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Basic astrology - the sun and the sun sign

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Chart Interpretation

The Sun

The Sun is at the centre of our solar system, and its energies drive life itself on our planet earth. Despite this, the astrological sun sign is nowhere near as important as many people think. 

Astrological Facts about The Sun

The sun changes zodiac sign approximately every 30 days. This makes it's sign position at birth very easy to work out, and has led to the popularity of sun sign astrology and horoscopes. 

The sun is not always as important in a natal chart as people think, and it is difficult to correctly guess someone's sun sign - it's easier to guess their Moon or Ascendant sign.

The Sun rules Leo, and its natural house is the 5th house. 

Sun keywords include vitality, self-expression, dignity, healthiness and pride.   

 

Everyone knows their sun sign or star sign. It's the one factor which a lay-person can easily figure out, since the earth orbits the sun in a regular pattern, and it's simplicity itself to look up your birthday in any horoscope column and read the blurb about your sun sign. This ease of use and understanding is what gave birth to horoscope columns and why, in the public eye, the sun sign has come to represent the be all and end all of astrology. Emphatically not so!!

Clearly it is ridiculous to generalise that all Scorpios will lose something on a given day, or that all Libras will have a lucky Tuesday, or that all Virgos are cleanliness fanatics. The whole of humankind just doesn't fit into these convenient twelve zodiac types. Horoscope columns are based on sound astrological principles, but, by their very nature, are forced to generalise, and as such are really useful for entertainment purposes only.

So what is a sun sign, anyway? 

When we use the term sun sign, we actually mean the zodiac sign in which the sun was present at your moment of birth, in your place of birth. It is actually difficult to 'guess' someone's sun sign; usually when such guesses turn out to be correct it is because the sun sign position is also backed up by Mercury and Venus in the same sign, or with the Ascendant or Moon sign also the same. Just as with any other planet, the influence of the sun can be strengthened or weakened in any astrological chart according to its sign and house placing, and according to any aspects from other planets and chart points. The sun is by no means always (or even usually) the strongest factor in any birth chart - just the easiest for a non-astrologer to find out. 

What does the astrological sun mean and represent?

The astrological sun can best be described as signifying our "point of vulnerability" - i.e. what we want to be, and how we want to be, but not necessarily what we are or how we are. It represents our success - or failure- at self-integration and self-sufficiency, and the astrological sun position also illustrates the strength - or weakness - of our real will to be.

What are the qualities of the twelve sun signs?

Bearing in mind, *please*, that sun signs are only a tiny part of astrology, here is a brief overview of what it usually signifies when the sun is placed in each zodiac sign. Never forget that these qualities will be modified by the sun's house position, and by aspects to and from the sun.

Sun in Aries: Assertive, aggressive, reckless, energetic, pioneering, brave, confident, selfish, quick to anger, impatient.

Sun in Taurus: Patient, practical, reliable, cautious, solid, warm hearted, loving, determined, placid, security loving, jealous, possessive, resentful, stubborn, self-indulgent.

Sun in Gemini: Versatile, communicative, witty, clever, intelligent, intellectual, lively, shallow, superficial, nervous energy, fickle, cunning.

Sun in Cancer: Emotional, nostalgic, sensitive, intuitive, caring, protective, imaginative, changeable, moody, clinging.

Sun in Leo: Generous, broad-minded, creative, enthusiastic, faithful, loyal, bossy, pompous, patronising, dogmatic.

Sun in Virgo: Industrious, hard-working, modest, reliable, eye for detail, perfectionist, practical, intelligent, analytical, fussy, overly critical, conservative.

Sun in Libra: Artistic, sensitive, diplomatic, gentle, romantic, sociable, idealistic, indecisive, gullible, self-indulgent, lazy.

Sun in Scorpio: Passionate, powerful, jealous, determined, emotional, compulsive, obsessive, obstinate, intense, sexual.

Sun in Sagittarius: Optimistic, freedom-loving, jovial, expansive, open-minded, honest, blunt, philosophical, irresponsible, tactless, restless.

Sun in Capricorn: Practical, cautious, ambitious, patient, careful, dryly witty, sarcastic, pessimistic, miserly, overly conventional, reserved.

