Sun Symbol and Symbolism
Exploring Sun Symbolism
The Sun Symbol is found in all cultures throughout history.
Considered by most peoples as a cosmic power, it’s not surprising we see the sun emblazed upon countless artifacts and writings.
Ancient Chinese culture recognized the sun as the Great Male Principle – the ultimate Yang. These symbolically appreciative people also personified the sun as a cosmic eye viewing out upon its dominion during the day.
Alchemically, the sun is sol and is esoterically symbolic of the mind or intellect. Gold is considered the material of the sun in outwardly symbolic practices of alchemy.
Other materials that are esoterically recognized as sun symbols are:
The planetary sign of the sun (a circle with a dot in the center) is also an alchemical symbol of origin signifying completion of the Great Work. Furthermore, this sun symbol represents the Self in its relation to the cosmic whole.
This is also the case in astrology where the sun is symbolic of the Self that is expressed outwardly – the self that shines openly to our friends, family, co-workers, etc. The sun position at our time of birth gives special illumination as to our characteristics. It's as if the sun shines upon our symbolic selves and makes us most visible to the world (see your astro sun sign here).
A quick list of sun symbolism includes:
- Life
- Power
- Strength
- Energy
- Force
- Clarity
- Self
In Christianity the sun is the house of Archangel Michael (Gabriel lives within the moon), and is also a symbol of the Christ, or Christ-like attributes.
In ancient Egypt the sun is associated with the Horus, Ra and Osiris. Horus represents the rising sun, Osiris the setting sun, and Ra represents the sun’s zenith.
Again we see the sun symbolism in association with eyes or vision as the sun is the eye of Zeus in Greek mythology.
Likewise, in Hindu mythology the sun is the eye of Varuna, and is also considered the “divine rejuvenator.”
The sun resonates with male energy in most cultures. However, Celtic perspective places feminine power within the sun’s rays. Likewise, ancient African, Japanese, Germanic, and some Native American tribes all hold the sun as a feminine energy.
Animals can also be considered as sun symbols. For example, the eagle was a symbol of the sun rising in its glory and power over their cities. The tiger is the sun in its setting aspect
Other solar animals that are considered sun symbols are:
A flower may also be considered a sun symbol. Here are a few flowers that radiate with sun energy, and are considered symbolic of the sun:
Other common symbols for the sun include:
Our ancestors have long considered the sun as the center of humankind’s existence. Modern mankind tends to overlook this priority, and perhaps takes for granted the life-affirming essence the sun exemplifies.
I hope this post encourages you to reconsider some of your symbolic ideas about the sun, and perhaps even adopt a sun symbol for yourself. These symbols can provide immensely enlightening in meditations, and focus/affirmation practices.
You may also want to visit my Tarot site and review Sun Tarot Card Meanings
Nature Symbols
Fire Animals - Learning about Solar Animal Symbolism
Fire Symbols
Animal Symbolism
Symbolic Planets
Native American Sun Symbols
Sun Yantras: Symbols of Radiance
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