The Sun

My intention behind this article is to share my knowledge of the Sun and what this planet represents in Astrology. In case you are not familiar with Astrology, or are yet to understand the lingo, I’d like to share a metaphor used by my teacher to explain the various components used in Astrology. This metaphor is that of the theatre; the signs of the zodiac are the roles to be played, the planets are the actors, the houses are the various scenes within the play, and the aspects between the planets, the dialogues and interactions between the actors. To illustrate this, I’ll use the example of Mars in the zodiac sign of Scorpio, in the 10th house, in conjunction to Mercury. Mars represents actions, Scorpio has an intense energy, the 10th house is the area in our physical lives that represents career, and a conjunction is when the planets are sitting together and will need to collaborate. This would indicate that the individual has a tendency to take action in an intense way, this is most noticeable in their career, and with Mars is in a dialogue with Mercury, the planet of communication, this means that communication and action need to come together and work harmoniously with one and other.

In Astrology the planets can be likened to the different aspects, or parts of ourselves. Each planet within the birth chart therefore makes up our whole being. Most people tend to know their Sun signs but don’t realise that this is only a small, all be it important, part of ourselves. In Astrology the Sun represents the part of us that we show to the world, what we take as our identity, our sense of individuality. It is how we want to be seen, the image we have of ourselves that we will often go to great lengths to hold on to. The Sun is representative of our life force, our consciousness, power and creative principal, our vitality, potential, self-expression and how we want recognition from the outside world. Alongside the above description, the Sun tends to indicate our expectations of the father, or the significant authority figure in our lives.

The Sun is the Universal giver of life on Earth, and in the birth chart indicates our vitality and how that flows for us. How the Sun is positioned in the birth chart shows the levels of vitality that is available to the personality. For example, if the Sun sits in a receptive zodiac sign vitality is likely to flow gently and consistently; whereas if the Sun sits in an emissive zodiac sign vitality flows strongly but reserves may get depleted sooner. Individuals usually feel most alive when living in line with their Suns position, this can be attributed to the Sun being a description of the direction in which we should be heading; the person we are striving to be, as well as the goals and challenges we may face on route.

The Sun says, “I want”, or “this is where I want to be special and unique”. The Sun describes how, and where we want to be recognised and in being recognised our identity is reinforced further cementing our personality structure and character. The Sun in our chart contributes to where and how we may become a hero, or the central character and what our heroic purpose might be. It also describes what our image of a hero is, so what we may look up to or try to emulate. The Sun represents how creativity is manifested for us; this is shaped by the element the Sun sits in. For example, if the Sun is in a zodiac sign that has the element of earth, then creativity will be brought about in a practical and productive way.

Through the different stages of development and growth in life the Sun can be realised and seen in a different light. In the less developed stages of life the Sun can be seen in acts of selfishness, which is of course an important part of our development. However also pride, or the desire to manipulate can live in this same developmental stage. As an individual grows in their development, they would be able to have self-control, be able to give, have nobility and firmness. When the spiritual level is reached these traits look like humbleness, superior consciousness, and soulfulness.

In Astrology the house system represents the areas of our day-to-day lives where the parts of us, represented by the planets, is easiest seen or played out. The house in which the Sun is positioned in the birth chart indicates the most, or one of the most important areas of life for the individual. Through here the individual will feel most alive or recognised, and this area of life will be considered essential and the qualities importance. The house position of the Sun may describe the area where we most naturally shine.

Aspects to the Sun describe the ease or difficulty an individual may have in both accepting themselves and in putting themselves first. The condition of the Sun has a significant impact on a individual’s self-confidence and self-esteem. When there is a strong aspect with the Sun in the natal chart the Sun brings vigour, power and strength to the other planet and the other planet is illuminated, invigorated, and warmed, just as the Sun in the sky provides light and heat to us on Earth. This can also work the other way, so the other planet can take energy from the Sun.

My invitation to you would be to explore your Sun. Can you see qualities of your Suns zodiac sign within your personality or ego construct? Can you identify where your Sun is on its developmental journey? Are there areas of your life where you can get a bit stuck in pride, or are you at the point in your life where you have humbleness? Can you see certain personality traits play out in the area of your life represented by the house that your Sun is sitting in? Is this useful for you, or does it create problems? Have fun with these explorations and see what you notice.

With soul,

Paula

Tompkins, S. and London School Of Astrology (2006). The contemporary astrologer’s handbook : an in-depth guide to interpreting your horoscope. London: Flare Publications.

Hall, J. (2018). The Astrology Bible. Godsfield.