associated with the ancient symbol of the One God.

The six flowers in the child's hair symbolize the Sun, representing the sixth Sephirah. This simplification from two children to one points to the Sun rather than Gemini.

The four sunflowers behind the wall also symbolize the Sun with their shape and color, following its path.

The letter Resh hidden in the horse's mane further underscores the connection to Sun symbolism.

Thus, Waite demonstrates that the symbol of the Sun on the card indeed represents the Sun.

This is the embodiment of Ra, the ancient Egyptian deity, the lord of sun rays and the creator of all gods. It is Apollo, the god from Greek mythology, the patron of sunlight, and Helios, the embodiment of the Sun itself.

It represents the mysterious aspect of Christ, symbolizing the Sun as the source of inner spiritual rebirth, accessible to every human being.

The Sun card depicts a naked baby riding on a white horse and holding a red banner, which is a fortunate symbol for this card.

It symbolizes the fate of the Supernatural East, the great and holy light that leads humanity's endless procession from the walled garden of life, full of sensual pleasures, on a journey back to their native home.

Thus, the card embodies the transition from earthly sunlight to the light of the future world, which illuminates the path of spiritual aspiration and is symbolized by the heart of the child.

This symbol also points to consciousness in spirit – the direct light that is opposite to reflected light. All of humanity is represented here in the form of a baby who, in their simplicity and innocence, carries within themselves the harmony of Nature and Art; they embody the reborn world.

When the dawn of self-awareness rises in the consciousness above natural reason, this renewed mind brings the animal nature of humanity to a state of perfect harmony.

In the Sun card, direct and sharp rays of light radiate, as well as wavy, intuitive streams, which in the Moon card represented the path into the unknown.

These rays represent the merging of the conscious and subconscious on a new level of personality integration, symbolized by the solar figure. This image symbolizes rebirth or transformation, where a person achieves a harmonious balance of different aspects of their existence.

A child is depicted in the picture, indicating the birth of the spiritual essence, embodying the newborn in the world of spirituality. We feel protection, trust, openness, and freedom. The white horse symbolizes the taming and purification of basic instincts, easily controlled even by a child.

The victorious flag and wreath symbolize triumph and rebirth. Sunflowers, turned toward the child and drawing energy from it, indicate mastery, independence, and self-reliance.

The Sun card is ruled by the Sun itself, symbolizing birth and rebirth. As the carrier of the idea of rebirth, the Sun is associated with our birthday when it returns to the position it occupied at our birth.

The number 1, symbolizing self-awareness, combines on this card with the number 9, representing achievements and success, forming the number XIX (19). Thus, the card portends significant achievements in intellectual and spiritual development.