Sun (Surya)
The Sun (Surya) is the king of the planets in Vedic astrology. It signifies the soul, vitality, confidence, the father, authority and government, and its place in your chart shows where you seek to shine.
Also known as: ravi, surya graha, aditya
Surya is the natural significator of the atma, the soul or self. A strong Sun gives confidence, dignity, leadership and good vitality, and it is linked with the father, senior figures, government and public honour. The house it occupies is where you look for recognition and purpose.
The Sun rules Leo, is exalted in Aries and debilitated in Libra. It is a mild natural malefic: its heat can burn as well as warm, which is why planets too close to it become combust. It casts a full aspect on the 7th house from itself, rules Sunday and gains directional strength in the 10th house.
A weak or afflicted Sun may show as hesitation about self-worth or friction with authority figures. Traditional supports include offering water to the rising Sun (Surya arghya), reciting the Aditya Hridayam and wearing a ruby, the last only after a proper chart check.