The nineteen pattern, or the Sun Tarot card, is considered a karmic force in numerology. This happy and joyful-looking card depicts two children playing in a walled garden. The word “paradise” comes from an Old Iranian word meaning “walled enclosure.” It entered English via the French word “paradis.” We all want to return to this place, the realm of the “All Love” we experienced before reincarnating.

Children speak of this place with great ease because they can still remember it, although they may experience difficulty articulating it in a way that makes sense to the big people listening. Paradise, or heaven, is that dim echo in the back of your head, that foggy reminder that before “all of this” – **gestures at the dumpster fire** – there was true happiness, a golden age where everyone and everything just worked out and life was good. There is no “Golden Age” that we can hearken back to. As Billy Joel sang in the 1980s, we didn’t start the fire — it’s always been burning in the background. They are trying to remember Paradise. As adults, we process that vague memory through so many filters that our brain plays the telephone game with it.

The Sun card represents a state where our heart center is wide open and unburdened by worldly concerns. In this state, we can experience awareness of all the worlds and our connection to them. When we achieve this state, we can think about it and watch whatever it is become a reality before our very eyes. 

In my Marseille deck, the sex of the two children isn’t immediately obvious. They’re similar to the androgynous divine twins of so many world myths. Looking closely, I can see that the child on the left is more female than the child on the right because she has some breast development. The child on the left puts her hand out over her brother’s heart chakra. He places his hand against the back of her neck. It has been postulated that he is touching C1, the “Atlas” vertebrae.” Could her hand indicate that her brother’s heart is open, and could his hand show that she has support so as not to carry the world on her shoulders? They both wear red ribbons around their throats. In some traditions, such as the Tantric and Ayurvedic, the throat is known as “the gateway of the gods,” where the memory of our dreams is housed. 

The garden gate is low, and we are almost at the end of the Major Arcana. The process of remembering who we really are is nearly complete. The barriers are starting to dissolve, as evidenced by the short wall that separates us from Paradise. We are almost there! This is the final development, and for those who are still subject to the emotional upheaval of La Roue and require healing, this can be a welcome card to draw. 

The number 19 is composed of 1/Sun and 9/Mars. Karmic 19/1 is considered both malefic and benefic, although traditionally, it was seen as strictly malefic as all karmic numbers were. People with strong 19s in their charts are brimming with enthusiasm, inspiration, and eagerness. They are successful in virtually everything they do because they will not give up. The Sun bestows inspiration and light, while Mars fuels their engine. The Sun/1 helps them to make the right decisions and grow in wisdom. Mars/9 helps them to confront adversity head-on. 

On a crappy day, that 9/Mars energy can become very short-tempered and impatient. People can become poor communicators that blow up when they are misunderstood. The good news is their tantrums are short-lived, and the 1/Sun ensures they won’t bring many grudges forward. However, those of us in the wake of those outbursts have crystal clear memories. An unbalanced or poorly expressed 19/1 could find themselves uninvited to the ladybug picnic for a long time. 

19/1 energy also throws light on everything. The Sun illuminates and enlightens. Under the light of the Sun, nothing can hide. There are no secrets. This way, the karmic 19/1 can be malefic because everything is brought forward under the Sun’s influence. The truth will set you free, but first, it will piss you off. 

My pet theory is that the “karmic” numbers in numerology relate to planetary conjunctions that are “combust” in astrology. This is the first karmic number we are looking at because it reduces to 1, although ironically, it is the last of the karmic numbers. If we think of the 19/1 vibration as being similar to the conjunction of the Sun and Mars, where Mars is combust, then we can see the energy of Mars being repressed. This could certainly produce the “bad luck” that the old books used to speak of: failed marriages and businesses, an inability to stand up for yourself, and suffering due to overattachment to the things of this world and a lack of spiritual connection.

Somewhere along the way, this number force was rewritten as a “karmic blessing” number, and this can refer to what is called the “cazimi” when Mars is in a tight 1-degree conjunction. Instead of being suppressive, this quick and close conjunction is quite positive. Cazimi comes from an old Arabic word that means “as if in the heart.” In cazimi, the energy shifts, and a profound new cycle is initiated. It can be a time of great rebirth, of being called into action to do great work – for example, an artist might have an experience that results in creating a masterpiece. It can be a time to transmute pain into strength by confronting and healing old wounds, clearing the old karmic slate, and putting things right. It can also trigger an existential crisis that forces you to put your money where your mouth is and examine your identity and self-perception. 

