Solar Aspects and Practices: Here's How to Soak up the Sun

Planetary transits signify shifts in our energy, awareness, and life circumstance. So, obviously, it can be helpful to have tools with which to navigate the cosmic weather. There is a lot we can do daily to work consciously and holistically with planetary themes and energies, inviting these into our embodiment for growth, discovery, and self-care. The first step is knowing the nature of the transiting planet and how it is activating our chart—the better to discover how to support ourselves during these times. [ Note: This series is for entertainment and inspirational purposes only, and not intended to replace licensed medical care. ]

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The Sun

The sun is the source of life and energy in the solar system, and so takes a central role in our charts. Physically, it rules over our vitality, and in medical astrology, it is connected to our heart and arteries. Psychologically, it rules over our will and ego expression. Transits from the sun have the potential to impact our energy reserves and test our sense of how we are asserting ourselves in the world.

Monthly Solar Transits: Rhythm of the Year

Transits of the sun take 30 days to move through each zodiac sign in a solar year and spend about a month in each house of our natal chart. During this time, the sun illuminates the house topic it is transiting and stimulates our awareness. What is being brought to our attention that we have the opportunity to act or change? How would we like to “shine” in this area of our lives?

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Solar Aspects: Focusing the Beam of Solar Awareness

While the sun is transiting, it makes key geometric aspects with the various planets and points in our chart. These aspects can be illuminating and activating, and felt by us in more specific ways. They last about 1-2 days, representing action and opportunities we are taking in the moment. Conjunctions are the most direct and potent, infusing the personal planet or point with energy and awareness and tend to highlight an action taken or decision being made. These solar conjunctions can represent a clear way that we are showing up and being seen that day. It can signify an event occurring related to the themes activated by this transit. What do the stars have in store for you this month? Squares and oppositions tend to catalyze action, that can put us in the spotlight whether we are ready or not. Often something is brought to our attention that can feel more urgent to address. The way we are being called to show up can often be challenging, testing our vitality. We may need to confront and come to a compromise with another person’s will on this day. Trines and sextiles tend to be more supportive, conducting solar energy in a balanced, harmonious way. We may feel as though we are tapping into a power reserve that gives us a sense of confidence, clarity, and balanced personal authority. Conducting solar energy in a constructive way feels easier and more natural.

Movement: Embodying Solar Energy

Transits of the sun can either boost our energy (conjunctions, trines, sextiles), or tax our reserves (oppositions and squares). The heat and activity may put stress on our hearts, physically and emotionally. It is important to incorporate exercise that supports our cardiovascular health all year long so that we are ready for what comes. Intervals of walking/running can be a great way to bring our heart rate up steadily and encourage circulation. Solar transits can be warming, so it is important to have a cool down after any invigorating exercise. Becoming attuned to the rise of the sun with routines and practices can help us embody solar qualities and can reset our circadian rhythm. Rising early and practicing yogic sun salutations are a way to honor solar energy, be grateful for it, and invite it into our hearts, both physically in the form of this exercise, and emotionally, by stoking our confidence and courage. This daily routine can be a way to develop a relationship with the sun, and a dedicated time check in with our energy every morning, tuning into what we need and focusing our awareness all year.

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Meditation

Take time to meditate each day in the calm after a morning movement practice—even if it is just for a few minutes—to hone awareness, consciousness and visualizing our goals. Focus on self-authority and confidence, breathe deeply, and invite this into your heart. Visualize your inspiration, wisdom, and confidence emanating from your heart—your own inner sun.

Medicine

It is important to incorporate healthy fats and oil that support heart health into the diet. Nuts, seeds, and foods rich in omega 3’s are a benefit to the heart and arteries. Evening primrose oil is a wonderful source of these, as is flax and fish oil. Teas that incorporate heart-soothing and strengthening qualities—like rose and motherwort and hawthorn berry—can be wonderful herbal allies. Sun transits can stoke our heat, internally and externally, so a cooling herbal tea of peppermint + hibiscus can be refreshing, especially in the summer months. Cool leafy greens and cucumber salads are hydrating, cooling and nourishing for potent solar times.

Art by Debbie Stapleton