19 The Sun

Primal Energy

Let's ponder for a moment those quaint Sun-worshiping tribes the monotheistic religions love to deride – why the snobbery? Our sun is the giver of light and life to this planet; without it we could not exist – so why not center a religion around its very tangible rays of blessing? But whether or not we worship it, let's honor it with its rightful place as the primary source of all that exists on this earth-plane. As a symbol, its meanings are clear: completion, happiness, comfort, warmth, ease of living – all the things we strive for are realized in the iconography of the Sun. On a sunny day we go for a walk, go down to the beach or out to the lake, take it easy; but then it clouds over, rains, we have to get back to work – so it goes. Don't mistake the Sun card as a sign we've reached an end to our road; we've reached a plateau perhaps, or it's a signal to take a break – maybe we've been working too hard. Take solace in the sun, always – but go beyond the one in the sky to the inner light, the luminosity we bear within – connect the two. This is the real meaning of this card. It's beyond the scope of anything said here to take us into that light, this we must search for on our own; there are many methods available to investigate. Many people have had life changing experiences simply by enrolling in a yoga or tai-chi course, or any number of programs which concentrate upon centering us deeper within ourselves. I refer to Eastern schools, as they have specialized for countless centuries in this realm of inner exploration, the esoteric studies. Western exercises are exoteric, as the very name implies, dealing with the development of musculature and physical stamina aimed at excelling in sports etc. A balance between the two would be good, however, as there is certainly nothing wrong in keeping in good physical shape.

But then, not everyone is suited to striving in such an inward way. Raising a family, doing community service, taking care of our homes and gardens – sharing meals and nights out with friends – generally being there for others - these are all ways of keeping happy and healthy. We all know intuitively what we need and when we need it – when we need time off to touch in with nature, then make every effort to do it. Take the afternoon and drive out to the woods just to be off and alone for awhile. Often where we go wrong is in not acting on those impulses when they arise, then we get bogged down. Everyone intuitively knows their own best way – let the sun shine!

By Ananda G. Brady copyright 2011