The transits of the planets

Effects of the transiting Sun

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Inward

There are two different ways in which the transiting Sun can affect you inwardly. First, the Sun serves as a general timer for the release of a natal potential. Whatever it transits in the natal chart is likely to manifest some potentiality represented in the natal chart. Second, the Sun has its own distinctive energy that manifests during transits as physical and mental changes. It is as if the planet and house being transited receive a charge of energy. Also, of course, the heart and circulatory system, as well as brain function, will be affected according to the nature of the other planets, signs, and houses involved.

Outward

As the Sun transits various points in the natal chart by conjunction or aspect, it is quite possible that various entities that are associated with the Sun in astrology will be affected or will become manifest in the individual’s life. These were listed in the “Outward Manifestations” section on the previous page.

The Sun at the Personal Level

The Sun represents the boundary between the personal-level planets and interpersonal-level planets. But it is not really a member of either group, and at the same time it affects all three groups powerfully. At the personal level, the energy of the Sun is likely to function poorly more often than at the interpersonal and transcendental levels. Yet this energy is vital at the personal level as well. It is a matter of not being carried away by the power of the Sun’s energy. As stated previously, the energy of the Sun is vital to both psychological and physiological functioning. One cannot have or demonstrate strength of will and character without the Sun’s energy, and without that energy an individual can easily be defeated by circumstances or by other persons in the outside world.

So, this aspect of the Sun’s energy is completely positive and benign, to say nothing of necessary. The problem comes when someone places too much emphasis on personal will and intention and becomes unable or unwilling to work with others collaboratively and cooperatively. An excess of the Sun’s energy at the personal level may lead to grandiose behavior, blatant egotism, and the will to dominate others, or at least to make oneself the center of attention, regardless of whether it is appropriate or not.

Therefore, whenever the Sun transits points in the natal chart, the response of the individual depends a great deal on the routine functioning of the Sun’s energy within the psyche. For those who keep that energy in a balanced and harmonious relationship with the rest of the energy of the self, the transits of the Sun are most often positive and fruitful. For those who tend to be excessively arrogant, self-centered, and egotistical, the transits of the Sun may be quite difficult and indicate trouble, most often caused by oneself.

The Sun at the Interpersonal Level

When operating at the interpersonal level, the best and most powerful manifestation of the Sun’s energy comes whenever there is an opportunity to help others be more of what they can be and to build a network within a group where the energy of your own Sun is used to give vitality and energy to the group. This is the most positive kind of leadership.

If the more arrogant and egotistical energy manifests within your psyche and your behavior, the transits of the Sun to the natal chart, especially by conjunction, square, or opposition, can be quite difficult and represent conflict in which it is not at all clear that you will come out ahead. And if you do come out ahead, it is quite likely to be at the expense of other people with whom you are involved.

In general, when the energy of the Sun is made powerful by its transits to the natal chart, the best thing you can do is to become an energy center for whatever any group you are involved with may be doing.

The Sun at the Transcendent Level

While the Sun at its highest level of manifestation concerns consciousness itself, the transits of the Sun are not likely to manifest at this level except in those rare individuals who have done the necessary spiritual work that enables them to utilize the Sun’s energy at this level. This involves the complete integration of the soul within itself and at least the beginnings of the realization that “Thou art that,” which is to say that you, all others, and the world around you are one. The Sun at this level is the symbol of the integrated Self.