Leo Season

If you’re involved in nature photography or stargazing circles online, you may have seen an influx of beautiful photos of the milkyway. These beautiful galactic clouds are considered to be the core of our galaxy and it is best seen in the summer time in an area with little to no light pollution including the illumination of the moon. Which means as the light of the moon wanes to complete darkness for the Leo new moon, this next week will be a prime time to view this beautiful night sky. Here is a great post on how to photograph the milkyway!

The constellation of Leo is one of the earliest recognized constellations, with evidence showing it had been mapped out by Mesopotamians around 4000 BCE. As it grew to different cultures over time, the legends of the great lion in the sky expanded. The most popular myth comes from the Greeks and the story of the first labor of Hercules.

In this labor Hercules is sent on a quest to battle and skin the indestructible Nemean Lion; a ferocious beast that lived in Peloponnese mountains and terrorized the city of Nemea. This lion was a virtually impossible to defeat, with arrows literally bouncing off his impenetrable fur. Eventually, Hercules thought to strategize taking on the monster with his bare hands and managed to choke the lion to death.

Even after death, the struggle to skin the lion was a task in itself. No mortal or Godly blade could cut through it’s skin and fur, but with the help of Athena Hercules discovered it’s own claws would get the job done.

The lion was then sacrificed to Zeus and placed among the stars.

This year we begin Leo staring at
4:07 PM EST July 22, 2022 and ending at
3:15 AM EST August 23, 2022.

It’s between these times that the Sun makes it’s annual transit through the constellation of Leo. Those born between these dates may find resonance in the character archetype of the Lion; courageous, bold, prideful, fiercely protective, majestic, and affectionate. This sign is masculine which means the energy it gives is very outward, and as a fire sign it tends to be very intense, and passionate. Leo placements are creative, flamboyant, and are always ready to put on a show. They thrive on praise and recognition, and need to be in the spotlight, but come in between them and their Pride (the people they love) and you’ll soon regret it.

For any sign it is worthy to note the place it holds in your chart, and honor that in whatever way makes sense to you. In this instance think about the things Leo represents, where it’s placed, and what that means for you.

For example: a very simplified way to talk about my Leo placements is that my Mercury is in Leo in my 11th house. This shows up in the way I communicate, and the way I present myself in my social circles. I can be dominating of conversations, and my squared aspects in this placement can cause this to be more chaotic than it needs to be. My Mercury is also sextile to my midheaven showing that the performative energy of Leo is very much tied to how I show up in society, and how I conduct myself in business, which is ruled by the airy Gemini and what does air do to fire? In case anyone wanted a bit of a deeper look at why I am the way that I am!!!

Things Leo Rules:

Color: Yellow,and Gold 
Animal: Lions 
Plants: Chamomile, Sunflower, Marigold, Eyebright, Saffron  
Celestial Body: Sun
Body Parts: heart, back (spine), circulatory system, spleen, hair.
House: 5th House 
Stones: Sunstone, Carnelian, Tigers Eye, Rose Quartz, Ruby, Peridot 

Your personal planets in Leo:

The Sun is the ruling celestial body of Leo, and they make this known. The universe does indeed revolve around them, and they will take the stage of life with their main character energy and own it. Leo sun is the complete embodiment of this sign. They have courage, they are bold, they are beautiful. And don’t touch their hair.

If your moon is in Leo this may actually be pulling more on your protective nature than other attributes. The moon tugs at our emotions, and is ruled by Cancer, as we’ve discussed is very protective in nature as well. Leo moons also hyper fixate on perfectionism, and need constant praise to feel like they are doing well with the goals they have set out to accomplish. This can come off as overly dramatic, and selfish.

A Leo Venus is naturally flirtatious, and boastful over what they have. Venus is about love, and values. So what a Leo Venus holds value in becomes the most important things to have. They strive for ultimate greatness and have the tenacity to get what they want out of life. If you’re lucky enough to have a Leo Venus, just know that you were chosen by them and hold significant importance in their lives.

A Leo Mercury leads the way. They are the planners and organizers of epic vacations. They are the life of the party, the charismatic friend that naturally draws a crowd with their voice and the things they have to say. You might not know why you want to stop and listen to a Leo mercury talk, but somehow you end up doing so. Leo mercury’s take pride in their voice, and their need for adventure.

Leo in Mars is fueled by the cardinal fiery energy of Aries. This is a potent placement full of passion, and drive. A Leo Mars is determined at all costs to live their best life. They are charismatic, entertaining, and expressive. A Leo mars climbs up ladders in all aspects of their lives and show up as leaders of the pride. Don’t be surprised to find a Leo Mars in a CEO position.