SUN ☉
The sun is the centre of our solar-system and the life-giving force for each and every living being on this planet. It provides us with light and warmth, without which nothing could live or grow. All cultures throughout time have worshiped the Sun as the most important male deity and life-giving force of our universe.
Astrologically, the Sun represents the self or individuality. It is seen as the divine spark within - the vitality and life force, the source of power and creativity. The sun denotes an individual's sense of self-worth and confidence. It represents higher consciousness, cosmic awareness, and the ability to recognize higher truth, which is a way of 'seeing' with the heart (In my heart I know this to be true…). The sun's seat in the body is the solar plexus and the heart.

KEYWORDS: Sun - Father-God, life-force, individuality, the conscious self, self-worth, dignity, self-confidence, strength, personal power and authority, charisma, generosity, will-power, ambition, consciousness, creativity, pride.

Deities: Helios, Apollo, Bel, Christ

Quality: Hot, dry, sanguine, fruitful, vital, fiery

Colour: Gold, yellow

Metal: Gold

Day: Sunday

Star-Sign: Leo

Part of Body: Heart, Blood, Solar Plexus, right eye

Challenge: Be yourself; conscious self-awareness

Drive: Individuation

Negative Expression: Arrogance, self-glorification, egotism

ASTROLOGY
Know thyself - for character is destiny. To know one’s abilities, one’s passions as well as one’s limitations and to be true to them is the key to a happy life, for it will be a life guided by purpose.
There are many things in life we cannot change. But the key to success lies not in the hand of cards we are dealt at birth (or in the stars), but in how we face with each challenge life throws at us. Astrology does not determine fate; on the contrary, it holds the keys to becoming masters of our own destinies.
Astrology is the key to self knowledge. It can give us insight into the essential nature and patterns woven into the structure of the personality. The natal horoscope is a map of the heavens drawn for the time and place of an individual's birth. It charts the positions and distribution of the planets in the signs of the Zodiac at birth, as well as their relationships to each other. Together they form an intricate web of interactions, the blueprint that indicates potential abilities and weaknesses. But time does not stand still, and the personality changes as the soul journeys along its path of self-discovery and individuation. Astrology also maps these cycles of time which may trigger challenges, change and growth - the voyage of transformation. In astrological jargon they are called ‘transits’.

PLANETS
The planets are the wandering stars that travel around the Zodiac and in astrological terminology include Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. Modern astrology has added Uranus, Neptune and Pluto to the list. The ancients regarded them as a pantheon of deities whose dynamic interactions had their repercussions in our world. People worshipped and honoured the Gods with rituals and ceremonies or prayed for their divine support in their various endeavours: to win a battle or a maiden's heart, or grant a plentiful harvest and send good weather. Modern astrologers tend to 'psychologize' these deities and regard the planets as parts of the personality.

USE
Planetary incense consists of various herbs, gums and resins blended to create an aroma that reflects the ambiance of each planet. They are magically charged with an infusion of herbs collected from the corresponding parts of the Glastonbury Zodiac in accordance to the phase of the moon and the appropriate times of the year.
In ritual settings they can be used to invoke the zodiacal or planetary archetypes. Attune in meditation with their lessons or energies to gain a better understanding as to how they manifest in your life. Burn the zodiacal incense, space aroma or candle corresponding to the natal sun sign in order to strengthen it while under a difficult transit, or, if you are familiar with your horoscope, you can work with the aromas that correspond to a transiting planet or area of the chart that is being transited in order to better understand and integrate their lessons.
Of course, Astrological incense and space aromas, candles and perfumes can enjoyed be used for pure pleasure and make wonderful birthday presents.

HOW TO BURN INCENSE:
Place a self-igniting charcoal disc on a fire-proof surface, well away from flammable objects. The charcoal disks can be ignited simply by holding a match or lighter to the rim. Be aware that these discs may occasionally spit and sparkle profusely upon ignition. Allow plenty of air to flow around the charcoal to ensure that it burns evenly. Some people prefer to open the window while the charcoal is igniting as it gives off quite a bit of smoke. Once the charcoal disc has finished sparkling it will start to glow, usually first on one side, then slowly spreading over the whole disc. When the entire disc is glowing red hot it is ready to use and you can place a little pinch of incense on top. As the disk glows through, the fire will concentrate in its centre. You may occasionally want to scrape off the ashes to expose the glowing centre and add fresh incense as desired.

CARE FOR YOUR INCENSE:
Incense keeps well and often improves with age if kept in a cool and dark place. Charcoal, on the other hand, does not, as it has a tendency to absorb moisture from the air. Once the packet has been opened, keep it in an airtight container to preserve its self-igniting properties.

CAUTION
Keep incense and charcoal out of pet’s and children’s reach. Charcoal discs are highly flammable. PLEASE BE CAREFUL when igniting your charcoal disc. Once the disc has been lit do not touch it, as it will cause a burn. Make sure your incense dish is fire proof and does not conduct heat to the surface on which it stands. Glass (even glass ashtrays) will break. Do not dispose of the remaining ashes in a waste paper bin or plastic garbage bin as it may cause a fire. Do not hold the disc in your hand while lighting or burning.