The Sun in Pagan Beliefs and Practices

The sun has been a central figure in Pagan beliefs and practices for millennia. As the source of light, warmth, and life, it holds profound significance in many Pagan traditions. During the Summer Solstice, or “Midsummer”, Pagans celebrate the peak of the sun’s power and its vital role in the cycle of life.

The Sun as a Deity

In many Pagan traditions, the sun is personified as a deity. For instance:

• Ra: In ancient Egyptian mythology, Ra is the sun god, depicted traveling across the sky in his solar barque (or boat). Ra represents creation, life, and rebirth.
• Helios: In Greek mythology, Helios is the sun god who drives his chariot across the sky each day. He symbolizes the all-seeing eye of the gods.
• Sol: In Norse mythology, Sol (or Sunna) is the goddess of the sun, pursued by the wolf Skoll. Her constant journey across the sky brings light and warmth to the world.

On Earth, the power of the Sun God is beautifully personified through a duality that reflects the cyclical nature of the year. This duality is embodied in two distinct figures: The Oak King and The Holly King.

The Oak King and The Holly King: Guardians of the Year

The Oak King represents the God of the waxing year. He is the youthful, vibrant deity who reigns from Yule (Winter Solstice) to Midsummer (Summer Solstice). During this period, his strength and energy grow as the days lengthen and the sun’s power increases. The Oak King symbolizes growth, renewal, and the burgeoning life force that comes with the spring and early summer months.

The Holly King, on the other hand, is the God of the waning year. He is the elder, wiser counterpart who takes over at Midsummer (Summer Solstice) and rules until Yule. As the days begin to shorten and the sun’s power diminishes, the Holly King guides the natural world through autumn and winter. He embodies introspection, maturity, and the conserving energy needed to endure the darker, colder months.

It is at the Summer Solstice, or Midsummer, that this transformative shift occurs. The Oak King, having reached the zenith of his power and influence, undergoes a profound transformation into the Holly King. This change marks the turning point of the year where the days will start to become shorter, and the earth begins its gradual descent into the restful phase of autumn and winter.

The transition from the Oak King to the Holly King is not merely a change of leadership but a symbolic continuation of the eternal cycle of growth, harvest, death, and rebirth. It is a reminder of the balance between light and dark, youth and age, and growth and decay. Celebrating this transformation during the Summer Solstice rituals helps Pagans align themselves with the natural rhythms of the earth and the cosmos.

Solar Symbolism in Pagan Rituals

The sun’s symbolism in Pagan rituals is rich and varied. It often represents:

• Vitality and Strength: The sun’s warmth and light are seen as sources of energy and life force.
• Illumination and Enlightenment: The sun’s light is a metaphor for knowledge, clarity, and spiritual awakening.
• Cycles and Seasons: The sun’s movement through the sky marks the passage of time, governing agricultural cycles and seasonal festivals.

During the Summer Solstice, Pagans harness the sun’s peak energy through various rituals:

• Lighting bonfires to symbolize the sun’s power and to ward off evil spirits. You could light a bonfire to symbolize the power of the sun at its peak. Participants can sing, dance, and offer herbs or small tokens into the fire as part of a purification ritual.
• Performing sun salutations at dawn to greet and honor the sun. You could begin the day with a sunrise meditation or yoga session. This practice honors the sun’s energy, promotes mindfulness, and sets a peaceful tone for the day.
• Creating sun wheels or mandalas to represent the sun’s eternal cycle. You could craft a sun wheel or mandala using natural materials like flowers, leaves, and twigs. This symbolizes the sun and its cycles, serving as a focal point for meditation or ritual.

• Feasting on Seasonal Foods. You could prepare a feast using seasonal fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Sharing a meal with friends and family celebrates abundance and nurtures community bonds.
• Nature Walks and Outdoor Activites. You could spend time in nature by going for a hike, having a picnic, or simply relaxing in a garden. Collect natural items like stones, flowers, or feathers to use in future rituals.
• Altar Decorations. You could decorate your altar with symbols of the sun, such as yellow and orange candles, sunflowers, citrine crystals, and images of solar deities. This creates a sacred space for your celebrations.

• Herbal Crafting. You could make herbal crafts such as wreaths, sachets, or infused oils using herbs associated with the solstice like St. John’s Wort, chamomile, and lavender. These can be used in rituals or as gifts.
• Drumming and Music Circles. You could organize a drumming or music circle to celebrate the solstice. Music and rhythm can raise energy, create a sense of unity, and honor the sun through joyful sound. If you don’t have a local music circle to join, consider becoming part of my website’s community, where we gather online each Tuesday evening for a weekly circle. (More details below.)

Mythological Stories of the Sun

Many Pagan myths revolve around the sun, illustrating its importance in ancient cultures:

• The Wheel of the Year: In Wiccan tradition, the sun god is born at Yule (Winter Solstice), grows in strength until Litha (Summer Solstice), then wanes until he dies at Samhain, only to be reborn again.
• Apollo and Daphne: In Greek mythology, Apollo, the sun god, falls in love with the nymph Daphne. This myth highlights the sun’s passionate and sometimes destructive nature.
• Amaterasu: In Japanese Shinto belief, Amaterasu is the sun goddess who retreats into a cave, plunging the world into darkness, until she is lured out by the other gods.

Storytelling and Mythology. You could gather around and share myths and stories related to the sun and the Summer Solstice from various Pagan cultures. This keeps tradition alive and fosters a deeper connection to the season.

Additionally, you’ll engage in meaningful Pagan-themed weekly challenges 🌙, exchange cherished magickal recipes, and enjoy tranquil walks together through live video chat on your phone 📱. Delight in my daily “card of the day” tarot videos 🃏 and earn community points simply by participating with the community. These points can be redeemed for discounts on my upcoming online music education and magickal courses 🎶. Discover our shared online community Book of Shadows 📖, enriched monthly with enchanting spells, recipes, and rituals ✨.

All of this and more awaits you for only $4/month. Join us and be part of our vibrant, peaceful, supportive community ❤️.

Sun Worship Across Cultures

Sun worship is not unique to one culture but spans across various Pagan traditions worldwide:

• Stonehenge: This ancient monument in England aligns with the sunrise on the Summer Solstice, suggesting it was used for sun worship and tracking solar events.
• Inti Raymi: The Inca festival of the sun, celebrated in Peru, honors Inti, the sun god, with ceremonies and offerings.
• Midsummer Celebrations: In Northern Europe, midsummer festivals include dancing around maypoles, feasting, and staying up all night to witness the solstice sunrise.

• Casting Protective Spells. You could perform protective spells or charms using the heightened energy of the solstice. Focus on intentions for health, happiness, and protection for the second half of the year.

• Participating in Local Community Events. If available, you could join local Pagan or nature-based community events and festivals. These gatherings often include workshops, rituals, and social activities that enrich the celebration experience.

The sun’s role in Pagan beliefs and practices is a testament to its immense power and influence. Through deities, rituals, myths, and cultural celebrations, Pagans honor the sun as a symbol of life, energy, and spiritual growth. This Summer Solstice, take a moment to bask in the sun’s light and reflect on its timeless presence in our world.

May the sun’s blessings shine upon you.

Blessed Be!

For more information about Alexian, including his collected articles here on Pagan Song, his bio, and links to Alexian’s sites on the web, check out Alexian’s artist page here on Pagan Song.

Please subscribe to the Pagan Song blog, to receive our blog post each week. Don’t miss any of the musical magic!

Visit our homepage to see the full list of the musicians who write for the Pagan Song blog.

Pagan Song has a fan club on Patreon. Join for as little as $3 a month for exclusive features! Click for info.