The Sun Reversed: Core Meaning
Last Updated: March 21, 2026 |
Reviewed by: Deckaura Editorial Team |
Reading Time: 5 min
When the Sun card appears reversed in the Tarot, its energy undergoes a fundamental change. The joy, success, vitality, positivity, confidence, warmth, and celebration represented by the upright Sun card transform into a completely different meaning. Instead, the Sun card foretells temporary sadness, confusion, diminished joy, delayed success, and a deeply wounded inner child.
A reversed Sun card doesn't necessarily signify something negative. It often points to inner energy, obstacles that need attention, or lessons that haven't been fully internalized. The reversed Sun card is a reminder to examine how these themes manifest in your life.
Upright vs Reversed: Key Differences
The upright Sun symbolizes joy, success, vitality, positivity, confidence, warmth, and a celebratory atmosphere. These qualities flow freely and manifest externally in your life. The reversed Sun, on the other hand, represents the same energy being blocked, excessively accumulated, or concentrated inward.
Imagine it as a volume control knob turned too low or too high—the energy is reversed. The underlying theme remains the same, but the form of expression changes. When the Sun is reversed, you might notice temporary sadness, confusion, reduced joy, delayed success, and a wounded child within you, because vertical energy cannot flow normally.
The Sun Reversed in Love
In love astrology, the reversed Sun symbolizes happy and joyful emotions, love, warmth and tenderness, as well as a childlike enthusiasm for life and a hopeful future. However, this doesn't mean your relationship is destined to fail. Instead, it points to areas that require attention and honest communication. Reflect on which patterns recur and where there are opportunities for growth.
The Sun Reversed: What to Do
If you draw the reversed Sun card, consider it an invitation to pause and reflect. This card encourages you to examine your inner self and confront the issues troubling you. Write in your journal about your temporary sadness, confusion, fading joy, lingering success, or the wounded child within you, and how these feelings affect your current situation.
Remember, reversed cards often contain the seeds of positive meaning. By recognizing and utilizing the energy of reversed cards, you can create space for positive qualities such as joy, success, vitality, confidence, warmth, and celebration to naturally emerge.
Read the full guide: The Meaning of the Sun Tarot Cards - A Complete Guide
The Sun Reversed Meaning by Context
| Context |
The Sun Reversed Meaning |
| General |
Temporary gloom, dimmed optimism, or ego |
| In Love |
A temporary cloud over otherwise happy love |
| In Career |
Delayed success or dimmed enthusiasm |
| As Feelings |
Guarded warmth or temporary doubt |
| As Advice |
Reconnect with what brings you joy |
| Yes or No |
Maybe |
Frequently Asked Questions About The Sun Reversed
What does The Sun reversed mean in a love reading?
The Sun reversed often points to a relationship where joy feels blocked or overshadowed by unresolved issues or self-doubt. It encourages you to look within and clear away any emotional clouds, as the warmth of genuine connection is still possible once you release fear. This card reassures you that happiness is not lost—it’s simply waiting for you to embrace your own light first.
Does The Sun reversed always mean something bad?
Not at all—it’s more of a gentle nudge to address inner obstacles rather than a sign of doom. The reversed Sun suggests your inner radiance is temporarily dimmed by negativity or burnout, but this phase is temporary. Think of it as a call to nurture your spirit and realign with what truly lights you up.
How does The Sun reversed affect my career or finances?
In career or financial matters, The Sun reversed can indicate a period where your efforts feel undervalued or your usual optimism falters. It may signal a need to step back and reassess your goals, as pushing too hard can lead to exhaustion. Trust that this is a time to recharge and clarify your path, not to give up on your ambitions.
Can The Sun reversed indicate a delay in good news?
Yes, it often suggests that positive outcomes or answers may be delayed, not denied. The energy of the reversed Sun points to a temporary fog or miscommunication that requires patience and self-reflection. The breakthrough you seek is still coming, but first, you may need to adjust your perspective or release control.
What should I do when I get The Sun reversed in a reading?
Take it as a loving invitation to pause and check in with your inner state—are you carrying unresolved sadness, doubt, or exhaustion? Focus on small acts of self-care and rediscovering what brings you genuine joy, even in simple moments. This card reminds you that your light never truly goes out; it just needs a little tending to shine brightly again.
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