Sunday 7 November 2010

Exploring Sun Symbolism

 

The Sun Symbol

The Sun Symbol is found in every society in history. Envisioned by many as a celestial influence the sun is universally seen adorning innumerable works of art and inscriptions.
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The culture of the Ancient Chinese acknowledged the sun as the Great Male Principle – the definitive Yang. It was also said to represent the sun as a cosmic eye keeping close watch over its realm through the daylight hours.
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In alchemy, the sun is known as sol, symbolic of intelligence or understanding. Gold is considered the substance of the sun.

Other materials recognized as sun symbols are:

  • · Bronze
  • · Gold
  • · Diamond
  • · Ruby
  • · Topaz
In astrology the sun represents the side of us that shines out freely and uninhibited to our friends, family, co-workers, etc. Where it is situated when we are born has direct impact on our personal characteristics.
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Sun symbolism includes:

  • . Life
  • · Power
  • · Strength
  • · Energy
  • · Force
  • · Clarity
  • · Self

 Mythology

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In ancient Egypt the sun is associated with the Horus, Ra and Osiris. Horus represents the rising sun, Osiris the setting sun, and Ra represents the sun’s highest point.
Greek mythology links the sun with observing or visualization as the sun is said to be the eye of Zeus. Hindu mythology views the sun is the eye of Varuna, and is also considered the “celestial invigorator.”
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The sun is linked with male energy in most cultures. However, the Celts associate it within the sun’s rays with feminine energy, as do also, Ancient Africans, Japanese, Germanic, and a number of Native American tribes.
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Solar Animals

Animals are also viewed as symbols of the sun. Eagle represents the rising sun in all its blazing glory and supremacy over the cities of man. The magnificent Tiger is the sun when it’s setting in the evening skies.
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Other solar animals considered to be sun symbols are:

  • · Hawk
  • · Lion
  • · Salamander
  • · Horse
  • · Phoenix
  • · Eagle
  • · Lion
  • · Dragon

12 comments:

Unknown said...

Once again, I've learned something without my head exploding! Looks like you've got this Blogger thing figured out. Now I'll know who to ask when I get stuck:)

Anonymous said...

Great photos and some very interesting information.

Thanks for posting it :-)

~Ron

Zia Wolf-Sun said...

RM...Well alright then!!!

Ron...Thanks! And it's lovely to see you here :)

kïrstin☼ said...

nice expose on the sun, icy. a cold sun in winter is a most welcome light for me. in summer, this fasr south, it is most brutal.
k☼

Zia Wolf-Sun said...

We think ourselves lucky if we have anything vaugely resembling a brutal sun! A little waft of sunlight to brighten the day is nothing short of a miracle!! lol ;)

Eddie Two Hawks said...

Haven't been around much. But here now! Love this piece...Sun worshiper me...when much younger and did not know better spent hours soaking up Sun rays.
Extensive study of early tribes of Mexico and South America illustrated their religious beliefs and put the Sun as their primary God. You and I would not exist without it. no Earth! no blogs! what would 21st man/woman be doing with themself??

Arlene said...

That was a nice cosy blog Wolfie, but I don't think you meant it to be 'cosy' really, but it was very informative, it got me thinking. being a Leo, I love the sun, if I had my way and could pass a law, it would be that it shone every day between 22 to 27 degrees for eleven months of the year. Thanks for visiting me, did you get your cuppa?

Zia Wolf-Sun said...

Hi Eddie :) Hmm...I would imagine that with no sun 21st century man and woman wouldn't be doing much...lol...as we presumably wouldn't exist!!

Zia Wolf-Sun said...

So you are a Leo the Lion Arlene? Fits well with your name! Actually that blog is quite cosy in this freezing cold weather now you put the thought in my head :) The summmer has been too short bring it back!! Ah well...that cuppa was wonderful at reproducing that warm and cosy feel thanks! I'll be back later for a slice of cake to follow it down!! :)

Arlene said...

You'll be very welcome Wolfie, making real Scottish shortbread at the week end. !

Zia Wolf-Sun said...

You're a fine wee lass Arlene!!! Wolfie will be paying a wee hungry visit...look out for the snowball on your doorstep with frostbite on its wolfie toes!! lol ;)

Arlene said...

I'll tell Tango to look out for you as it's too cold for me to put my nose out of the door for too long. so come on in and toast your toes. bot eating toast, warming toast, if you get me. LOL