The Sun in Astrology: Meanings and Techniques

Episode 302 features a discussion with astrologer Demetra George about the meaning of the Sun in astrology, and some astrological techniques associated with it. During the course of the episode we read through some excerpts from different ancient and modern astrologers in order to see how they conceptualized what the Sun signifies in an astrological chart. We also talk about some different techniques that are used in astrology that involve the Sun, such as the solar phase cycle, different heliacal phenomena, under the beams, combustion, cazimi, sect, and more. This is a followup to episode 294 with Israel Ajose where we looked at the meaning of the Moon in astrology, as the second installment in our series on each of the planets. Demetra is the author of the book Ancient Astrology in Theory and Practice: A Manual of Traditional Techniques, Volume I, which has a large section that deals with the Sun and solar phase cycle. Volume 2 of her book Ancient Astrology is going to be available for pre-order later this month! Sign up for the mailing list on her publisher’s website to get a notification as soon as it is available. For more information about Demetra’s work check out her website: Demetra-George.com This episode is available in both audio and video versions below. Significations of the Sun Excerpts Here is a document that contains all of the excerpts from different ancient and modern astrologers on the meaning of the Sun that we talked about in the episode: Significations of the Sun Excerpts The six authors that we read from in the show are Vettius Valens, Abu Ma’shar, William Lilly, Reinhold Ebertin, Richard Tarnas, and Demetra George. Timestamps Here are some timestamps for topics covered at different points in the episode: 00:00:00 Intro 00:00:46 Demetra’s new book 00:02:47 Demetra’s historical survey approach 00:07:08 Valens significations of the Sun 00:12:57 Illumination 00:14:45 Thema Mundi and the Sun 00:19:56 Geocentric system and the Sun 00:21:26 Centrality of the Sun 00:22:57 Leo 00:24:08 Sun in Aquarius, Aries, and Libra 00:29:35 Sect 00:34:55 Kingship and the Lion 00:36:24 Mind and Sun vs. Body and Moon 00:43:22 Action/Praxis 00:45:54 Sun and the Heart 00:47:20 Sun and Gold 00:49:45 Sun and Eyes 00:51:20 Abu Ma’shar significations 00:53:51 Sun and Father 00:58:17 Mother and the Moon 01:01:10 Sun and Moon in the 12th house 01:02:24 Sun and Moon and 4th and 10th houses 01:04:31 Demetra’s natal chart 01:06:18 Benefits of psychological astrology 01:11:04 Indicators of length of life 01:14:07 The solar phase cycle 01:29:22 Mars, Jupiter, Saturn opposite Sun always retrograde 01:34:58 Two interpretations of planets under the beams 01:36:37 Mercury and Venus phase relationship to the Sun 01:43:37 William Lilly significations 01:48:43 Reinhold Ebertin significations 01:51:15 Richard Tarnas significations 01:53:43 Demetra George significations 01:58:00 Astrology and time 02:02:58 The Sun and willpower 02:05:12 Solar techniques 02:06:55 The frame for secondary progressions 02:09:08 Solar return charts 02:10:42 Demetra’s books 02:12:05 Demetra’s website and classes