History of Sun Worship
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| Art by FutureRender |
In the tapestry of spiritual practices that span across cultures and ages, the worship of the sun holds a unique and enduring place. Traditionally viewed as a deity in many ancient civilizations, the sun has been a focal point of reverence and ritual. However, in the modern context, the approach to sun worship has evolved, taking on a more nuanced and varied form. This article delves into the contemporary practice of sun worship, not as a deity, but as a central element in a spiritual and philosophical journey towards enlightenment and clarity.
“Look at a tree, how calm, lovely and beautiful she is. She is always meditating for the love of the sun.”
― Debasish Mridha
This exploration is not about the adoration of the sun as a God, unless you want to, but rather, it's about understanding and utilizing the sun's presence and significance in our daily lives. It's about how the sunlight touching our skin can be more than just a physical sensation; it can be a connection to a higher state of consciousness, a moment of clarity in a world often clouded by the mundane.
As we embark on this journey through the landscape of modern-day sun worship, we invite readers to open their minds to the possibilities that lie in the simple act of turning one's face to the sun, seeking not just warmth and light, but also wisdom and enlightenment.
The History of Sun Worship
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| Art by FutureRender |
“Even great men bow before the Sun; it melts hubris into humility.”― Dejan Stojanovic
The reverence for the sun as a powerful celestial entity dates back to some of the earliest civilizations. In Ancient Egypt, the sun god Ra was central to the pantheon, symbolizing creation, life, and power. Similarly, in Mesopotamian mythology, the sun god Shamash was revered for justice and morality. The Greeks and Romans, with gods like Helios and Sol, respectively, also exemplified the importance of the sun in myth and daily life.
In the Americas, the Aztecs worshipped Huitzilopochtli, a sun and war deity, illustrating the sun's association with power and vitality. The Inca civilization, with Inti as their sun god, not only revered the sun but also considered their emperors as its direct descendants, intertwining governance with divine solar worship.
In Eastern traditions, the sun held a different yet equally significant role. Hinduism has Surya, the sun god, representing health and vitality, often depicted riding a chariot across the sky. In Japan, Amaterasu, the sun goddess, is a central figure in Shinto religion and considered the ancestor of the Imperial family.
As civilizations evolved, so did the nature of sun worship. With the spread of monotheistic religions and the rise of scientific understanding, the literal worship of the sun as a deity diminished. However, its symbolic significance remained potent. The sun began to be seen more as a metaphor for enlightenment, truth, and the inexorable passage of time.
In the Renaissance period, for instance, the sun was a popular symbol in art and literature, often representing divine knowledge or the eye of God, watching over the universe. The Enlightenment era further shifted the focus, using the sun as a symbol of reason and intellectual illumination.
“Laughter is a sunbeam of the soul.”
― Thomas Mann
Today, sun worship takes on a more personal and introspective form. While the deification of the sun is rare, its use as a symbol and tool for meditation and spiritual practice is prevalent. The sun is often seen as a representation of inner light, guiding one towards self-awareness and clarity. Modern sun worshippers may not see the sun as a deity but as an essential element in their spiritual and meditative practices, drawing from various historical and cultural interpretations of sun worship.
This historical journey demonstrates that while the forms and understanding of sun worship have transformed over millennia, its core essence – as a source of life, inspiration, and spiritual quest – remains a constant, bridging the past with the present in a continuous thread of reverence and wonder.
Symbols of the Sun
The Solar Disk: Often depicted as a circle with rays emanating from it, symbolizing the sun's radiance and life-giving energy. This simple yet powerful symbol is found in many ancient and modern cultures.
The Sun Cross: A circle with an equatorial and a vertical line forming a cross, representing the solar calendar. It's a symbol seen in various ancient European cultures.
Surya Yantra: In Hinduism, this geometric diagram represents the sun god Surya and is used in meditation and worship for harnessing the sun's positive energies. According to Vastu Shastra, the east direction is the best direction for hanging a sun symbol. It is believed that hanging it in the east direction can bring good luck, prosperity, and success. Yantras are usually made out of copper.
Sunburst: A design featuring rays emanating from a central point, symbolizing the glory and power of the sun. This motif is common in art and heraldry.
The Winged Sun: A symbol used in Ancient Egypt, representing the sun god Ra. It features a solar disk flanked by two wings, symbolizing the sun's dominion over the sky. The symbol also appears in Mesopotamia.
Temples and Structures Dedicated to the Sun
Konark Sun Temple, India: A 13th-century temple dedicated to the sun god Surya, renowned for its intricate carvings and architectural brilliance that symbolize the chariot of Surya.
Pyramid of the Sun, Mexico: One of the largest structures in the ancient city of Teotihuacan, this pyramid was likely used for rituals connected to the sun.
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| image by diego_cue, Wikimedia |
Stonehenge, United Kingdom: While its exact purpose remains a subject of debate, one theory suggests it was used to predict solar and lunar eclipses, highlighting the sun's importance in ancient times.
Abu Simbel, Egypt: This temple complex includes statues of the sun god Ra-Harakhte, and is aligned so that twice a year, the sun illuminates the inner sanctum.
Inti Watana, Machu Picchu, Peru This ancient Incan structure is believed to have been an astronomic clock or calendar associated with the sun.
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