By Carmen Turner Schott, MSW

The Sun glows brightly in the sky, radiating warmth on us all. It is the most prominent figure in our solar system, and without it there could be no life. The Sun is personified and was worshipped by many ancient cultures. The Greeks called it Helios and the Romans called it Sol. The Eygyptians believed that Ra was the Sun God and that he made his way across the solar system each night and arose each morning in the east. He is depicted in human form with a falcon head, crowned with the sun disc encircled with the sacred cobra.

The symbol of the Sun is a circle with a dot in the center. This ancient symbol was once the alchemical symbol for Gold. Alchemists believed it represented the perfection of all matter, including mind, spirit and the soul.

Astrologers believe that the Sun is a crucial part of our personality. It represents our inner self, ego, expression and what it is that makes individuals unique. The Sun is our identity and our face to the world. It also manifests the creative ability and the power of the individual to meet the challenges of everyday life. The Sun spends about a month visiting each Sign and takes a year to journey through the twelve Signs of the Zodiac.

The Sun represents the father or dominant male influence in our early lives. By looking in our birth chart, we can find out a lot about our relationship with our father by what house and sign the Sun is placed at birth. Symbolically, the Sun placement shows where we connect with our spiritual father or creator force. When analyzing a birth chart, wherever the Sun is placed can show the path by which we connect to God within as well as out in the world.

The Sun sign traits shine through strongly in our lives. Each sign of the zodiac has its strengths and weaknesses. The Sun sign is only one small part of who we are and what we express. According to astrologer Bob Mulligan, “The house placement of the Sun Sign shows the primary area of expression for individual life. There is a psychological, emotional, and physical significance to this placement.” He also stated that “Aspects to the Sun have a deep overriding significance in an individual’s life and are generally more important than other aspects in the chart.”

Each planet affects us and it is important to understand all these energies. Many people ask me about the Sun sign traits and believe that those traits make up the entire personality. When you read your horoscope in the paper or online, that is describing your Sun sign traits based on your day and month of birth. I always explain to my client’s that the Sun sign is only one small microcosm of who you are and what energies you express. The Moon, for instance, will show the type of emotional nature that you express inwardly, whereas the Sun is your main outward appearance and expression. Individuals that are born on the “cusp” will have traits of both astrological signs. The strongest energy can be found in whichever sign the Sun is moving towards at the time and moment of one’s birth.

The Sun rules the sign Leo. Leos are known for their expressiveness, creativity and charisma. They love to shine, just like the Sun. Many Leos are found in the entertainment business or on stage. The Sun is the center of the universe and has to shine its rays down on the earth. Much can be associated with Leos, who love to shine and be in the limelight. Just like the Sun, Leos love to uplift others and they have a strong positive energy.

The Sun is one of the most important aspects in our birth chart. It shows where we focus our energy and how others see us. Below is a short list of Sun Sign Traits:
Aries “I AM” Passionate, Independent, Self-Centered, Enthusiastic
Taurus “I HAVE” Practical, Patient, Calm, Stubborn, Sensual, Artistic
Gemini “I THINK” Communicative, Intellectual, Rational, Nervous
Cancer “I FEEL” Intuitive, Motherly, Moody, Emotional, Protective
Leo “I WILL” Dramatic, Proud, Playful, Generous, Dignified
Virgo “I ANALYZE” Modest, Analytical, Perfectionist, Observant, Servant
Libra ”I BALANCE” Social, Diplomatic, Indecisive, Charming, Artistic
Scorpio ”I DESIRE” Intense, Secretive, Compulsive, Controlling, Healer
Sagittarius ”I PERCEIVE” Optimistic, Restless, Traveler, Philosophical, Blunt
Capricorn ”I USE” Ambitious, Responsible, Rigid, Serious, Hardworking
Aquarius ”I KNOW” Detached, Rebellious, Humanitarian, Eccentric
Pisces ”I BELIEVE” Idealistic, Spiritual, Compassionate, Self-Sacrificing

ARIES March 21- April 19
TAURUS April 20- May 20
GEMINI May 21- June 20
CANCER June 21- July 22
LEO July 23- August 22
VIRGO August 23- September 22
LIBRA September 23- October 22
SCORPIO October 23- November 21
SAGITTARIUS November 22- December 21
CAPRICORN December 22- January 19
AQUARIUS January 20- February 18
PISCES February 19- March 20

Carmen received her Master of Social Work degree from Washington University in St. Louis, in May 1999. She has been practicing astrological counseling for 12 years. She recently founded the Astrological Self Awareness Center to reach out to others through the Internet and to help others gain greater self-awareness. Her comprehensive astrological services include natal charts, compatibility charts, child reports, transits and many others. She offers group parties, classes and lectures on various spiritual topics. Visit her website at www.astrology-awareness.com or e-mail her at carmenturnerschott@hotmail.com.