The Empowerment’s of the Sun - The Mystery School Lens
It’s easy to take the Sun for granted.
There’s this idea that the “Sun” is us. And we think that we really know ourselves, we are with ourselves all day everyday, so there isn’t necessarily something new to discover. So we don’t dig in here the same way we do with the other planets. We believe the Sun is a “given”. But that would be a great mistake. As you will see, digging in here is essential.
Our Sun governs our sense of “aliveness” in the world and in our bodies. It is the place in which we derive our life force. When we are “doing our Sun” we feel vivified. I cannot adequately express how important this is to all of the other planets being fully expressed within us. Everything falls in line behind the Sun. We need to amp up the Sun to give expression to everything else. If the “battery” of our Sun is low, or out of alignment, the other planets follow.
The Sun is the one who makes all things ripen!!
Liz Greene, in Her Book, “Apollo’s Chariot”explains it like this….
“The Sun in the chart seems to make this statement: “I am born into a mortal body. My span is finite. But I am the carrier for that which is eternal and cannot be imaged in form, except as divine fire.” A being comes into mortal existence on this plane of reality, and they are carrying something. We have huge lists of words to try to define that something, and we get nowhere with it. We can call it spirit, we can call it God, we can call it the One, we can call it the spark of divinity, we can call it the Self. Or we can merely call it the life-force, a term which is non-spiritual but nevertheless just as awesome. We can call it anything we like, using religious, psychological, or biological terminology.
All we seem to understand is that it isn’t me or you, and yet it is the life-bearing spark that allows each of us to be alive.
This life-bearing spark is contained by the Sun in all living organisms. When we die, it isn’t there anymore, and there is simply a lump of flesh whose organs have ceased to function. There is an animating life-principle which incarnates into, or is carried by, our mortal selves. This is what Apollo does: he carries this light. When we get glimpses of it, something very important happens to us.
Probably everyone in this room, at one time or another, has had a sense of that spark. Some of you may have experienced it through very specific efforts of a spiritual kind, in guided imagery exercises or meditation or yoga, or in more conventional forms of prayer” (we all touched it when we spontaneously moved to the music on our calls)
The Sun in the birth chart seems to point to where we are closest to that experience - where the door can open most easily. The placement of the Sun hints at the way in which we get nearest to that sense of being a vessel for something. When we look at the Sun by house and sign, that is where we get closest to the realization of being someone special, of carrying a destiny, of having a purpose, of having a reason to be here.” -Liz Greene
To begin a relationship with your Sun, begin thinking about those things that help you create a sense of aliveness in your life.
Today, we are going to a deep dive into the Sun as Archetype, and As “Mystical Muse of Light”. We will explore how the Mystery Schools Viewed the Sun. Tomorrow, we will look at the Empowerments of the Sun through our own Sun Signs.
Each and every planet in our Astrological Pantheon offers us a special flavor of Divine Empowerment and Blessing. I don’t care what anyone else says. I know this to be true. Saturn, Mars, and Pluto are just as mystical as Venus and Jupiter. And each has a special set of empowerments to offer.
Today, I want to take a look at the Sun and how it empowers us from both a traditional, hermetic and esoteric perspective. I am looking forward to creating a series like this over the course of the year. So be sure to follow along.
First, let’s look at what the Sun Is…
In traditional Astrology, The Sun represents your core essence, vital life force, and purpose. When we talk about the empowerments of the Sun, we’re speaking of how the solar principle, when consciously embodied, radiates strength, confidence, and creative authority. So From a traditional perspective we might say the following are the “Sun’s Empowerments’
Vitality & Life Force
The Sun is the central source of energy—both literally (in our solar system) and symbolically (in your chart).
It offers physical vitality, radiant health, and a sense of being alive with purpose when it is strong.
A well-placed Sun provides resilience, joy, and the capacity to shine even under pressure.
Authentic Selfhood
The Sun empowers you to live as your truest self, unapologetically.
It’s the part of you that knows who you are regardless of roles, masks, or others’ expectations.
Its empowerment is the gift of sovereignty—you become your own inner authority.Creative Expression
The Sun rules creative power—not just in the artistic sense, but the ability to generate, lead, initiate, and express.
It is your divine spark, your capacity to make things happen, and to leave a legacy.
When empowered, it gives confidence to put your gifts into the world boldly.
Purpose & Direction
The Sun is the light of your path—it clarifies what you’re here for.
An empowered Sun gives a sense of mission and clarity about what brings meaning to your life.
This isn’t ambition—it’s soul-driven purpose.
Leadership & Noble Heartedness
A healthy Sun empowers natural leadership, but from the heart, not ego.
It supports you in stepping forward, guiding others with warmth, clarity, and generosity.
Think: king or queen energy—not dominating, but uplifting and illuminating.
Confidence & Radiance
When you live your Sun, you radiate a kind of charisma that doesn’t seek approval—it simply shines.
Self-worth comes not from comparison, but from alignment with your inner light.
Integrity & Inner Light
The Sun empowers a life of truthfulness, integrity, and wholeness.
It aligns your actions with your core values.
When you follow your solar path, life feels coherent—you become a beacon for others.
Now that we’ve explored the Sun and it’s Empowerments through the traditional lens, let’s open up our exploration to a different mystical tradition to get a more full bodied understanding for how the Sun empowers our lives.
Moving now to the Hermetic Lens…..
Let us first explore the Sun’s Symbolic Meaning in this system.
From a Hermetic perspective, the Sun is far more than just a planet—it is the living symbol of the Divine Self, the logos, and the center of spiritual awakening. In Hermeticism, which synthesizes Egyptian, Greek, alchemical, and mystical thought, the Sun is a gateway to enlightenment, not just ego or personality.
