XIX – The Sun
“the pursuit of happiness”
symbol: the pursuit of light, life, and vitality
planet: Sun
date and ritual: summer solstice – celebrating life, shining brightly
archetype: Helios, Hyperion, Apollo
path of Resh: Hod – Yesod
The card of „The Sun“ is all about the pursuit of life, light, happiness, and satisfaction. There is no actual perfection, just like there is no unity, but only duality. Therefore, the path and the search for this state is the goal already. We can see a stony path leading up to a mountain top, which represents the destination of the journey. However, from the position of the top, there is only one way to go – which is down. These recurring ups (climbing the mountain) and downs (falling, down swinging or jumping from the top of the mountain) act like waves during our lives. The sum of all these waves, which we either ride or drown in are represented by this card. The pursuit of walking on a new path is usually born by the wish to experience more of the whole spectrum of light. This wish can only emerge, when we have a stable base from where to start our journey. Usually, the way to the top only has a chance to succeed, if we have arranged our lives in order. It is necessary to leave the „comfort zone“ to climb up a mountain. If there is no established comfort zone, or stable daily routine, the wanderer would be unprepared and fail on his journey. Often, the path includes learning something new and the achievement of some kind of knowledge. Either way, we learn to understand the world and our surroundings in a wider spectrum of the whole.
The division of unity has its physical expression in the division of the atomic nucleus (an “as above so below” analogy). As a result, light can be observed in its different wavelengths but never as a whole – all beings observe their environment only from their subjective point of views. This view never represents what we call truth. There are countless connected aspects, a single being cannot observe and know of simultaneously.
Experiencing a different approach, may grant the opportunity to triangulate our philosophical angles within ourselves. This results in knowledge, but also carries the burden of responsibility with it. There’s a dilemma, within knowing: “Turning on the light” and unveiling a new aspect is often the kill-switch for romantic, or mystic expectations – so even light has its demerits.
The splitting phenomenon of the observable wavelengths of light corresponds to the hermetic idea of the archetypes, alchemical elements, planets, and zodiac signs. Compare to the card of „0 – The Fool“ and the evolving melody of creation with it are different notes.
Experiencing light in its different wavelengths/ physical colors is analogous to experiencing the different archetypes, signs, and elements on their own. These aspects are separated for a reason. Light in a radiating state is destructive. As such, the various aspects of our reality (or the sum of all thoughts) would also inflict confusion and insanity, if they are experienced at the same time. Put in a common metaphysical expression „No one can experience god, without turning crazy“.
The creator cannot be the actual source of light. A symbolic creator would represent the sum of all parts and thoughts – symbolizing unity. Light is always the outcome of a reaction, which would implicate two opposites at its source and as such, duality.
The aspect of time is also relevant to this card. It allows us to undergo different currents and sample various aspects, one after another. This helps us to triangulate our experiences, as mentioned above, to gain an overview of the whole. Just regard the example of the Tarot deck. The various combinations can represent each plot, path, and aspect of reality, but each card must be understood on its own at first. If the different cards are not explored in detail, a connection would not be understood.
To conclude, „XIX -The Sun“ summarizes all these paths we have already walked and explored. We now have the opportunity to collect inspiration from the experiences within, to attempt a new walk up the mountain and to gain deeper insights in paths already taken.
