An article posted by Reuters yesterday brought the fascinating subject of how the Sun is significant to humans on a spiritual level.
“The Nigerian government, anxious to avoid a repeat of riots that marked the last solar eclipse, warned citizens they may suffer "psychological discomfort" during a new eclipse this month but urged them not to panic.
Information Minister Frank Nweke said a 2001 eclipse caused riots in northern Borno state because people did not know why it happened.
"Some people even felt some evil people in their communities were responsible for the eclipse," he said in a statement on Thursday to reassure Nigerians ahead of a solar eclipse that is expected to darken parts of the country on March 29.
"I know it is natural for people to be frightened and react terribly to unusual incidents but I urge Nigerians and foreigners resident in Nigeria not to panic over the expected eclipse.
"The eclipse is not expected to have any real damaging effect - only social and psychological discomforts are envisaged."
Nweke did not elaborate on what these discomforts might be, but he said security agencies would be placed on alert to help the public respond.”
NASA State: There is no evidence that eclipses have any physical effect on humans. However, eclipses have always been capable of producing profound psychological effects. For millenia, solar eclipses have been interpreted as portents of doom by virtually every known civilization. These have stimulated responses that run the gamut from human sacrifices to feelings of awe and bewilderment. Although there are no direct physical effects involving known forces, the consequences of the induced human psychological states have led to physical effects.
So there seems to be contradictions abound.
I
n Pagan life the Sun holds significance in many areas. The pagans worshiped the sun on Sunday. They took the first day of the week and gave it the highest honour by naming it in honour of the sun god and worshiping the sun on that day. The four out of the eight Sabbatts are linked to the Sun’s relationship to earth. Summer Solstice the longest day and Winter Solstice being the shortest day and its opposite. The equinox’s are when the day and night is equal in length
In ancient times the Aztecs believed that the Sun fought darkness every night and rose to save Mankind.
Primitive Religious beliefs are that the symbolism of the sun, while sharing the transcendent power of the sky, is more intimately related to the destiny of the human community and to the revelation of the rational power necessary to order the world. Sun - deities are creators by virtue of their growth - producing powers.
Pagan sun Gods and Goddess’ have many names depending on their country of origin and belief structures. There are currently 191 different Sun Gods/Goddess’. Some of the more popular ones are:
RA also called RE: Egyptian The Eye of the Sun.
BELENUS: Celtic The famous Sun God who shines through numerous names.
TONATIUH: Aztec Sun God. Looks after warriors, particularly those who die in his service, and rules the present Age of the world.
HELIOS: Greek This bright young thing is God of the Sun.
LISA: African Sunny side of MAWU-LISA. This is a Fun Sun God.
