Embodying the Leo Archetype
By no means am I an astrologer, however, I am a practitioner of the old ways and deeply feel connected to nature and the cosmos and believe that we humans, as a micro of the macro, are inevitably affected by what is happening externally.
And regardless of whether the archetype of Leo (I interpret the zodiac signs as archetypes) is your sun or rising sign, we all have this archetype somewhere in our natal chart; we are all a mini expression of the cosmos.
Now, how the Leo archetype shows up through you is unique to you and its placement in your chart.
So, whether you are feeling called to connect with this archetype from a place of intuition or it’s Leo season (7/23-8/22) or some planetary transit is happening in there, here are some practices and queries to keep in mind to call forth the benevolent qualities of the Lion/ Lioness energy:
Tend to your digestive fire: Leo is a fire sign that fuels inspiration but when the digestive fire (our capacity to digest and integrate substance, experience, thought, and emotions) is low or disturbed, it can’t do its job well, hindering the flame of inspiration this archetype bestows
Connect with the Manipura Chakra or Solar Plexus energy center (energetic center behind the navel): feel the breath in this area and visualize a flame the size of your thumb there, golden with hues of blue and purple, and as you steady your breath, feel as if this flame grows in its stability and integrity, calling back any misplaced or disturbed fire energy (personal power) to be renewed in the energetic seat of fire
Contemplate and journal what it would feel like and look like to show up in your life in your full radiance (being you), courageous, confident yet humble, expressive, inspired, soft yet strong, taking the lead (set aside cultural conditioning and remember that being in your full radiance doesn’t mean always being on and happy, it means honoring your needs for rest, authentic expression, safety, compassion, nourishment, connection, tending to emotions, etc.)?
Explore Yoga Asana practices that incorporate twists and heart openers to release excess heat and tend to the spine and heart (associated with Leo)
Practice Shitali Pranayama to cool vitiated Leo which may look like judgement, criticism, poor use of power, anger, frustration, inflammation, jealousy, trouble taking the lead
Give lions breath a try
Remember to savor the good right in front of you, even if it’s just a deep breath, a flower, or a cup of tea- so often future thinking, a scarcity mindset, long to-do lists, and scattered inspiration can steal us from the present moment and the joy and enoughness that live in the here and now, vitiating the fire elements
Let go of the idea of perfect- the perfect time, the perfect way, the perfect result, the perfect whatever- it DOESN’T exist and it will only deplete and dwindle the flame of inspiration
Give yourself permission to be where you are, without it having to be right or wrong, but rather 2% more okay, creating space to soften and stoke the fire wanting to express through you
Acknowledge the inherent truth that your life and soul journey is noble, regardless of external circumstances and internal disturbances- how do you want to live your noble life?
There is so much more that could be said for tending to and embodying the Leo archetype but an exhaustive list is usually not helpful.
If you are struggling to embrace and embody this aspect of your being and feel that it is hindering your potential, resilience, and purpose- let’s connect to see if our private sessions rooted in holistic well-being and spiritual exploration feel resonant.
https://www.innerwovenwellness.com/holistic-counseling
In radiance,
Ashlyn