“Nothing is more important to us on Earth than the Sun. Without the Sun’s heat and light, the Earth would be a lifeless ball of ice-coated rock. The Sun warms our seas, stirs our atmosphere, generates our weather patterns, and gives energy to the growing green plants that provide the food and oxygen for life on Earth” – A Meeting With The Universe (NASA History Series Book 121)
The Sun is the source of all light and life on this Earth. It sustains us, and without it, all life here would not exist.
The Sun is the center of our solar system, so it represents our center. And it is linked to Tiphareth- heart center, on the Kabbalistic Tree of Life. Tiphareth is where Jesus, Buddha, Krishna and other avatars-incarnations of God; sons of the Godhead, are said to reside.
In astrotheology, the Sun is the Son. Jesus and other divine figures such as Mithras and Osiris die and are reborn- like the Sun, every year, going under and rising again during the solstices and equinoxes.
Ancient civilizations recognized the importance of the Sun, and revered it more deeply than we do nowadays. I say, let’s bring the honoring of the Sun back!
How To Honor The Sun Your Way
Here are some tips I have for ways that we can give reverence to the Sun:
1. Practice Sun Salutations
Yoga is body prayer, and Sun Salutations aka “Surya Namaskar” are a series of yoga poses that are done to express gratitude to the Sun, and to harness its energies. It could be done in the morning, at sunset, and even midday to re-energize, but the best time to do it is during sunrise. Even better if done outdoors, facing east, to really connect with the Sun!
“Namaskar” means “to bow” and Surya Namaskar was originally a long series of mantras chanted at sunrise to show devotion to the Sun. It was later that this practice of reverence became embodied in a physical practice.
Surya Namaskar has many health benefits for the whole body. It also helps to develop our solar plexus, the “sun center” of our bodies. The solar plexus is where our emotions are stored, it is our power center and where we experience our sense of self, as well as our link to our own intuition aka “gut feelings”.
2. Watch the Sunrise/Sunset
My mentor lives in beachy Southern California, so she can easily go to the shore and watch the sunset everyday with her love. It is something they do diligently, to honor the Sun. Not all of us are that lucky, but if you can find a good spot for sun-watching, it’s a lovely thing to do. I plan to go out to the Thames River here in London, and catch the sunset once in a while. Winter sunsets are beautiful!
3. Light a Solar Themed Incense or Candle on Sunday
Sunday is a Sun-Day. Lighting a candle or some incense on the day is a great way to give thanks and respect. You could use frankincense incense, or some other blend that links to the sun.
Frankincense is associated with the Sun, and the essential oil is found to vibrate at the highest frequency, compared to other essential oils. There’s a reason why churches and other sacred spaces burn frankincense!
Some other solar fragrances are: chamomile, lemon, orange, bay leaf and rosemary.
The Sun incense blend by Starchild is another beautiful option that I recommend. It smells pleasant and bright, like the Sun itself.
4. Follow the Solstices and Equinoxes
As we move through the months, the Sun rises and sets; going through periods of rest and rebirth. Observing the wheel of the year – the sabbats, as the pagans do, is a wonderful way to lovingly observe, synch with, and honor our Sun. You could observe all eight sabbats, including the cross quarter holidays, or just the solstices at the most minimal. Any observance is a wonderful practice, in my opinion. These days are powerful gateways, as all points of transition are.
Which tip would you like to practice most? Do you have any other tips or ideas for honoring the Sun? I’d love to hear your comments!
