THE SUN - Astrological Associations

I continue my astrological exploration of the Major Arcana with Trump 19, The Sun. The use of astrological associations with Tarot is completely up to the reader. This is merely intended to be interesting and fun. The astrological associations established by the Order of the Golden Dawn (OGD) are the most commonly used. However, as a professional astrologer, I always find it interesting when someone develops another system.

Thoth Tarot by Aleister Crowley
The OGD and Crowley attribute The Sun card to -- get ready for it -- the Sun! Crowley describes the card as "the Sun, charged with a rose, on a mount vert." (According to the footnote, this is a reference to the Crowley Coat-of-Arms, although I haven't been able to find anything to support that.) Crowley adds: "The rose represents the flowering of the solar influence. Around the whole picture we see the signs of the Zodiac in their normal position, Aries rising in the East, and so on." In a birth chart, the position of the Sun is typically seen to represent the conscious mind, the ego, and individuality. The Sun rules the zodiac sign Leo.

One World Tarot by Crystal Love
In this deck, Crystal Love associates The Sun (Trump 19) with the fixed Fire sign Leo. In astrology, the Sun rules Leo. Love writes: "The Sun card symbolizes energy, power, a need to be the 'center,' the need to radiate, project, and shine." She adds: "Leos love to shine, to be the center of attention, and they can be very creative."

A.E. Thierens, PhD. (Astrology & the Tarot)
Thierens associates Trump 19, The Sun, with the Sun. Thierens writes: "This card means everything that astrology can tell about the Sun. . . It means the positive or masculine elements in general, the power and function of will and concentration, great benefit and mighty protection in spiritual as well as in mundane life and matters. . . In a figure laid for divination this card indicates the centre of interest and that which is fixed, certain, assured and under protection."

The Celestial Tarot by Brian Clark
Clark titles The Sun card "The Radiance of the Sun." He writes: "The most commonly known aspect of an individual's horoscope is his/her Sun sign. . . When the card of the Sun is drawn it would be wise to reflect on the strengths and resources of the Sun sign to enable the individual to be more conscious of his/her self-development. . . Astrologically, the Sun represents self-concept, ego-identity, individuality, and personal will. . . The Sun is the agent for creative self-expression, confidence, and the ability to focus talents in order to realize the life purpose."


The Mandala Astrological Tarot by A.T. Mann
Mann associates Trump 19, Sun, with the Sun. He writes: "The Sun is our central source of light, creativity and spiritual happiness, and rules the sign Leo, where formative energy expresses the true self, and exalts Aries, where consciousness of the divine plan is made manifest in the individual." Mann also includes the symbol for the zodiac sign Gemini, set in a square within a circle in the middle of the card to suggest "the integration of opposites." Mann views the Sun as representing "spirit, consciousness, individuality, masculine principle, dignity, honour."

The Whispering Tarot by Liz Hazel
Liz Hazel lists the attribution for Trump 19 as "The Sun." She writes: "The warrior wears a blue shirt, representing the successful conquest of the true self. His belt buckle bears the solar Sowilo rune."




In astrology, the Sun rules the Fifth House, the area of life that includes children and the joy received from them. It is interesting that many Sun cards feature a child.

All of the above-mentioned attributions for Trump 19 seem to coordinate nicely.

I welcome your comments!

Zanna