The Sun card is one of the most emotionally affirming cards in the entire tarot deck. When it shows up in the feelings position, it speaks volumes about how someone perceives you on an emotional level—whether they’re uplifted and joyful in your presence or struggling to connect with deeper happiness.
- Major Arcana Number: XIX (19)
- Element: Fire
- Astrological Association: Sun
- Keywords (Upright): Joy, warmth, affection, positivity, truth, openness
- Keywords (Reversed): Uncertainty, blocked joy, inner child wounds, superficial happiness, self-doubt
The Sun as Feelings Upright
General Emotional Tone: Open, Happy, Inspired
When The Sun appears upright in the context of feelings, it symbolizes genuine happiness, warmth, emotional honesty, and optimism. The person in question is likely feeling uplifted, energized, and positively aligned when they think of you or the situation at hand.
Key Emotional Interpretations:
- Joy and Vitality: They feel truly alive when they are with you. You make them smile, feel hopeful, and believe in the good things in life.
- Love Without Conditions: These feelings are pure, open-hearted, and sincere. There’s a desire to be completely transparent and to share their world with you.
- Pride and Celebration: You may be someone they’re proud to know or be associated with. There’s an emotional sense of “I’m lucky to have this person.”
- Playfulness and Fun: You ignite their inner child. They might feel a sense of comfort and play around you, where life feels lighter and easier.
If asking how someone feels about you:
- They feel very positive and affectionate toward you.
- They enjoy your presence and likely see you as a source of happiness, warmth, and trust.
- Their heart is open and aligned with authentic emotions—this is not superficial interest, it’s emotionally radiant.
The Sun as Feelings Reversed
General Emotional Tone: Confused Joy, Emotional Blockage, Inner Doubt
When The Sun appears reversed in the feelings position, the emotional brightness of this card is dimmed, but not extinguished. It often means that positive emotions exist, but they are being blocked, doubted, or misdirected due to insecurity, emotional confusion, or fear of vulnerability.
Key Emotional Interpretations:
- Temporary Emotional Clouding: This person may feel good about you, but something is casting a shadow—it could be past trauma, inner fears, or external circumstances.
- Hesitant Joy: They feel happiness, but may not fully trust it. There’s a sense of “Is this too good to be true?”
- Blocked Expression: They might be struggling to express how they feel. Deep down they are touched, but emotionally inhibited or confused.
- Superficial Emotions: Sometimes, The Sun reversed suggests the feelings are more about appearances or surface-level fun without real emotional depth—especially if paired with cards like The Devil or 7 of Cups.
If asking how someone feels about you:
- They want to feel joy, but something is holding them back.
- There could be emotional immaturity, a fear of showing their true feelings, or a disconnect from their authentic self.
- In some cases, they may be projecting false positivity, pretending all is well when inside they are uncertain.
Comparison Table: The Sun as Feelings (Upright vs Reversed)
| Aspect | Upright | Reversed |
|---|---|---|
| Core Emotion | Genuine happiness, joy, emotional openness | Blocked joy, fear of vulnerability, emotional doubt |
| Emotional Depth | Deep, warm, and heartfelt | Present but confused or not fully expressed |
| Expression | Enthusiastic, honest, radiant | Suppressed, insecure, or masked |
| Relationship Tone | Harmonious, mutual joy and admiration | Emotional immaturity or fear of intimacy |
| Common Feelings Phrase | “You make me feel alive and joyful.” | “I want to feel happy with you, but something holds me back.” |
Common Questions
Can The Sun upright indicate romantic love?
Yes, very much so. It signifies joyful, heart-centered love. If you’re asking about romantic feelings, this card suggests strong affection, emotional openness, and a willingness to grow together in happiness.
Is The Sun reversed a negative sign in love readings?
Not entirely. It suggests emotional blockages or delays, not the absence of feeling. It could indicate that the person cares deeply but is hesitant, insecure, or not ready to fully embrace vulnerability.
What if The Sun appears with The Moon?
This combination suggests a push-pull dynamic between clarity (The Sun) and illusion/fear (The Moon). Emotionally, the person may feel torn between joy and confusion, and could be working through trust issues or emotional duality.
Final Thoughts from a Tarot Expert
The Sun in the feelings position—whether upright or reversed—is emotionally rich. Upright, it indicates that the person feels emotionally free, expressive, and connected to joy when they think of you. Reversed, it points to emotional shadows or inner resistance that are preventing them from experiencing or expressing that joy fully.
As a professional tarot reader, I advise clients to consider both the light and the shadow in emotional interpretations. Feelings are rarely black-and-white. The Sun reminds us that true happiness often requires inner clarity and healing, especially when reversed. But one thing is clear: the potential for joy and connection is always present with this card.