In biblical symbolism, the sun frequently represents God's glory, righteousness, and the illuminating presence of the divine. Malachi 4:2 speaks of the 'Sun of Righteousness' rising with healing in its wings, a messianic image often interpreted as Christ bringing salvation and restoration. The sun also marks the order of creation (Genesis 1:16), signifying divine sovereignty over time and nature. Conversely, the darkening or eclipsing of the sun is a portent of judgment or calamity (Amos 8:9; Matthew 24:29), signaling periods of spiritual testing or divine displeasure. Thus, dreaming of the sun may reflect a sense of divine favor, spiritual awakening, or, if obscured, a warning of impending trial or spiritual darkness.

In Buddhism, the sun is a metaphor for the awakened mind (Bodhi), dispelling the darkness of ignorance. The rising sun symbolizes the dawning of wisdom and progress on the path to enlightenment, with the Buddha himself often likened to a sun illuminating the world. An obscured or eclipsed sun may represent obstacles, delusion, or the temporary veiling of true nature by kleshas (mental afflictions), signaling the need for renewed mindfulness and effort.

Across cultures, the sun is a primal symbol of life, power, and renewal. Ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Aztecs, and Greeks revered sun deities, associating the sun with kingship, fertility, and cosmic order. In contemporary culture, the sun often represents positivity, success, and happiness. Conversely, a darkened or eclipsed sun may evoke collective anxieties about crisis, transformation, or the unknown, serving as a metaphor for societal upheaval or uncertainty.

In Hinduism, the sun (Surya) is venerated as a deity, the source of life, health, and knowledge. The Rigveda extols Surya as the eye of the gods and a symbol of the Atman (soul). Dreaming of a bright or rising sun may indicate blessings, spiritual awakening, or the favor of Surya. An eclipsed or darkened sun is generally considered inauspicious, suggesting obstacles, karmic challenges, or the need for purification and renewed devotion.

In Islamic tradition, the sun is a manifest sign (ayah) of Allah's creative power and the precision of cosmic order, as noted in the Qur'an (Surah Ya-Sin 36:38-40). The sun's cycles symbolize life's rhythms, guidance, and the certainty of resurrection. Classical dream interpreters, such as Ibn Sirin, suggest that seeing the sun in a dream may signify honor, leadership, or divine favor, while a darkened or eclipsed sun can portend trials, loss of guidance, or upheaval in one's life or community.

From a psychological perspective, the sun is a potent archetype symbolizing consciousness, vitality, and the core self (Jung, 'Man and His Symbols'). A radiant or rising sun in dreams may indicate personal growth, renewed optimism, or a surge of creative energy. Conversely, a setting or obscured sun can reflect depression, diminished motivation, or the surfacing of unconscious fears. Overexposure to the sun might represent feeling overwhelmed by external pressures, while an eclipse could signal a crisis of identity or suppressed potential.

Spiritually, the sun is an enduring symbol of enlightenment, the higher self, and the source of all life. Mystical traditions often regard the sun as the heart of spiritual illumination, awakening, and clarity. Dreaming of the sun may herald a period of spiritual growth or the emergence of inner truth. If the sun is hidden or eclipsed, it may suggest a temporary obscuration of insight, a spiritual trial, or the necessity of inner transformation before renewed clarity.