July 22 – Aug 22, 2016
Click here to learn about the Sun. Click here to learn about Leo.
Disclaimer: the Sun sign is a much-celebrated yet oversimplified astrological element, usually given more significance than it deserves. Remember – you are a whole soup of planets!
The primordial stage of the zodiac wheel is over and we’ve shoved off into the middle realm. Now Leo, king of the zodiac. Leo is ruled by the Sun – in astrology we say that the Sun is returning “home” at this time. The Leo cycle has many faces. One facet of Leo is the playful child. This is Leo at his most innocent, determined to have bushels of fun. Sometimes Leo is the Sun King, ruling with equals parts might and compassion.
And then there’s Leo the tyrant, a child who’s lost control of his temper, ego run amuck. Due to the literal centrality of the ruling planet, Leo is a self-righteous creature, but it might just be his delivery. Leo loves drama and performances of all kinds, and perhaps doing a little shameless performing himself. Although on the outside he appears confident (narcissistic), Leo holds himself to very high standards and can be quite self-conscious. The lion does not like to be wrong and may constantly be on the defense as a result. He is always armed with what he considers to be “the facts.” Leo is also hardworking and driven. However, this is difficult to imagine if you catch him in cat-mode. A common leonine fantasy is to live a life of wealth and luxury, doing nothing but lounging.
We have to watch for certain things during every zodiac season, although I’m starting to reframe my perspective on these tender points. In Leo, this would namely be anger. I don’t think it’s possible to avoid conflict entirely - energy rolls in from every corner of the starscape and here we are, soaking it all up. Not to mention that challenge means evolution so we should never retreat from it. What we can do is learn how to channel this celestial energy into its purest form instead of squandering it on impulse. This is one of astrology’s greatest gifts. The more we learn about ourselves and the natural rhythms of the Universe, the better we understand optimal conditions for their operation. With Leo, for example, we learn that the best release is through dancing, music, art, laughing. Distract yourself as you would a child.
Focusing on negative qualities doesn’t elevate us to a higher consciousness, so let’s talk about Leo’s superpower: will power. The only thing standing between you and what you want/need is will power, or lack thereof. I am fascinated by internal blockages. We all know from personal experience that they are very real and can eventually manifest in the body as pain, tightness or even serious illness. The locus and origin of blockages are elusive nonetheless. We know logically that taking steps to better our life will…better our life. So why do we languish on the couch, feeling sorry about all the things we wish we were doing instead?
The answer is different for everyone. For some, will power is not an issue and never has been, and you may very well be a Leo. One karmic purpose behind incarnation as a Leo is to teach others the secrets of will. Will power is beautiful not just because it propels us into action, but in so doing, it also erases our pain and leads us to understand that pain exists precisely so that it may be overcome.
So earthlings, whether you’re feeling elated or disappointed, manic or belligerent, smash it all together and set it free, get it out, let it sing. This cycle is about manifestation. If it doesn’t come out, it will continue to sit inside of you, either growing black and rotten (as does bottled anger) or restless and impatient (like brilliant ideas just waiting for your green light). We stay where we are because we are comfortable, we like things calm and familiar, and we fear what our tongues and hands will do when they are finally given permission to shake loose their fetters. I know you all have unique and creative ways to express what you’re feeling, why would you hide it from the rest of the world? Your gifts are not for you - they were given to you so that they may be shared <3
Prepare for a potent full moon…! Open your heart with Leo Yoga.
Mantra: I love myself
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