MAJOR ARCANA CARD #19: LIZA MINNELLI is THE SUN

The tarot’s major arcana cards represent universal experiences that we go through in our lives, no matter what our background or how we were raised. 

THE SUN

CARD #18

KEYWORDS: Perseverance, Creativity, and New Beginnings

When the Sun card appears in a reading, it reminds us of the continuous luster of the imagination.  As the sun shines its life-giving light endlessly, our potential to create is limitless, as well.  In fact, “all creative processes are a form of play and exploration” fueled by childhood innocence and curiosity, and promising new beginnings repeatedly on the journey of life (see end note).  Our job is to observe the inspirational fire that stokes our passion along the way. 

Liza Minnelli represents this major arcana card, in my opinion, most perfectly.    

First and foremost (and to fans, this is obvious), when on stage, screen, or television, Liza shines like the sun itself!   Her legendary presence is mesmerizing, as she is able to mobilize audiences with the power of her voice and transport everyone to a place where high drama and sequins reign supreme.  As Liza’s radiant and indomitable talent never stops casting its divine blessing upon those who adore her, true fans return that love with almost fanatical devotion and enthusiasm.  This is testament to the anecdote “you reap what you sow.” 

Yet her path hasn’t been easy or effortless.  Fans are continuously amazed by the unflinching intensity of her professional devotion, which has made her an enduring force in show business.

Liza suffered from a number of serious illnesses, the most memorable of which might be viral encephalitis in the year 2000.  It threatened to leave her in a wheelchair without speech for the rest of her life, but what did she do?  She refused.  She simply refused to accept the doctor’s prognosis, and with intense training and therapy, conquered that life and career threatening illness.  She carved herself a brand new beginning with iron will and plenty of hard work.

I get a very strong Phoenix-like vibe when I pull this card.  To me, it signifies the almost superhuman ability to rise from the ashes of failure or misfortune, and transform those events into life lessons through perseverance. 

I am reminded of this quotation … 

When things go wrong as they sometimes will;

When the road you’re trudging seems all uphill;

When the funds are low; and the debts are high;

And you want to smile, but you have to sigh;

When care is pressing you down a bit –

Rest if you must, but don’t you quit!

Success is failure turned inside out;

The silver tint of the clouds of doubt;

And you never can tell how close you are;

It may be near when it seems afar.

So, stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit –

It’s when things go wrong that you mustn’t quit.

(Author Unknown)

Not unlike the sun above, which sustains everything -- our environment and health, indeed our very lives -- Liza beams out continuous rays of love with her craft, sustaining our need for high camp, song, and drama!  She has also resurrected herself more than once to do it.   The sunflowers in this card remind us to always seek the light, even when circumstances seem dimmest, when our prognosis is worst.  The butterflies serve as reminders of the quick passage of time and the inevitability of change.

The Sun card’s directives are clear:  Don’t dwell on the negatives!  Look at the sunny side!  Be like the sunflower and always raise your shining face to the light!

End Note: The Tarot Handbook by Angeles Arrien, p.92

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