Sun is the significator of one’s soul in Astrology. Also called the “Atmakaraka”, a soul significator’s soul purpose is to drive the vehicle of life, to channel a soul’s energy where it’s needed.
Sun as the soul significator represents the following:
Neither wicked nor cruel but impartial, cruel in some cases when placed with malefics or when aspected by malefics
Even when unfavourable, Sun doesn’t cause extreme harm. As Sun is a royal planet, it tasks other planets to execute instructions on His behalf
When alone, Sun can cause problems if unfavourable but when conjunct with other planets who are His natural friends, will ask its subordinates to act (like a king)
Mars, Moon, Jupiter are considered natural friends of the Sun, whereas Mercury is a neutral. Rahu, Ketu, Saturn, Venus are considered Sun’s enemies
Sun gives the qualities of a good administrator when favourably placed in a chart and when alone
Represents or signifies one’s father or father figures, Government, politics, leadership, ego, soul
Whichever planet Sun is conjunct with – benefits from the Sun – the only exception being Rahu/Ketu which form an eclipse when conjunct with the Sun
Strong and tall trees are represented by the Sun. Also, dark red colour is represented by the Sun
The Sun is a Kshatriya by nature, but is also considered Sattvic – the only planet with this combination
Noon or mid-day is the time when Sun is strong – hence digestive capabilities are highest. In Ayurveda, it is recommended to have a heavy meal in the noon because of this factor
This trait of the Sun is known as “Divabali” – i.e. strong during the day
The Sun gets its directional strength in the 10th House of a horoscope whereas it is the significator of both the first and the tenth houses
The Sun rules the fiery element (Agni Tatva) as it is considered an embodiment of fire
The Sun rules the bitter taste along with Mars
The Sun and Mars also rule Pitta meaning the Bile element of the body which governs digestion. Hence, a disbalance of Bile often causes fever, diarrhoea, dysentery, stomach problems which can lead to other troubles e.g. high BP, headache, etc.
The Sun rules Wheat among foodgrains
Bhagwan Shiva is considered the ruling deity of the Sun, however, at a dreshkon level, oftentimes, Bhagwan Subramanya or Bhagwan Ganesha are also considered
The time-period ruled by the Sun is one Ayana or 6 months; Grishma Ritu or Summers (Karka Sankranti – July (Summer Solstice) to Makar Sankranti – January is Dakshinayana and Makar to Kark Sankranti is uttarayana)
According to the Puranas, Dakshinayana marks the period when the Gods and Goddesses descend into their celestial sleep.
The age of the Sun in astrology is considered to be of 50 years
The activation age of Sun in a horoscope is of 21 years. Usually, a person starts gaining reputation, creative intelligence, fame, etc. around this age. If Sun is badly placed in a birth chart, the reverse might become true
As a remedial measure, wearing Saffron-coloured clothes can propitiate the Sun and it might start giving good results to the native given other factors hold good
So, these were some of the Sun’s significations. Primarily, being the soul significator, the Sun rules the inherent values or principles of a person. In the upcoming articles, we shall discuss the significations of other planets.
