solar powered
revisiting the utility of the sun
I’ve been watching the ‘Universe' on Netflix lately. It’s a nature documentary that shows how the creation of our universe intersects and supports plant and animal life on the planet. It’s really quite good! In a recent episode they were exploring how the Sun supports life on the planet by establishing time, seasons, and sustenance in the form of photosynthesis for plant life, which therein supports both the animal kingdom and human kind. And naturally, it got me thinking about the Sun card in tarot and how it could clue us in to our consumption versus usage of energy.
Tarot has always been a symbolic language and art form. We often read the cards metaphorically, philosophically or in broad, symbolic strokes. Anyone who has spent even a moment of time watching my videos or taking my classes can attest to my long, romantic tangents about the realms of possibility hidden within the cards. It’s truly where I shine. But one of the best tarot lessons I’ve ever received was to look at the cards for exactly what they are.
“the Sun upright indicated the consumption of energy, like a plant absorbing the sun for the process of photosynthesis.”
exploring the symbology
A sword is not just the symbolic representation of our thoughts and beliefs- it’s also a weapon. That weapon can be used to engage, defend, carve or chisel. It all depends on how you use it. A wand is not just our passions and inspirations- it’s also an illuminant. A wand can direct magic, light our way in the darkness or keep us alive on cold, winter nights. With this approach in mind, let’s revisit the Sun card.
What if the Sun is not just an indicator of completed cycles, happy beginnings, and fresh clarity - but also, a signifier of how much energy we are consuming or burning through at present? This could really challenge and expand our interpretations of the Sun and how it mingles with the other cards? Now, this is all theoretical, but let’s play around with this idea.
The Sun and the Moon are two card combinations that often appear together. Some readers interpret it as a divine union of feminine (spiritual) and masculine (physical) energy. Some may interpret it as mysteries coming to the surface to be revealed. Both valid. But what if this combination indicated that we were blissfully unaware of how much energy (sun) or effort (fire element) would be required of us in the upcoming cycle (moon)? That may motivate us to dig a little deeper into the specifics of what exactly will be present in our next season or steps.
Let’s say that the Sun and the Queen of Cups has come out. This could indicate a brightening of emotions, fresh insight or intuitive knowings being revealed. But what if the Sun and the Queen of Cups was letting us know that we are absorbing too many of other people’s emotions or maybe we are using up too much of our psychic energy? The Sun and the 9 of Wands or Swords could tell us that we’re burning the candle at both ends and will fizzle out like a star if we don’t pace ourselves?
If we wanted to take it a step further, we could argue that the Sun upright indicated the consumption of energy, like a plant absorbing the sun for the process of photosynthesis. It could let us know when and in what capacity we should be recharging, absorbing or stockpiling energy or information. Similarly, the Sun reversed could represent times when we are using the energy we have stored. And this can inform us on which questions to ask, such as “Is this the best usage of my energy? Am I putting in too much effort? What are the indicators that I’m running low and need to charge?”
Of course, this is all theoretical, but what is tarot for, if not to expand the possibilities of what it can do or mean? What do you think about the Sun card? Does this change how you see in your future readings?
