Ep 2. Solar Worship

The Secret Life of Symbols is a docu-series that aims to uncover the hidden meanings and fascinating stories behind some of the world's most mysterious symbols. In season 1 episode 2, titled "Solar Worship," the show delves into the history and symbolism of one of the most universally recognized symbols of all time - the sun.

Throughout history, the sun has been worshipped by cultures all over the world as a powerful entity that brings life and vitality to all living things. In this episode, the show explores the many ways that different cultures have worshipped and celebrated the sun, from ancient Egypt to modern-day New Age spirituality.

The episode opens with stunning footage of a traditional sunrise ceremony in Indonesia, where people gather to watch the sun rise over the ocean and offer prayers and offerings to the sun god. From there, the show takes us on a journey through time and across the globe, visiting ancient sun temples in Egypt and Peru, exploring the intricate symbols and mythology associated with the sun in ancient cultures, and examining the role that the sun plays in modern-day spiritual practices.

Throughout the episode, experts in mythology, archaeology, and religious studies offer their insights and expertise, shedding light on the many different ways that human cultures have understood and worshipped the sun throughout history. Some of the fascinating tidbits shared in the episode include:

- The ancient Egyptians worshipped the sun as the god Ra, who was said to travel through the sky on a boat every day. This concept was so powerful and enduring that it continued to be worshipped in Egypt for thousands of years, even as other gods and religions came and went.

- The Inca empire in Peru had a complex system of sun worship that was deeply ingrained in their daily lives. The Inca ruler was considered to be a "sun king" who was responsible for maintaining the balance between the earth and the sun, and there were many elaborate rituals and ceremonies dedicated to the sun throughout the year.

- In ancient Japan, the sun goddess Amaterasu was believed to be the most important deity of all, and her presence was thought to bring light and warmth to the world. In one famous myth, Amaterasu retreated into a cave and refused to come back out, causing darkness and chaos to spread across the land. It took a clever trick by the other gods to coax her back out and restore order to the world.

As the episode winds down, the show highlights some of the many ways that the sun continues to be worshipped and celebrated in modern times. From New Age groups that incorporate sun salutations into their yoga practices to Indigenous peoples who still maintain traditional sun ceremonies, the sun remains a powerful symbol of life and vitality that transcends time and culture.

Overall, "Solar Worship" offers a fascinating glimpse into the many ways that human cultures have understood and worshipped the sun throughout history. With stunning visuals, expert commentary, and plenty of intriguing facts and stories, this episode is sure to leave viewers with a newfound appreciation for one of the world's oldest and most enduring symbols.