Also called Sol, Sol Indiges, the Unconquered Sun.
Their story
The emperor Aurelian, after his victories in the east in 274 CE, built a great temple to Sol Invictus in Rome and founded a priesthood for him. A calendar of 354 CE marks 25 December as the birthday of the Unconquered Sun, the time when the days begin to lengthen again.
Their day
Sunday. Sunday was dies Solis, the day of the Sun, which the emperor Constantine made a day of rest in 321 CE.
Best times to give to them
- the Dies Natalis Solis Invicti on 25 December
- the winter solstice
- sunrise
- Sundays
What they like being given
- frankincense
- candles or lamps
- gold or yellow flowers
- honey
- a greeting to the rising sun
How to honour them
- Rise before dawn at midwinter and greet the returning sun.
- Light a candle for Sol on Sunday mornings.
- Raise your right hand in greeting to the sun, as he is shown doing.
- Keep going through dark times, trusting that light returns.
How they can help you
- hope in dark times
- energy and vitality
- success and victory
- fresh starts
- confidence
Symbols
- radiate crown
- four-horse chariot
- globe
- whip
- raised right hand
More Roman gods
- Jupiter Best and greatest, guardian of Rome
- Mars Father of Rome and guardian of fields
- Mercury Patron of merchants, messages and journeys
- Janus Two-faced god of doors and beginnings
- Saturn King of the golden age and lord of the harvest
- Neptune Lord of fresh water and the sea
- Vulcan God of fire, both destroying and forging
- Apollo (in Rome) Healer and prophet adopted by Rome