Sól, also known as Sunna, is a beacon of enduring brilliance, is a central figure in Norse mythology, embodying the warmth and light that sustains life itself. In Norse lore, Sól’s presence is a comforting force against the cold and darkness, guiding the sun across the sky. She is a symbol of constancy and hope, her daily journey across the heavens a testament to resilience and renewal.
In this article, we will explore the radiant and enigmatic deity that is Sól. We’ll unravel her mysteries and connect with the vibrant essence of this Norse celestial figure.
To truly understand and connect with Sól, as with any deity, we must look into her mythology, her various names or epithets, and the symbols that represent her. This summary offers a window into the most vital elements of Sól’s story and how to honor her in your personal pagan practice.
Myth of Sól
Sól’s mythological background is deeply rooted in the ancient Norse cosmogony. Her connection to the sun is more than just symbolic; she is seen as the embodiment of the sun’s life-giving and sustaining energy.
One of the most famous tales involving this goddess is her daily journey across the sky. According to Norse mythology, she is entrusted with the task of driving the chariot that carries the sun, chased by the wolf Sköll, symbolizing the relentless pursuit of night by day.
Two horses, Arvakr and Alsvid, pull her sun chariot, their names translating remarkably to “Early Awakening” and “Very Quick,” respectively, in Old Norse, symbolizing her promptness and readiness to bring daylight to the world.
In Norse mythology, Máni is the personification of the Moon and is responsible for its movement across the sky. He is depicted as driving a chariot that carries the Moon and is pursued by a wolf, mirroring the similar myth of his sister Sól (the Sun goddess) being chased by another wolf. Máni’s role in Norse mythology, while not as extensively detailed as some other Norse deities, is still crucial in the Norse understanding of the cosmos and the passage of time.
Norse tales prophesize that before the wolf swallows her (at Ragnarök, the cataclysmic destruction of cosmos), she will give birth to a daughter, who is destined to follow her mother’s path and take over her duties. When the world is reborn, traces of Sól’s motherly warmth and light would be found again in the new sun, her daughter, illuminating the repopulated world.
Through these various experiences, the goddess embodies more than just natural and celestial phenomena to the Norse people. Her tales underscore the recurring cycles of life, death, and rebirth, the cycles of the sun, the seasons, and the very cosmos itself.
Symbols of Sól
Sun Knot
This symbol is deeply connected to life and vitality, reflecting the sun’s critical role in sustaining life and promoting growth. It embodies a spiritual dimension, symbolizing the balance and harmony between the earthly and celestial realms, and is often used as a symbol of protection and guidance, akin to the guiding light of the sun.
Fire
Fire is a powerful and multifaceted symbol, representing both creation and destruction. It is seen as a primal force, essential in the creation of the world according to Norse cosmogony, where it met with ice to give birth to the first living beings. Fire also symbolizes transformation and renewal, as it possesses the power to consume and change the nature of things.
Sun Chariot
The sun chariot, driven by the goddess Sól, is a potent symbol of the sun’s journey across the sky, encapsulating the cycle of day and night and the rhythm of the seasons. It also hints at the ever-present theme of cosmic struggle and the eventual Ragnarök, where the sun’s light is prophesied to be devoured.
Sowilo Rune
This rune, present in the Elder Futhark, embodies a multitude of symbolic meanings tied to light, energy, and success. Additionally, the rune encapsulates the idea of guidance and direction, akin to how the sun serves as a natural compass in the sky. Sowilo’s link makes it a powerful rune for strength, spiritual enlightenment, and the quest for success.
Titles and Epithets
Sól is known by various names and epithets that reflect her attributes and the reverence she commanded in Norse culture. Some of them are:
- The Shining Goddess
- Bright Bride of Heaven
- Sunna
- Day-star
- Ever-glow
- All-bright Seen
- Fair-wheel
How to Worship Goddess Sól
You can honor the Norse goddess Sól as a symbol of light and life, in rituals and meditations focused on renewal, growth, and enlightenment. When you invoke her during periods of personal development and seeking inner light, she can become a guiding force. Many choose to practice Sun Magick, for example, greeting the sunrise as a way to feel her presence, embracing the warmth and light as a direct connection to Sól.
Recognizing Divine Callings: Learn about the signs of a deity calling you on our helpful guide. ☀️
Worshiping Sól is open to personal interpretation, as ancient Norse traditions lack detailed accounts of her veneration. This allows for a personalized approach to connecting with her, be it through song, deity offerings, or enjoying the sunlight. Such practices forge a meaningful bond with Sól, embracing her radiant energy.
Goddess Sól Correspondences
- Sól’s Associations: Sun, light, warmth, life, consistency, hope, and renewal. She is a guiding force for those seeking light and clarity.
- Symbols: Sun chariot, sun disk, solar motifs, and radiating light patterns.
- Plants and herbs: Sunflowers, calendula (resembling the sun), and birch (symbolizing new beginnings).
- Animals: Horses (representing her sun chariot), and falcons (symbolizing vision and freedom).
- Gems: Amber (capturing the essence of sunlight), citrine (mimicking the sun’s warmth), and goldstone (reflecting solar radiance).
- Colors: Gold, yellow, and bright orange, reflecting the hues of the sun.
- Day of the Week: Sunday, traditionally associated with the sun and its deity.
- Genealogy: Daughter of Mundilfari, as mentioned in the Prose Edda, and sister of Máni, the moon god.
Offerings to Sól
Sunflowers and golden candles are vibrant offerings that resonate with the spirit of Sól, the Norse sun goddess. These bright, sun-like items symbolize her connection to the sun’s energy and light. Additionally, gold jewelry or gold-colored objects serve as physical representations of her radiant essence.
Fruits and fruit juices, especially those that are rich and vibrant, are also fitting tributes to Sól. They signify the abundance and nurturing aspects of the sun. Similarly, solar symbols and amulets can be used to invoke her presence and celebrate her influence.
Calendula, with its sun-like appearance, and vanilla, with its warm and inviting scent, are perfect botanical offerings. Birch bark, signifying new beginnings and cleansing, also aligns with Sól’s themes of renewal and daily rebirth.
If you wish to create an altar to Goddess Sól, these elements, through their inherent qualities and symbolism, create a powerful connection to the deity, reflecting her life-giving and sustaining energy.
Invocations and Prayers
Invite the Goddess of Light into your rituals with this beautiful prayer:
“Radiant Sól, Goddess of the Sun,
Hear me, your devotee and seeker of light,
Shine upon me, guiding my path with your brilliance,
In moments of darkness and in times of joy,
May I find strength in your eternal glow: steadfast in spirit, body, and heart,
May I remain grounded, conscious, and true,
My thoughts clear like the dawn; unburdened and serene,
May I make choices with clarity, guided by truth and insight,
Let my deeds and words flow from a place of honor, wisdom, kindness, and warmth,
Grant me the wisdom to nurture, and the courage to let go,
Clothe me in your radiance and warmth;
That I may walk with confidence and grace under your guiding light.”
Continue exploring Spells8 to find prayers to other solar deities such as Áine, Brigid, Victoria, Helios, and Ra.
Further Reading
- The Sun Goddess: Myth, Legend and History by Sheena McGrath
- The Poetic Edda and The Prose Edda
