XIX · The Sun
Key points of this lesson
Roman numeral XIX
19 is a further step of 1+9=10, standing for release from the cycle of the Wheel and the highest completeness of consciousness. After every trial, the soul returns to its purest state of joy.
The same symbol also appears in
- X Wheel of Fortune · 19 reduces to 10 — the same cycle of completion, one level higher.
The personified sun
The sun wears a calm, kindly face, standing for the waking of cosmic consciousness and the appearing of truth. It looks straight at the viewer: nothing can hide in this light, everything turns clear.
Straight and wavy rays
The alternating straight rays stand for masculine reason and logic, the wavy ones for feminine intuition and feeling. Together they mark a perfect balance of the two energies — the guarantee of unbroken vitality.
The naked child
It stands for innocence and an undisguised, real self. Nakedness means he needs no defence or costume any more: he has fully accepted the joy and sanctity of life.
The same symbol also appears in
- 0 The Fool · The child is the reborn form at the end of the Fool's journey, with the first innocence recovered.
White horse
The white horse stands for tamed instinct and pure drive. It carries no saddle and no reins, implying the child rides the force of life on pure intent alone — man and cosmos as one.
The same symbol also appears in
- XIII Death · Both are white horses: Death's carries ending and passage, the Sun's carries the joy of new life.
Red banner
The vivid banner stands for abundant life energy and the joy of victory. It is waved in the left hand: this energy rises from the waking subconscious and is turned into creative power in the real world.
Sunflowers
The four sunflowers stand for the four elements, or the four suits of the Minor Arcana. Growing up over the grey wall, they mark life force breaking past the limits of the material world to bloom in spiritual light.
Grey wall
It stands for the past, for limitation, or the boundary of the material world. The child rides with his back to it: worldly constraint is already behind him, the heavy past released.
Sky-blue background
The clear sky blue stands for transparency of thought and easy communication. No cloud blocks it, implying the truth is out and no confusion or shadow remains.
Blue = clarity of consciousness and truth
Yellow key
Yellow is the dominant colour of the card, standing for sacred wisdom, joy and the brilliance of success. It is the most positively charged colour in the Major Arcana and promises a bright road.
Yellow = joy and sacred energy
Red feather and wreath
The red feather on the child's head stands for the ardour of life, the wreath for victory. It echoes the feather on the Fool, proving the journey has been carried through to the end.
The same symbol also appears in
- 0 The Fool · The same red feather; in the Sun it marks that ardour finally realised.
Element of fire
The Sun answers to fire, standing for the most primal drive of life, warmth and creative power. It is the source that warms everything, and the constant light that gives the soul its bearing.