The sun is arguably the most important body in astrology. It represents our true self, our ego and the area of our life where we shine. It’s happiest in the fiery signs of Aries and Leo and dislikes visiting diplomatic Libra and quirky Aquarius. It’s casual pals with all the others.
In Tarot, the sun is linked to its eponymous card, which also corresponds with the sign of Leo. Like its astro counterpart, this card typically represents fun, play and creativity.
Goddesses of the Sun
Astrologer Louise Edington talks about the innate fluidity of the universe where the stodgy binaries of masculine and feminine merge and separate in an eternal cosmic dance. This is exemplified in mythology where masculine sun deities sparkle alongside their femme counterparts, such as Japan’s Amaterasu, Syria’s Arinna and Norse goddess Sól.
Regardless of the gender of the deity, solar and lunar myths often reflect how we on earth perceive the skies. Stories of disappearing suns exist across cultures that explain cycles of day and night, or the occurrence of eclipses. This includes Amaterasu hiding in a cave following a fight with her brother, Egyptian god Ra’s nightly trip to the underworld, and the Indian eclipse myth covered in the Moon issue of this newsletter.
Sun songs
Only about a million and one songs reference the sun or things related to it – summer, daytime, heat, what have you. It may sound mundane but it shows how we connect with nature’s cycles on an emotional and cultural level even though we also feel far removed from them.
For this issue, I created a teeny tiny playlist with sun-themed songs that evoke feelings ranging from hope and optimism to nostalgia and sadness.
Look up!
The Perseid meteor shower is taking place this month, peaking on the 11th and 12th. If you live in a place where the sky isn’t obscured by smog and city lights, turn your gaze upwards for a chance to see little particles of cosmic dust create startling flashes of light. You may need to brave a neck cramp for half an hour as your eyes adjust but trust me, it’s worth it.1
Bits and bobs
Send your art and poetry for future issues to thesunisastar@substack.com. Upcoming themes: Virgo and Mercury.
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Beware of the moon! Meteor showers are best viewed when the Luna is hiding under her invisibility cloak. She will be showing us her full face on these dates so there’s a chance that she’ll spoil the fun.