The Sun, also called Surya or Ravi, is known as the Supreme Deity and the Supreme Consciousness. In Chapter 4, we learned why the placement of the Sun is important in one’s astrological chart.

In this Chapter we review the divine qualities of the Sun, how it contrasts to Shani (Saturn), and how the placement of the Sun in the birth chart impacts our nature.

Divine Qualities of the Sun

The Sun emanates light as rays. This light of the Sun’s rays illuminates the entire earth. This light has no form of its own, but rather takes the form of everything that it illuminates.

If we stand back and observe the Sun, we immediately take notice of its divine virtues.

1) The Sun majestically demonstrates the divine quality of equanimity as He disperses His light upon all the inhabitants of the earth equally.

2) He generously gives to everyone and everything without any consideration of favoritism. Not only is the love of this light received by all equally, but also, the Sun gives with no expectation of receiving anything in return!

3) The Sun also demonstrates unparalleled Dharmic activity. Watch how it rises in the morning to provide light and warmth to Mother Earth, allowing creation to manifest.

4) The Sun demonstrates extraordinary discipline as it rises and it sets, every day, right on time — never missing even one day without fail.

5) The Sun never complains. He never gets tired. He just does His duty with careful attention, day in and day out.

The Sun as the King of All Wisdom

Given these examples, it is easy to understand why the Sun is revered as the King of all Wisdom.

Wisdom is pure. It has no sin or defect. It has no darkness as it is fully liberated. Untruth and falsehood can never enter the Kingdom of Wisdom.

In the Kingdom of Wisdom there is neither pleasure nor pain. There is no delight and no sadness. It is free from all attraction and aversion, from all attachments of every kind.

Just like the quality of fire reduces all things to ashes, the fire of the Light of Wisdom reduces all impurities to ashes. Other than the highest wisdom, nothing else can exist in this Kingdom of Wisdom.

Those fortunate ones whose birth charts have the Sun in an auspicious placement, have a tendency to demonstrate the Divine qualities of the Sun.

The Sun as the Supreme Divinity and Guru

The Sun has the character of perceiving all without distinction.

He is completely true and full of wisdom.

His every light ray is full, complete, and perfect.

He sees all the manifestations of creation, both the strong and the weak, as being one. No one is seen as insignificant.

All that has become manifest in the realms of the Sun, dwell because of the existence of His light.

All the light of the universe comes from the light of the Sun. In the absence of the rays of the Sun, how will creation survive?

All the constellations of existence are dependent upon the light of their Suns. The Sun gives forth the light which energizes all the planets of all existence.

The Sun has the capacity to bring forth the creation, life, soul, illumination, respect, energy, and discipline.

He is the Creator of Creation, Protector of Creation, and the King into which all creation dissolves. He is the Supreme One of creation, the supreme master, and the one who dissolves all existence.

Therefore, The Sun is a Guru. He demonstrates a perfect example for humanity to emulate. Throughout India the Sun is worshiped as Surya Dev, a God and Guru without a doubt.

The Sun and Its Relationship to Shani (Saturn)

Shani (Saturn) took birth from the Sun. The Sun exudes equanimity and peace, but his son, Shani, became filled with an aggressive nature, an became an enemy of his Father.

The Sun says that all are equal, all are one. But His son, Shani, says: that is not true! Some are great, some are small, some have good qualities and characteristics, while others have none!

In Shani’s conception of creation humans strive to become great, and the competition between humanity is natural. This allows judgement and contempt towards each other to continue to grow.

We can see this in the behavior of humanity today. With the influence of duality, mankind began to cultivate ego and attachment. Therefore, humanity has to accept the fruits of attachment, various forms of pain, and death.

A strong placement of Shani in one’s birth chart manifests as a tendency to take on these aggressive behaviors.

Sun’s Placement on the Astrological Chart

The Sun is the Soul and the Lord of Nature.

The position of the Sun in an individual’s chart will influence how the planets cohabit, and that will indicate a person’s intrinsic nature.

The position of the Sun gives the energy which defines whether an individual is exalted with respect, or demeaned with contempt. The Sun will define the character of success for each individual.

If the Sun is prominent in the birth chart, that individual will experience the following benefits:
– endowed with the capacity of creation
– blessed with strong life energy
– success in every endeavor
– life with no fear, and experience life in its fullest

Likewise, if the Sun is weak in the birth chart, that individual will experience difficulties:
– lower level of creative energy
– lack of success, and a potentially short-lived life
– lack of self discipline
– little respect from others
– live in fear

No matter what our natural tendencies may be at birth, Swamiji teaches that with strong will power, those tendencies can be overcome.

Examine the Sun’s Divine qualities: the Sun exemplifies equanimity, dharma, discipline, persistence, and the beauty of constantly giving without expectations.

Follow the Sun’s example and your world will be illuminated without a doubt!

Jai Maa! Jai Swamiji!