Many solar deities are depicted as male, as it is common to represent the power of the moon with the divine feminine, and the energy of the sun with the divine masculine. However, the sun can be a feminine force, and there are some awesome solar goddesses lighting up the sky…
Sulis (Celtic) The goddess of sun and water is particularly close to my heart, as a resident of former Aquae Sulis (the Waters of Sulis) which is now Bath, UK. When they invaded, the Romans brought their own deities and beliefs with them to the predominantly Celtic and pagan lands of Somerset. Merging the goddess Minerva with her pagan counterpart, the Romans created a brand-new goddess for the city: Sulis Minerva. But Sulis is special in her own right: Sulis means sight or sun – and in yoga classes, I often relate her energy to the third eye chakra, which is the seat of our intuition. Sulis can help guide us to see things more clearly and illuminate our path. Being a water goddess as well, she can bless any ceremony or ritual with water or healing. Water is considered a feminine element and related to emotional healing.
Amaterasu (Japanese) Her name means 'great shining heaven' and her emblem, the rising sun, appears on the Japanese flag. According to legend, Amaterasu is responsible for keeping balance and harmony within the earthly realm. When you are feeling unbalanced, seek some time to channel Amaterasu by both grounding and absorbing the sun's light, get out in the garden, go for a walk, sit in the sun.
Aine (Celtic) This Irish goddess represents the spark of life; a sun goddess who is also the goddess of healing, love, fertility and prosperity. Often represented as a fairy queen as well as a goddess, Aine is a reminder of the radiance of summer. And of the power love and joy to help us find light in the dark.
Sehkmet (Egyptian) This warrior goddess is depicted as a lioness, the fierce hunter. She represents both the power and the destructive qualities of the sun's rays, causing drought and famine. Sehkmet represents the awesome power of the sun; she is a wonderful goddess to work with to remind us of our own inner power, our own inner lioness! And embracing strength, even when it seems scary.
Brigid (Celtic) A Celtic fire goddess, Brigid is so ancient a deity she has countless incarnations as both goddess and saint, and is known by many names -Brigit, Bride, Bridghe, Saint Brigid and Brigantia. As a solar deity she is connected to light and elements of fire - health, hearth and home. Particularly around her festival, Imbolc on February 1st, you can call on Brigid’s energy to find sparks of inspiration or relight the flames of forgotten dreams. Those training to be modern day priestesses of Brigid (like me!) learn of her energy in every season of the wheel of the year from bridie the maiden at Imbolc to Brighid the Great Mother and crone at Samhain and Yule. And her animal correspondence; Swan, Snake, Cow, Wolf and the magical Unicorn, Selkie, Phoenix and Dragon.
Closing Thoughts
The sun is the active, dynamic yang energy to the moon’s restorative, reflective yin energy. As with all things, balance is vital, take time to rest and reflect, but there will be times when you must be brave and harness your inner fire, your sparks of passion and stride out into the world with all the power of the goddess, magic and the sun within you!
This is a lil’ snippet from my new book Yoga for Witches, now available from all good bookstores!