Cool Sun Facts · Astrology & myths

The Sun in astrology and myth

Astrological and symbolic readings of the Sun, rather than scientific predictions.

Your Sun sign, and the reasoning behind the Sun's sign, exaltation and day-time rule in Ptolemy's astrology; the Sun among the planets in a Nepali mandala; and the Sun in Greek, Norse and Japanese myth. Each names its system or text.

Your sky today, explained →

SunAstrology & mythsYour Sun sign, and where the Sun is todayThe sign is a 30° slice of the sky's year, counted from the March equinox.

SunAstrology & mythsPtolemy's Sun: heating, and somewhat dryingEach planet's influence came from mixing hot, cold, moist and dry.

SunAstrology & mythsDay charts and night chartsWhether the Sun is above the horizon changes how a chart is read.

SunAstrology & mythsWhy Leo is the Sun's signPtolemy gave the two warmest, most northern signs to the two lights.

SunAstrology & mythsThe Sun exalted in AriesWhere the Sun turns north, astrologers placed its greatest strength.

SunAstrology & mythsEclipses as omens in PtolemyFor Ptolemy, eclipses were the first cause of events affecting whole countries.

SunAstrology & mythsSurya among the planetsA Nepali mandala puts the Sun at the centre, ringed by the planetary deities.

SunAstrology & mythsPhaethon, who borrowed the SunThe Sun's son drives his father's chariot for one day and sets the world on fire.

SunAstrology & mythsSól, chased by a wolfIn the Prose Edda the Sun drives fast because a wolf is behind her.

SunAstrology & mythsAmaterasu shuts the rock doorWhen the Sun goddess hides, the world goes dark until laughter draws her out.

The Sun in astrology and myth

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