iVillage

The Sun is not a planet, but one of The Lights, and is important to us beyond words. It is the source of all light, warmth, and life, and the very center around which the whole solar system of planets revolve. In astrology, the Sun has always stood for the Self, with a capital “S.” It has everything to do with what we strive to discover, what we hope to become, and what we treasure in old age. It is the ultimate reference point. The Sun is the entire process of life, and perhaps all that can be said is: The Sun is Shining.

The Sun signifies your identity and self, vital or heart essence. The father, husband, and men. Authorities, especially males, but also kings, presidents, heads of state, employers, and high religious figures.

The Sun/Earth always represents the future, what you will be or become, in time, and thus your true identify or real self. This is what you look toward and also look up to, so the Sun stands for elders, authorities, teachers, gurus, and anyone more experienced. The Sun is your own future light shining like a beacon in time, and is that part of you that you have not experienced yet.

The Earth/Sun represents your Self or identity, what you look forward to or hope to become in the future, and that which you respect or use as a reference point. In other words, the Sun represents all the changes that still are ahead for you, all of yourself that you have not yet experienced. The Sun, in one’s life, is therefore at first usually someone you look up to and respect, often a mentor, teacher, older person – authorities or those more experienced in life – the essence of your future. The Sun burns brightly before us, showing us ourselves as we can or will be, but also too hot for us to endure just at the moment.