Planets · Sun
Sun planet in astrology: the soul, authority and vitality
What the Sun planet signifies in Vedic astrology, the signs it owns and where it is exalted, and how it is read in a chart.
In short
The Sun planet in astrology (Surya) signifies the soul (BPHS ch. 3 sl. 12-13). It owns Leo, is exalted in Aries and debilitated in Libra (ch. 3 sl. 49-54). A strong Sun gives self-confidence, authority and vitality; Astrojar reads career and health with it.
The Sun at a glance
| Sun | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit name | Surya |
| Nature | Natural malefic |
| Signifies (BPHS ch. 3 sl. 12-13) | The soul |
| Owns | Leo |
| Exalted in | Aries (deepest at Aries 10°) |
| Debilitated in | Libra (deepest at Libra 10°) |
| Moolatrikona | Leo 0-20° |
| Aspects | The 7th house from itself |
| Friends | Jupiter, Mars, Moon |
| Enemies | Saturn, Venus |
| Astrojar reads it for | Career and health |
Dignities: BPHS ch. 3 sl. 49-54. Friendship: ch. 3 sl. 55. Aspects: ch. 26 sl. 2-5.
How is the Sun read? The classical rules
- Sun exalted Gives its good results in full: self-confidence, authority and vitality (BPHS ch. 3 sl. 59-60).
- Sun in its moolatrikona Gives three quarters of its good results (ch. 3 sl. 59-60).
- Sun in its own sign Gives half of its good results (ch. 3 sl. 59-60).
- Sun in a friend's sign Gives a quarter of its good results (ch. 3 sl. 59-60).
- Sun debilitated or in an enemy's sign Its good results are nil (ch. 3 sl. 59-60).
- An exalted Sun, with the 9th lord in the 11th Virtuous, favoured by those in authority and devoted to the father (BPHS ch. 20 sl. 8-9).
One rule never decides a chart on its own: the classical method weighs the planet, the houses it owns and occupies, the planets with and aspecting it, and the running dasha together.
Questions about the Sun
Is the Sun a benefic or a malefic in astrology?
A natural malefic in Vedic astrology, though a strong Sun gives self-confidence, authority and vitality. Its results depend on its sign, house and the houses it owns.
Which sign does the Sun rule?
Leo, its only sign. It is exalted in Aries and debilitated in Libra.
Is the Sun sign used in Vedic astrology?
Vedic astrology gives more weight to the Moon sign (rashi) and the Lagna than to the Sun's sign. The Sun's sign is still read, in the sidereal zodiac.
Keep learning
- Navagraha: the 9 planets in astrology What each planet signifies and rules.
- Moon in astrology The mind and emotional steadiness
- 1 to 12 houses in astrology What each house shows, and every house lord by Lagna.
- Sun transit When the Sun changes sign: every Sankranti, to the hour.
- Surya mantra and remedies The beej mantra, japa count, day and charity for the Sun.
Sources
- BPHS ch. 3 sl. 11 (nature), sl. 12-13 (what the grahas signify), sl. 49-60 (dignity, friendship and the share of good results).
- BPHS ch. 26 sl. 2-5 (aspects).
- BPHS ch. 20 sl. 8-9.
Chapter and verse numbers follow R. Santhanam's English translation of BPHS (Ranjan Publications). About the text.
This is the traditional reading of the classical texts, given for learning and reflection. It is not a prediction for you, and not medical, legal or financial advice.
Where is the Sun in your chart?
Ask Astrojar about your own chart: your first 3 questions are free. Or get a full report made from your birth chart.