The Sun (also known as “Surya” or “Aditya”) is not simply a star in the vast and complicated Vedic Astrology system – it is the Soul of all Creation (Universe). It is at the centre of all Zodiac signs and, as the King, provides all that is living – Light, Life, Direction, and Heat – for all other Grahas.

The other Planets are representations of the numerous areas of our Physical & Psychological lives; however, the Sun is the essence of the “Self”, the fundamental part that remains constant through our entire Lives. If we can understand who and what the Sun is in our Birth Chart, we will have an understanding of our Purpose, our Ego, and the Divine Energy that propels us forward.

The Fundamental Definition of the Sun

To understand the Sun, we need to begin with its fundamental characteristics that define its Cosmic Identity.

The Sun is the fiery representation of Agni or fire, but not like the destructive aspects of fire seen in forest fires; the Sun’s fire essence is the “digestive fire” and the “fire of intelligence,” which gives us the ability to digest the information and experiences we encounter throughout life.

The Sun’s role as a Sattvic planet inspires us to live righteously, in truth and clarity; the Sun’s energy can best be expressed in Aries, where it has free rein and can be completely expressed as the pioneering force of nature. It finds itself feeling confined in the sign of Libra, where instead of focusing on the “Self,” it focuses on the “Other.”

Sun’s Significations (Karakatwaso)

The core characteristics of the Sun refer to all aspects of life where an element of authority, vitality and “I am” statement exists.

Core Representation / Soul / Ego

The Sun is the Atmakaraka (soul significator) of everyone. The Sun represents your core ego, or “I am” conception of oneself, this isn’t a bad ego, it is a healthy ego that allows us to function in the world. The Sun serves as the “light of self-awareness” of who you are, when all your titles and acquisitions are stripped away.

Physical Body / Bones / Vitality

The Sun governs the most essential aspects of our being in relation to our physical health. The Sun governs the heart (pump of life) and bones (support structure of body); it also governs the eyesight (depends on gender: Right eye for males, left eye for females); the Sun governs our immune systems, meaning a strong Sun = Strong constitution, and therefore, the ability to recover quickly from illness.

Relationships / Father

In society and family, the Sun is representative of the father, in terms of authority, protection and direction from authority or paternal figure. The Sun also represents our mentors, elders and anyone who has authority over us. The placement of the Sun in a chart directly relates to how someone relates to their father and/or how many fatherly characteristics (legacy) they have inherited from their father’s lineage.

Professions / Leadership / Authority

Since the Sun is a king, it represents careers or professions related to power or service to the public realm. The Sun influences careers in Government, Politics, Administration and Senior Management. The Sun also influences the professions of artists (spending time in the public light), doctors, especially specialists in the heart and surgeons.

Astronomical and Mythological Context

The Vedic concept of the Sun has its origins beyond the natural world. The Development of the universe and its laws are told through the stories of the Puranas and through the understanding of astronomical cycles, specifically the Vimshottari Dasha system.

Mythological Story of the Sun in Indian Mythology

The Sun, also called Surya, was born to a sage named Kashyapa and Aditi. Surya is most often depicted riding in a golden chariot, which is pulled by 7 horses. These horses are said to represent the 7 colours of the rainbow and the 7 days of the week.

The chariot driver is Aruna, the personification of dawn, who protects the Sun from its own glare so that it does not destroy the world. One famous story involves the Sun’s wife, Sanjna, who was unable to endure his heat, so she created a shadow named Chhaya to stand in her place. This ultimately reflects the duality of the Sun: It is the creator of all life, yet, without harmony or balance, it can cause destruction.

The Vimshottari Dasha System and the Planetary Cycles of the Sun

The Sun is the 6-year Mahadasha in the Vimshottari Dasha system. While this is a relatively short amount of time, it is an extremely important period of growth for an individual. During the Sun’s Mahadasha, he is typically associated with an increase in social status, greater productivity in the workplace, and a greater connection to his inner purpose.

The Relationships Between the Planets

The Sun is the centre of our solar system, and the nature of the Sun’s relationships with other planets is based on how the elements of the transforming planets are compatible with the element of the Sun:

Planets that are Friends: The Moon, Mars and Jupiter are the planets that ally with the Sun and portray many of the same characteristics of the Sun (royalty, righteousness, power).

Planets that are Enemies: Saturn and Venus are planets that are opposite to the Sun and therefore not naturally compatible with the Sun. (Saturn represents the servant/peasants, and Venus is about sensual pleasures and can thus take one away from the spiritual nature of the Sun.)

Planets that are Neutral towards the Sun: Mercury is considered “neutral” toward the Sun and generally acts as the Sun’s messenger (i.e., the “Prince”).

Behavioural Analysis

How people behave and manifest their behaviour will depend on how confident they feel or have confidence in themselves (Dignified) or don’t feel confident in their behaviour and have low self-esteem (Afflicted).

The Dignified Sun (The Benevolent Leader)

A person who has a strong and well-placed Sun is naturally confident and is a natural leader. They are responsible and organised and have a very strong sense of morals. They do not have to call attention to themselves; their presence alone gives them respect from others.

They have a genuine concern for helping people who are weaker than themselves and have direction in their lives. Because they have direction in their lives, they are successful, since they are going to take responsibility and act on their goals/courageously.

The Afflicted Sun (The Struggling Ego)

When someone has a weak and/or afflicted Sun (ex, a weak or debilitating Sun that is challenged further by negative planets), energy from that person’s Sun becomes distorted. Their actions may be arrogant in some instances or totally lacking self-esteem in some cases.

The individual may have little or no vitality, may have ongoing health concerns, and may be struggling in their relationship with their father and with other authority figures. An individual who lacks self-esteem may conditionally rely on others for validation because they have no internal self-worth.

In some extreme cases, this results in creating a “false ego”, where an individual acts superior to make up for the underlying lack of self-esteem and insecurities.

Remedies and Rituals

The Sun is full of energy, and astrology can help us take different types of energies that come from the Sun and unite them as a whole unit so that they can work in harmony with each other.

Gemstones: The gemstone of our Sun is the ruby (Manikya), which is best to wear as a gold or copper ring on the right hand’s ring finger, which should only be done on Sunday after performing adequate spiritual cleansing.

Mantras: The other way to connect with Surya is by chanting or reciting mantras, which will help you communicate with Surya, as well as to access and increase the amount of sound waves you vibrate by using those same waves to communicate with Surya.

Seed Mantra: “Om Hraam Hreem Hroum sah suryaya namah”

Gayatri Mantra of Sun: “Om Bhur Bhuvah Swah, Tat Savitur Varenyam, bhargo Devasya Dheemahi, dhiyo yo nah Prachodayat”.

Day of the Week: The day of the week that corresponds to Surya is Sunday; therefore, any prayers or fasts performed on this day will help magnify the positive energy of Surya onto us.

Donations (Daana): To combat the negative impact of a weak solar energy field, one can perform a specific material act of kindness by giving food such as wheat, jaggery, or copper to a person in need on Sunday.

Lifestyle Changes: Making lifestyle changes in accordance with the cycles of the earth is the best way to help elevate the energy of Surya. Consistent cycles such as waking up before Sunrise, doing Surya Namaskars, and providing arghya (water) to Surya are some of the most effective practices that one can implement, which will harmonise your own energy frequency with that of Surya’s.

Furthermore, being a person of integrity and honouring a father or teacher can elevate one’s energy frequency to the royal level of Surya.

By focusing and working on these principles with spiritual awareness, understanding the deeper spiritual significance of Surya can lead to the transformation of confusion into clarity and meaning in life.