Sun (Surya)

The Sun in Vedic astrology

In Sanskrit the Sun is Surya, also called Ravi and Aditya. Classical texts seat him as the king of the navagraha court. It shows the atma, the soul and the steady sense of who one is.

By tradition the Sun is a natural malefic, but a mild and royal one: its heat refines rather than harms, asking for truth, duty and self-respect. Planets very close to it are called combust (asta), their light absorbed by the king's.

What the Sun signifies

The Sun's karakatva covers the self, the father, people in authority, government, confidence and the vitality that comes from having a purpose. It is read for reputation, leadership and the honour a person earns through their own conduct.

Dignity: where the Sun is strong

The Sun owns one sign, Leo, which is also its moolatrikona. It is exalted in Aries, classically deepest at 10 degrees, and debilitated in Libra. In Aries its courage and initiative are at their freshest; in Libra, a sign of partnership ruled by Venus, the lesson is to lead through fairness and cooperation rather than command.

Friends and enemies of the Sun

In Parashara's natural friendships, the Sun counts the Moon, Mars and Jupiter as friends, holds Mercury as neutral, and treats Venus and Saturn as enemies. In a friend's sign the Sun tends to act with ease; in an enemy's sign its expression takes more effort.

Nakshatras ruled by the Sun

The Sun rules Krittika, Uttara Phalguni and Uttara Ashadha. Each carries its lord's clarity and sense of duty. A person born with the Moon in one of these begins life in the Sun Mahadasha.

The Sun Mahadasha

In the Vimshottari scheme the Sun Mahadasha lasts 6 years, the shortest of the nine; it follows Venus and comes before the Moon. It tends to bring identity, career standing, recognition and one's relationship with the father or seniors to the front. With a well-placed Sun it is traditionally a time to take responsibility and be seen; under strain it can bring friction with authority, which humility and honest work tend to ease.

The Sun in the twelve houses

The Sun brings self, authority and visibility to its house. Sign, aspects and the whole chart always modify these tendencies.

• 1st house: a strong sense of self and a wish to lead
• 2nd house: family pride; speech with authority
• 3rd house: courage, initiative and a confident voice
• 4th house: a strong will at home; learning to soften
• 5th house: creative pride and leadership in learning
• 6th house: overcoming opposition through effort
• 7th house: a partner of strong personality; the lesson of equality
• 8th house: interest in hidden matters; sudden change in standing
• 9th house: respect for the father, teachers and dharma
• 10th house: its strongest house by direction, for career and public role
• 11th house: gains through seniors and influential friends
• 12th house: an inward self; service or work abroad

Traditional remedies for the Sun

The Sun's day is Sunday, its colours red and orange, its direction the East and its number 1. Offering water to the rising Sun (Surya arghya) is the simplest practice. Its mantra is Om Hraam Hreem Hraum Sah Suryaya Namah, often chanted 108 times on Sundays. Charity of wheat, jaggery or copper is the classical offering.

Its gemstone is Ruby, traditionally set in gold or copper and worn on the ring finger, with red garnet as a substitute. Consult an astrologer before wearing a gemstone, since strengthening the Sun does not suit every chart; the mantra and charity suit everyone.