The Sun

The source of all life in our solar system. In alchemy it is associated with the heart, and also with the masculine principle. It is our creative nature, our self expression and our sense of self-awareness.

In alchemy the Sun is philosophical sulphur . . . sol fire . . . soul fire.

It is associated with authority, dominance, control, leadership and paradoxically, with playfulness, joy and affairs of the heart. Astrologically, it rules the sign of Leo, one of the fire signs, and its qualities are symbolised by the lion. Its placement in or natal chart gives us our star sign, and is the primary indicator of our personality, and how we engage with the world.

As the outward and energetic principle, the Sun is associated with the future, our goals and aspirations. Quite literally, everything our heart desires.

The metal associated with the Sun is gold. It is the only element widely found in its native form, so resistant to corruption is it. Indeed, the only solvent able to dissolve gold was known as Aqua Regis, or Royal Water.