Here are the core empowerments of the Sun through a Hermetic lens:
Solar Consciousness – The Awakening of the Divine Mind
The Sun corresponds to the Higher Self or divine intellect—what Hermetists call the Nous or Logos.
It is the spark of divinity within—the part of you that remembers its divine origin.
Empowerment here means rising out of unconscious identification with the body or ego and into solar awareness, where you are radiant, lucid, and unified.
“The Sun is the image of God in the world; he who sees truly sees with the eye of the Sun.” – Hermetic maxim
Spiritual Sovereignty – The Crown of the Inner Monarch
The Sun in Hermeticism empowers you to become a Solar King or Queen—ruling your inner kingdom (thoughts, emotions, desires) with wisdom and mastery.
This is the fulfillment of the Great Work: to bring your inner world into divine order.
You stop being ruled by reactive forces and become the initiator, not the victim, of your life.
The empowered Sun is the regulus (little king), the regenerated will aligned with the divine plan.
Light of Illumination – The Eye of Divine Sight
The Sun grants spiritual vision—the “solar eye” that sees truth, unity, and divine pattern beneath surface appearances.
In Hermetic alchemy, the Sun corresponds to gold, and to the soul’s illumination—when ignorance is burned away by clarity.
This eye is linked to the third eye, but it’s even more deeply about inner clarity and the power to perceive eternal principles.
Creative Logos – Power to Manifest and Speak the Real
The Sun in Hermetic teaching is not passive—it is generative. It radiates life, order, and meaning.
Empowerment here means your word becomes potent—you speak with intentionality, aligned with the Logos.
It’s the ability to call forth reality through word, image, and act.
Alchemical Fire – Transmutation and Purification
The Sun is the alchemical fire that purifies the soul of base elements (ego, ignorance, fear).
True solar empowerment comes when one passes through the refiner’s fire—trials that burn away the false self.
This process leads to gnosis: knowing oneself as divine, eternal, and part of the All.
Center of the Cosmos – Harmony with the Celestial Order
In Hermetic cosmology, the Sun is the harmonic center—mediating between the above and the below.
Empowerment means you become a living symbol of balance, standing between spirit and matter, heaven and earth.
This is the Christic principle: the solar soul as a bridge between divine and human.
Radiant Heart – Source of Love and Vital Good
The Hermetic Sun is also the heart of the cosmos—the source of divine love, beauty, and benevolence.
Living solar empowerment means acting from the radiant heart: a will aligned with the Good, not just personal desire.
It is agape, universal love, as a mode of being.
Finally, let us look at Esoteric Astrology and the way it views the Empowerments of the Sun. Esoteric Astrology always has unique insights to offer as a mystical system.
In Esoteric Astrology (particularly as taught by Alice Bailey and the Theosophical lineage), the Sun is not just your personality or ego—it is the vehicle through which the soul expresses itself in the world. It is the gateway to soul consciousness and plays a central role in the path of spiritual initiation.
Here are the empowerments of the Sun in Esoteric Astrology:
The Sun as the Soul’s Vehicle of Expression
The Sun represents the personality infused with the light of the soul.
As the disciple evolves, the personality (Sun in traditional astrology) becomes the servant of the soul’s purpose, not just a container for egoic drives.
Empowerment: Aligning your conscious self with your soul's intention in this lifetime.
“The Sun veils a hidden planet” – in esoteric terms, the exoteric Sun conceals deeper soul energies.
Integration of the Personality (Triune Self)
In Esoteric Astrology, personality is a blend of mental (Mercury), emotional (Moon), and physical/etheric (Ascendant) forces.
The Sun represents the integration of these aspects into a cohesive force that can be directed by the soul.
Empowerment: The Sun helps unify your inner conflicts so your energy flows in one intentional direction.
Radiance and Magnetism
A spiritually empowered Sun is magnetic—it draws others through warmth, vitality, and inspiration.
This is not charisma for ego, but the radiance of a soul-aligned life.
Empowerment: You become a beacon of light, not by trying to shine, but by being your true self in service.
The Path of Initiation
Each solar return is a chance to grow closer to the soul’s light.
The Sun is the keeper of the flame—marking each stage of inner initiation, from personality control to soul embodiment to spiritual leadership.
Empowerment: The Sun tracks your evolutionary progress and reflects your readiness for deeper spiritual work.
The Will-to-Good
Esoteric astrology links the Sun to the spiritual will—not just personal willpower, but the Will-to-Good, which is divine intention moving through you.
Empowerment: You learn to act not from egoic striving, but from alignment with the greater Plan (sometimes associated with Shamballa or the Divine Mind).
True Identity Beyond the Mask
The lower Sun is often mistaken for identity (ego), but the esoteric Sun burns away illusion.
It reveals your true Self, not defined by form, but by consciousness and divine essence.
Empowerment: Knowing yourself as a soul, not just a name, story, or form.
The Sun as Distributor of Soul Light
In esoteric teachings, the Sun is a lens for higher energies—it distributes Ray energies, especially Ray 2 (Love-Wisdom).
It’s said to channel light from Sirius, the heart of the Sun, and eventually from the Great Central Sun—source of divine intention.
Empowerment: When aligned, your Sun becomes a conduit for spiritual light, transforming your life and radiating outward.
Symbols of the Hermetic Sun
Gold – pure, incorruptible soul
The Phoenix – death and resurrection through fire
The Solar Disc / Eye of Ra – divine watchfulness
The Lion – strength, courage, and royalty
The Rosy Cross – the Sun at the center of spiritual integration
