The sacred practice of Sun-gazing has been a time-honored tradition and documented by numerous cultures for more than 2,000 years. The Aztecs, Mayans, Egyptians, East-Indians, and even some First Nation tribes have deeply rooted beliefs and ceremonies/practices regarding not only the Sun, but its powerful energetic rays. While many of these cultures have a God or Deity that represents the Sun or “daytime”, not all cultures who utilized the Sun worshiped it as a separate entity.
Sun gazing has been grasped back from being lost in time, by many modern day spiritualists and shamans. While elaborate cultural Sun rituals may seem to be a thing of the distant past, many use the energetic force of the Sun in daily meditative practices. The art of sun-gazing has strict rules, in order to, avoid physical eye and retina damage from occurring. Our physical bodies being composed mostly of water, are affected greatly by the moon and its many phases. However, studies have shown solar energy and its many flares and mass ejections, also have significant measurable effects on the physical body. The presence and absence of the Sun’s rays have been studied greatly in recent years throughout the scientific and medical communities in the topic of depression and mental health awareness/ diagnostics. Many people living in Alaska and other countries that experience long periods with little to no sunlight, are often advised by medical professionals to supplement artificial “sunlight” (aka lamps) in order to ensure healthy mental and physical living.
The benefits of Sun-Gazing are, but not limited to:
Increased Concentration
Increased Vitamin-D production/absorption
Increased Serotonin Production
Increased Melatonin Production
Increased Pineal Gland Stimulation/Decalcification
Produces “new” energetic pathways within the Brain
Releases Stress
Releases Tension stored in the body
Activates and stimulates the third eye
Increases stored energy levels within the body
Can (over long periods of consistent practice) enlarge the pineal gland
Reduces Hunger Sensations
Can improve mildly eye-sight
Opens up/aids in the clearing of energetic pathways/Nadis within the body
The do’s and don'ts for “safe” Sun-gazing
Do-check with your doctor/medical professional before sun-gazing
Do- remove all glasses before attempting to look at the Sun
Do- only look at the Sun within 30 minutes after it begins rising and within 30 minutes of complete sunset.
Do- start slowly in increments of 5-10 minutes
Do- stop gazing if your eyes show signs of discomfort (this practice should not hurt your eyes)
Do- increase your gazing time 3 to 5 minutes over the course of several days until desired time is reached (avoid going over 30 minutes as you would be leaving the “safe” window of gazing time)
Don’t- stare at the sun through any glass lens or magnifying glass.
Don’t- stare at the sun outside of the safe window (UV rays are elevated outside of the safe window and can cause eye/retina damage)
Don’t- be afraid to go back to your eye doctor or medical professional for a follow up after a week of gazing to ensure no negative ocular changes have occurred.
For best results pair your practice of gazing with grounding and meditative breath work. Take your shoes off, place your bare feet on the earth. Do whatever your favorite centering and grounding practice is. Then close your eyes and take 3 slow and long deep breaths, filling your lunges deeply downward into your belly. Feel the sun’s energy on your face with each breath. Breath in the energy of the Sun into your vessel. Repeat a total of 3 times. Now open your eyes and begin your gazing practice. If you are having trouble gazing directly into the sun, when you first begin, it’s okay. You can shift your point of focus a little to the sky close to the sun and work up to looking directly at it. Always do what makes you comfortable. Remember to continue to breathe throughout the entirety of your gazing time.
(SUN GAZE AT YOUR OWN RISK)
For anyone looking for in-depth scientific research on the man who studied this practice for years, please search the following name and have fun down the rabbit hole :)
Hira Ratan Manek
**At no time are we telling you, you need to incorporate this ancient practice into your daily routine or at all in your spiritual journey. Use your discernment when adding anything to your healing lifestyle. We are simply sharing the knowledge of this ancient practice with you. What you choose to do with it from here is entirely up to you and what makes you feel the most comfortable.**
** We are not responsible for the misuse of this technique or injury one may suffer from choosing to use this in their practice.**