But karmic numbers being similar to planets being combust is just my pet theory. 

When The Sun appears in a reading, consider it a portal opening in your life and good things emerging from it. This card reflects achievement, success, wealth, happiness, and rebirth. It reflects a purifying force that cleanses and illuminates everything like the sun’s rays.

Like the other cards, whose numerical values are reduced to 1, this card deals with leadership. Often, it is about leading large groups or movements. It also relates to the sign of Leo, so it can deal with themes like being adored, put on a pedestal, and becoming an arrogant little turd. When this card is not well-supported, or the question has a negative slant, the ego rules and obsessions with things like money and status or using people come up for review.  

Generally speaking, though, you feel particularly empowered during the periods indicated by this card. Your path is clear, and you’re more aligned with your goals than ever. You aren’t poverty-minded; you believe in yourself and share the bounty. You say yes to new people, places, and opportunities. This creates a spillover effect, and new doors keep opening for you. Everything just keeps coming up roses — you wish it and POOF! It happens. 

Contemporary Interpretations of The Sun

The Sun in Tarot has always symbolized joy, vitality, success, and clarity. In a modern context, its meanings have expanded to include self-empowerment, visibility, personal branding, and the pursuit of authentic happiness in an era of social and technological transformation.  The Sun remains a symbol of clarity, success, and joy. Still, in today’s world, it reminds us to embrace authentic self-expression, cultivate happiness from within, and shine without fear in a rapidly evolving society.

Authenticity & Self-Expression

Today, The Sun represents living authentically, embracing oneself, and stepping into the spotlight without fear. It resonates with themes of self-love, unapologetic confidence, and breaking free from societal expectations.

Social Media & Personal Visibility

The Sun is a card of recognition and being seen, which connects to the modern emphasis on social media presence, influencer culture, and personal branding. It asks: Are you shining in your truth or just curating an image?

Mental Health & Inner Happiness

The Sun represents mental clarity, optimism, and emotional well-being. In an era of widespread burnout, anxiety, and depression, it speaks to the importance of joy as an act of resistance and the importance of prioritizing happiness.

Solar Power & Environmental Awareness

Given climate change and the push for renewable energy, The Sun can symbolize solar energy, sustainability, and ecological enlightenment, reminding us of the need for harmony with nature.

The Rise of Optimistic & Conscious Leadership

As a symbol of confidence and leadership, The Sun represents the shift toward transparent, ethical, and inspiring leadership. It moves away from fear-based power structures and toward a more positive and empowering style.

The Science of Happiness & Well-Being

With research into positive psychology, mindfulness, and neuroscience, The Sun aligns with the understanding that happiness isn’t just a feeling—it’s a practice and mindset shift that can be cultivated.

Radical Joy & Pleasure Activism

In liberation movements, The Sun represents joy as an act of defiance, reclaiming pleasure and happiness despite oppressive systems. It embodies creative self-expression, playfulness, and living on one’s own terms.

Reversed Sun in a Contemporary Context

When reversed, The Sun can reveal hidden struggles, illusions of happiness, or burnout from chasing external validation:

• Toxic positivity – The pressure to always be happy, suppressing real emotions.
• Social media burnout – The downside of hyper-visibility and the exhaustion of always being “on.”
• Overexposure & invasion of privacy – The dangers of sharing too much in a digital world.
• Disillusionment – Finding out that success or fame doesn’t bring true fulfillment.
• Creative block – Struggling to shine due to fear, perfectionism, or comparison.

How The Sun’s Energy Shows Up Today

• A public figure embracing radical authenticity and inspiring others to do the same.
• Someone stepping into their purpose and passion, leading with confidence.
• A shift toward mental health awareness and prioritizing well-being.
• The rise of eco-conscious initiatives and solar energy innovations.
• People redefine success—choosing joy, freedom, and fulfillment over hustle culture.