Mythology of the Sun

 Most astrologers consider the sun to be the significant of the astrological symbols. The sun is unique because all the other planets within the solar system revolve around it. Though most of us use the geocentric or earth centered method of calculating a chart, the sun is still the central planet in the chart, the primary reference point.

The deity of the sun most familiar in Western culture is Apollo, the Romanized Greek god who displaced the Greek sun god, Helios, who drove his chariot across the sky daily, and upon whose legends the mythology evolves. Apollos, or more accurately, Helios' legend begins with his pregnant mother, Leto, loved by Zeus, but abandoned by him and seeking refuge from the wrath of Hera, Zeuss wife. On the island of Ortygia, Leto gave birth to a daughter, Artmeis, who became the goddess of the moon, and who was the twin sister of Apollo. Artemis then helped her mother to flee Ortygia and finding no place that would welcome her, she eventually came to a free floating mass of barren rock called Delos, where she was welcomed and where legend has it, four pillars were instantly produced, anchoring the floating mass permanently. Artemis helped her mother give birth to Apollo and Delos became one of the most renowned places in the Greek world.

Apollo was gifted in music, mathematics, medicine and prophecy. As an adult, he wandered Greece looking for a place to establish his shrine. Eventually he came to Delphi, which was guarded by Python, the gigantic serpent. He killed Python in battle and established his shrine at that site. The Priestess of his shrine became known as the Pythoness and would answer the questions put to the Delphic Oracle.

The slaying of the serpent legend (or dragon in some cultures) permeates all ancient mythologies, which indicates a commonality of a deeper significance, within the collective unconscious. There are two modern theories for the myth. One explanation is that it symbolizes the patriarchal tribes overthrowing the matriarchal system of life. There is a basic acceptance of the myth that in the beginning women ruled and controlled life much the same way men do in modern times. The Jungian interpretation of the myth is that the serpent or dragon is the collective unconscious (evidenced by the fact it resided in the water or under the earth). It is the vital power of life itself. The slayer represents a bringing of order to the directionless unconscious.

Originally Apollo was not the sun god and became so only in classical times. He was the god of science, mathematics, archery, and oracles and prophecy. This represents the balance between focused consciousness and mystical awareness. It is also the fulcrum between Yin and Yang.

Traditionally the sun has always been symbolic of directed will or a sense of purpose, which is why is it associated with the self in astrology. The sun rules the sign Leo and is a masculine archetype for the inner king, the vital force that emerges when there is a true union between the masculine and feminine qualities within.

The myth of Apollo does not end with the slaying of the Python and the establishment of his shrine. Apollo never married as the result of a failed relationship with nymph, Daphne. Always self-absorbed, his interests and goals were his only real interest. He had no real ability to relate to other people.

It is important to remember that those planets aspecting the sun have a significant affect on the natives ability to reach goals in life. Vitality and life force are the center of health is affected by Apollo as the god of medicine (healing). A balance between self and those around the self is the Apollonian struggle. Understanding Apollos nature is primary to understanding the significance of Apollo as the mythology behind the sun

Sources:

Mythology by Edith Hamilton

Dictionary of Astrology by Fred Gettings

Mythic Astrology: Archetypal Powers in the Horoscope by Ariel Guttman & Kenneth Johnson