In Vedic astrology the Sun (Surya) is the atma, the soul. It is the king among the nine grahas: the source of light that every other planet reflects. Its place in your chart shows your sense of self, your vitality and your relationship with authority, beginning with your father.
What the Sun signifies
- The self and the soul: confidence, dignity, purpose and willpower.
- Vitality: the constitution, the heart, the bones and the eyes (traditionally the right eye).
- The father and father figures.
- Authority: government, leadership, administration, recognition and fame.
- Dharma: the sense of duty and of doing what is right.
Its day is Sunday, its direction east, its colour red or saffron, its metal gold or copper and its gem the ruby.
Where the Sun is strong or weak
| Condition | Sign |
|---|---|
| Exalted (strongest) | Aries, deepest at 10° |
| Own sign | Leo |
| Debilitated (weakest) | Libra, deepest at 10° |
The Sun is also strong in the 10th house, where it gains directional strength (dig bala), and generally does well in the 3rd, 6th, 10th and 11th houses.
A strong Sun
People with a well-placed Sun tend to be self-assured, principled and natural leaders. They often do well in government, management, medicine or any role with responsibility, and have good energy and recovery.
A weak or afflicted Sun
A debilitated Sun, or a Sun closely joined by Rahu, Ketu or Saturn, can show low confidence or, by overcompensation, ego clashes; friction with the father or superiors; and lower stamina. Because the Sun "burns" planets near it, it also affects others: see combust planets.
The Sun's mahadasha
The Sun's dasha lasts 6 years, the shortest in the cycle. It tends to bring matters of status, career recognition, government and the father to the front. Its quality depends on the houses the Sun rules and occupies for your Lagna.
Simple remedies
- Offer water to the rising Sun (Surya arghya) and recite the Gayatri mantra or Aditya Hridayam.
- Respect your father and elders, and keep your word.
- Keep regular hours: the Sun rewards early rising and routine.
- Wear a ruby only on an astrologer's advice; see gemstones.
See where your Sun sits in your free birth chart, and read about the other eight grahas.