Sun in Aquarius: Forward thinking, sociable, humanitarian, detached, objective, emotionally cool, original, inventive, independent, unpredictable.

Sun in Pisces: Imaginative, sensitive, compassionate, artistic, selfless, kind, escapist, idealist, susceptible to drink and drugs, easily led, self-deception, sacrifice.

 

The Sun Through the Houses

The house position of the sun shows the life area in which the sun expresses itself - it's manner of expression is shown through the sun sign. Whichever house the sun is in, this will be a key area for the person's vitality and self-expression. Or, in the cases of poorly aspected suns, perhaps an area where the individual would like to be happy and successful, but struggles.

Sun in 1st House: If the sun is in the first house, it is often the case that the sun sign and Ascendant sign will be the same, making someone a 'double Virgo' or whatever. In this case, the whole chart will be dominated by the influence of that sign, which should be taken into consideration when judging anything else in the chart. The individual with a first house sun is likely to be energetic and assertive, competitive and self-absorbed, perhaps tending towards unwitting selfishness. This is an important placing for the health, which is usually robust.

Sun in 2nd House: With the sun in the second house, the individual expresses themselves (or would like to) through their material wealth. A tendency to show off is countered by a generosity of spirit. Living the good life is important to this person, but materialism could dominate their life to an unhealthy degree.

Sun in 3rd House: The sun in the third house is a powerful indication of intellect, although there may be mental problems if the sun is badly afflicted. Education and intellectual achievement matter to this person, and the need to communicate is also very powerful. 

Sun in 4th House: With the sun in the fourth house, the individual is able to express their vitality and self-worth through the creation of a happy home and family. Parenthood is also important, as is a need for emotional security.

Sun in 5th House: The sun is very powerfully placed in the fifth house. This individual is likely to be ambitious, and very creative. Love and sex are very important, but emotional risks are often taken without due thought.

Sun in 6th House: The sun in the sixth house is an important placing for health, and should be carefully studied. Generally, an individual's health will be quite robust, but special attention should be given to the body parts ruled by the sun sign. The individual's attitude towards work and routine will also be expressed through the manner of the sun sign.

Sun in 7th House: With the sun in the seventh house, there is a danger that the individual feels incapable of functioning without a partner. The need to relate to a partner is extremely strong, and this person would rather be in a bad relationship than not in one at all. Self-esteem could be an issue, and independence could be a struggle. On a more positive note, this individual is usually romantic and utterly loyal to loved ones.

Sun in 8th House: The sun in the eighth house shows a great need for sexual expression, and a high sex drive. It also shows an urge for transformation and psychological growth. There is a lot of emotional intensity here, and the individual spends a lot of time on the mysteries of life.

Sun in 9th House: An individual with the sun in the ninth house is likely to want to stretch themselves intellectually, and be constantly broadening their horizons. Philosophy is a talent, but dreams do not always become a reality for this individual, unless another part of the chart shows sufficient 'get on with it' power to actually make things work. An eternal day-dreamer, but with a unique life philosophy.

Sun in 10th House: The sun in the tenth house shows a powerful need for status, recognition and a sense of self-worth. Choice of career is very important for this individual, as happiness or otherwise at work will be a major life factor. Personal achievements are striven for, and this person is ambitious and determined, perhaps at the expense of all else.

Sun in 11th House: With the sun in the eleventh house, it is at its most sociable. Group activities are very important to this individual, who expresses himself best in this way. However, this individual needs to be careful not to neglect those closest to him in his rush to communicate with the outside world.

Sun in 12th House: The sun in the twelfth house is crying out for some privacy and space alone. This individual is psychologically complex, and really needs to understand his or herself. There could be a lack of confidence, and certainly a liking for one's own company, but this placing can also produce fantastically inspirational creativity and sensitivity.

 

 

Basic astrology - the sun and the sun sign

 

Moon Sign Kits

We have a selection of Moon Sign and Celtic Moon Sign Kits in the New Age Shop - really useful tools for tracking the moon's influence on your daily life, and suitable for absolute beginners too! Click here to visit the astrology section.

 

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Have a question about the Moon, or moon signs in general? Visit our Ask an Astrologer page!

 

 

 

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