Solar witchcraft is a practice that focuses on harnessing and working with the energy of the sun. The sun is seen as a powerful source of light, warmth, and life-giving energy. Practitioners of solar witchcraft tap into this energy to bring about positive change and manifest their desires. At the core of solar witchcraft is the belief that the sun is a deity or a divine force. It is often associated with masculine energy and masculine deities such as Apollo, Ra, or Helios. The sun is viewed as a symbol of vitality, strength, courage, and power.

Is sunlight addictive?

It doesn’t make sense: If sunlight causes cancer, why are human beings so drawn to it, flocking to sunny beaches for vacation time and hoping for sunshine after a rainy spell?

One answer, says David Fisher, chief of dermatology at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, may be that humans are literally addicted to sunshine so our skin can make vitamin D. New evidence suggests that we get the same kick out of being in the sun that we get from any addictive substance or behavior. It stimulates the so-called “pleasure center” in the brain and releases a rush of feel-good chemicals like endorphins.

So there may be more than a desire to look good in a tan behind the urge to soak up the sun’s rays. This craving may be a survival mechanism that evolved over thousands of years because humans need vitamin D to survive. Skin makes this crucial vitamin when it is exposed to sunlight. There isn’t much vitamin D in food (except in some of today’s fortified foods) so the human brain rewards us with a rush of pleasure when we seek out the sun and get vitamin D.

Seeking sunshine can be downright dangerous. As Fisher points out, the ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunshine is “the most ubiquitous and common carcinogen in the world.” Skin cancer is the most preventable form of cancer simply because we know what causes it: sunlight. Yet despite this knowledge, skin cancer is on the rise, increasing faster than any other form of cancer. (You can watch Fisher’s presentation here.)

Avoiding D-ficiency

A simple blood test at your doctor’s office can determine if you are deficient in vitamin D. New guidelines from the Institute of Medicine recommend 600 international units (IU) of vitamin D a day for everyone between the ages of 1 and 70, and 800 IU for those over age 70. Some experts argue that this isn’t enough, and that five to 10 minutes a day outdoors without sunscreen is a reasonable way to get some natural vitamin D. (If you live north of a line connecting San Francisco with St. Louis and Richmond, Virginia, don’t bother doing this between November and March—the amount of ultraviolet light hitting your body won’t be enough to generate vitamin D.)

If you’ll be out longer than five to 10 minutes, cover up. Use sunscreen but understand that the evidence for its long-term protection against skin cancer is “changing rapidly,” says Fisher. Some newer studies show no benefit, some even show elevated risk for people who use sunscreen. More effective protection is a full-brimmed hat and long sleeves and pants. Best choice, says Dr. Fisher, “Stay in the shade.”

For more on caring for your skin, treating age-related skin conditions, and skin rejuvenation, check out the Harvard Health Publication’s Special Health Report: Skin Care and Repair.

The sun is viewed as a symbol of vitality, strength, courage, and power. Solar witches often work with these energies to enhance their own personal power and cultivate confidence. In solar witchcraft, solar rituals and spells are conducted during daylight hours, particularly during sunrise and sunset when the sun's energy is at its peak.

About the Author

Kay Cahill Allison , Former Editor, Harvard Health

Kay Cahill was editor of Harvard Health Publishing’ Special Health Reports from 1998 to 2012. Before joining Harvard Health, she created content for a variety of media including newspapers, television, books, radio, and electronic publishing. She … See Full Bio

These times are seen as optimal for connecting with and honoring the sun. Solar witches may engage in practices such as sun salutations, meditating in sunlight, or creating solar-infused ritual objects to attune themselves to the energy of the sun. Solar spells and rituals are typically focused on goals related to success, abundance, confidence, protection, and vitality. A solar witch might harness the sun's energy to boost their own power and leadership abilities, manifest prosperity and abundance in their lives, or strengthen their aura and energetic protection. Crystals associated with the sun, such as citrine, sunstone, or golden quartz, are often used in solar witchcraft to amplify the sun's energy. These crystals are believed to radiate positive energy and bring about personal transformation. In addition to working with the sun's energy, solar witches may also incorporate other elements of nature into their practice. They may work with herbs, flowers, or essential oils associated with the sun, such as sunflower, chamomile, or frankincense, to enhance the power of their rituals and spells. Solar witchcraft is a practice that celebrates the power and energy of the sun, and seeks to harness that energy for personal transformation and manifestation. By working with the sun's energy, solar witches aim to bring light, positivity, and vitality into their lives and the lives of others..

Reviews for "Sun Symbols and Their Meanings in Solar Witchcraft"

1. Samantha - 2 stars - While I had high hopes for "Solar Witchcraft," I found it to be a disappointing read. The content was lacking depth and substance, and it felt more like a collection of scattered ideas rather than a comprehensive guide to solar witchcraft. Additionally, the author's writing style was confusing and hard to follow, making it difficult to fully grasp the concepts being presented. Overall, I was left feeling unsatisfied and underwhelmed by this book.

2. Michael - 1 star - I have to say, "Solar Witchcraft" was a complete waste of time and money. The information provided was basic and repetitive, lacking any real insights or new ideas. It felt like a regurgitation of generic witchcraft practices that could be found in any beginner's guide. The lack of depth and originality left me feeling cheated. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for genuine knowledge and guidance in solar witchcraft.

3. Jessica - 2 stars - As someone who has been practicing witchcraft for years, I was excited to delve into "Solar Witchcraft." However, I found the book to be overly simplistic and lacking in any real substance. The information provided was so basic that it felt more suitable for complete beginners rather than those with some experience in witchcraft. I was hoping for a more in-depth exploration of solar magic, but unfortunately, this book fell short of my expectations.

4. David - 1 star - "Solar Witchcraft" was a major disappointment. The book seemed to be more concerned with aesthetics and presentation rather than providing valuable content. It was filled with unnecessary pictures and illustrations that served no purpose other than to take up space. Furthermore, the writing style was convoluted and confusing, making it difficult to understand the author's message. Overall, I found this book to be a shallow attempt at cashing in on the current trend of witchcraft, and I would not recommend it to anyone seeking genuine knowledge and guidance.

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