That giant flaming orb in the sky is one of the first things you may have noticed or asked about as a kid. You were probably told then that the sun is responsible for all the light, warmth, and food in the world. The sun carries out a plethora of functions to keep life on earth comfortable.
It’s also responsible for all the seasonal changes the earth goes through. And over the years, apart from these functions though, the sun has also been imparted spiritual meaning. The spiritual meaning of the sun is as manifold as its role in nurturing life.
What Does the Sun Symbolize?
The sun represents supreme cosmic power. It’s responsible for providing the most essential ingredient of life that allows all living things to grow and prosper — warmth. Humans discovered the true importance of the sun thousands of years ago and have connected it to their beliefs, gods, and mythology.
To some cultures, the sun is like a doting father. Always warm, life-giving energy that you need for your survival, and the higher power in your life that watches over you. It also symbolizes power, courage, growth, loyalty, peace, and passion for moving the cycle of life along.
What Is the Spiritual Name of The Sun?
Solar deities have existed in spades across the world. Some cultures personify the sun to make it a more approachable character for prayers. In the Ancient Greek Pantheon, “Helios” was the name of the Sun God. The Ancient Vedic name for the sun is “Surya”, which means “everyone’s guide.” Everyone has looked up to the sun in different ways.
Spiritual Meaning of The Sun
#1. Life
Life on earth would be impossible without the sun. It’s the ever-present energy source in the solar system that not only allows life to exist but also helps it prosper and evolve.
The sun is responsible for photosynthesis, a process plants undergo to create food by utilizing energy from the sun. This helps create oxygen without which no one could breathe. The sun also directly provides nutrients like Vitamin D3 to your body.
#2. Power
The sun burns at over 10,000 ℉. It goes without saying that there’s no power in the entire solar system that’s greater than the sun. This is one of the reasons why the sun has often been used to symbolize power.
#3. Strength
Some people say strength is action without emotion, others say it’s longevity. The sun has been around for millions of years, and it only grows in size, getting stronger with time.
#4. Energy
What is the sun if not a monstrously huge and dense concentration of energy? It’s a ball of fire bright enough to melt entire planets within close range. The sun doesn’t just symbolize energy, it is energy itself.
It’s the neverending energy supply that can be harnessed by plants, animals, and humans whenever and however required. That is why, to some people, the sun also represents power.
#5. Force
The existence of God is open to debate, but the single greatest force you can see every day is unquestionably and inevitably the sun. The sun provides life support, but can also be humanity’s worst nightmare if not shown enough respect, as we’re seeing today with global warming.
The sun can cause natural disasters, droughts, and widespread destruction with extreme heat. In that sense, it’s a force to be reckoned with.
#6. Clarity
Why is the sun associated with clarity? What dispels the confusion created by fogs and clouds? The sun brings to light every obstacle in our way, near or far, that you need to overcome to reach your goals. Because it makes everything more perceptible, the sun has long been a symbol of clarity for humans.
#7. Self
Sunshine plays a role in the production of certain hormones that cause humans to feel happy. It’s as vital for the mental health of humans and animals as it is for physical health. Going more than a month without seeing any sunshine can drive a person insane, even if they’re still eating well and receiving adequate nutrition.
Is The Sun A Symbol of God?
When Moses was in the desert searching for God, sunlight shone upon him before God spoke.
According to Hindu Mythology, the Sun God or Surya descended from the heavens to bestow Princess Kunti with a child that would go on to be unmatched in combat.
The Aztecs believed the sun was a symbol of Huitzilopochtli, a god, and performed extensive human sacrifice to appease it.
Humans across the world and throughout time have connected the sun with God, and it’s not surprising why. Some religions are based almost entirely on worshipping the sun. You can consider the sun a symbol of God.
What Are the Spiritual Benefits of The Sun?
The sun can have significant healing benefits if harnessed right. It is said that you should show yourself to the sun at least once during the day so that you can recharge yourself.
For example, you can start your mornings with mindful walking outside and soaking in the sun’s rays. Practicing yoga and meditation in the morning can also help rejuvenate you.
Another common practice is sun gazing. However, sun gazing can be dangerous because looking directly into the sun for too long can cause permanent eye damage. But there are some that believe sun gazing can have several spiritual benefits such as:
#1. Being able to connect with a higher self or higher power.
#2. Recharging your mental and physical battery.
#3. Improving and stabilizing your mood.
#4. Attracting positive energy and love from the world.