Leo Season: Leading with an Open Heart
As we step into Leo season and the fixed energy of Summer, we find ourselves basking in the glow of the Sun’s full force as the center of our solar system and a powerful symbol throughout human history of vitality, leadership, and self-expression.
Leo, ruled by the Sun, represents a time when our inner light is also called to shine brightly, guiding us to explore and embrace our unique essence.
This season, spanning from July 23rd to August 22nd , invites us to connect with the symbolism of the Sun and understand how it reflects in our bodies, minds, and spirits.
The Sun: The Cosmic Magnet
The Sun, a colossal and hot star, embodies the qualities of warmth, radiance, and magnetism.
Its gravitational pull orchestrates the movements of the planets and shapes the dynamics of everything around us, in the universe and here on Earth.
The Sun provides the warmth and light essential for sustaining life, driving photosynthesis in all plants and algae, and regulating the climates patterns.
For us, its presence marks the passage of time, from the rise and fall of the day to the cyclical changes of the year.
The Sun’s influence is impactful and omnipresent, extending its reach into the very fabric of existence. This is why every culture has worshipped and charted its patterns, often referring to it as a deity or creator.
On an individual level, this gas giant symbolizes the core of our identity, the essence of who we are at our most fundamental level. It represents our ego, our sense of self, and the central force that drives our individuality. Just as the Sun is central to the solar system, it’s season, herbs, and foods are also central to our own personal universe, shaping our life force, self-expression, and creative endeavors.
The Element of Fire
The peak of summer and the Sun’s radiance is a time when the element of fire is at its most vibrant. The fire element is associated with warmth, energy, and passion. It also represents the souls radiance and the body’s digestive and vital functions. In medical astrology, it is connected to the heart and the blood, which work together to regulate our body's energy and sustain us. During the summer months, when the fire element is dominant, it's crucial to nourish our bodies and minds to prevent overheating and imbalance.
Excessive heat, whether internal or external, can lead to inflammation, irritability, and digestive issues. An excess of fire can also disrupt the heart's function, leading to symptoms like restlessness, anxiety, or insomnia, and can also impair the body's digestive and vital functions.
The Spine and the Heart
In our bodies, we see the Sun’s symbolism mirrored strongly in the function of the spine and the heart.
The spine, often referred to as the body's "central column," supports our entire physical structure, much like how the Sun aligns and sustains all of the planets and life on Earth.
The heart, known as the monarch of the body, is central to our emotional and physical well-being. It governs circulation and is considered the seat of our emotional intelligence and vitality. With an electromagnetic field that extends far outside the body, sensitive to the vibrations of all it comes into contact with, it is the heart that truly leads and guides us, not the brain.
For example, in Traditional Chinese Medicine, the heart is seen as the Emperor, ruling over the body's various systems and ensuring balance and harmony in the entire body!
The heart is not only responsible for pumping blood throughout the body but also plays a crucial role in governing the mind and spirit. It is believed to house the "Shen," which translates to the spirit or consciousness. Just as an emperor oversees his realm, the heart oversees the emotional and psychological aspects of our being, shaping the landscape of our moods, thoughts, and perceptions.
Nature’s Abundance
The summer’s heat and brightness are a vivid representation of the warmth and clarity that this season brings us.
This season calls us to radiate kindness and enthusiasm, allowing our inner light to shine brightly.
The clear, sunlit skies also offer a metaphor for illumination and clarity, urging us to seek a deeper understanding of our true selves and to lead with authenticity and confidence.
Around us, birds become more vocal, their songs a joyful expression that reflects the lively spirit defining this time of year. Similarly, deer, squirrels, and insects, are more active, foraging and interacting. This burst of energy among the animal kingdom serves as a reminder to embrace our own creativity and joy. Just like our animal family, we too are encouraged to channel our own enthusiasm into our own creative pursuits and joyful activities.
Herbs and Foods for Leo Season
Herbs and foods associated with Leo tend to share vibrant, bold colors like red, orange, and gold, reflecting their connection to the Sun and fire. They often grow in sunny, open spaces, soaking up warmth and radiating vitality. Many have round or radiating shapes, symbolizing the heart, circulatory energy, and the Sun’s life-giving power. Despite their fiery association, they work to harmonize excess fire in the body by promoting hydration, soothing inflammation, or calming emotional stress.
Rue (Ruta graveolens)
Rue has long been regarded as a powerful herb in European and Mediterranean folklore. It was known as the "herb of grace," used to ward off evil spirits, curses, and disease.
The ancient Romans and Greeks used rue both as a culinary herb and a protective charm, enhancing their mental clarity and creativity, and helping to make wise decisions. In Christian traditions, rue was sprinkled during exorcisms and was thought to bring divine protection and courage.
Recipe: Rue Oil for Protection
Place a handful of dried rue in a clean, dry glass jar. Pour 1 cup of olive oil (or any carrier oil) over the rue, ensuring all the plant material is fully submerged. Seal the jar tightly and place it in a sunny windowsill for 2-4 weeks to infuse. The Sun's energy will enhance rue’s fiery protective properties. Shake the jar gently every few days to help release the oils and active compounds from the plant. After 2-4 weeks, strain the oil through a fine mesh or cheesecloth, discarding the plant material. Store the oil in a clean, dark glass bottle. Apply a small amount of rue-infused oil to your wrists or heart area before engaging in stressful situations or when you need extra courage and protection. Massage a small amount of oil onto your stomach and abdomen in circular motions to relieve indigestion, gas, or bloating.
Caution: never use during pregnancy, as it can stimulate uterine contractions.
St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)
St. John’s Wort is best known for its use as a natural antidepressant and mood stabilizer. The herb contains several active compounds, including hypericin and hyperforin, which have antidepressant and anti-inflammatory effects. These compounds help regulate neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which are crucial for mood balance.
Historically, St. John’s Wort was used in European folk medicine and magic for its protective properties. It was believed to ward off evil spirits, demons, and negative energy. People would hang the plant in their homes or carry it to protect themselves from harm.
Recipe: St. John’s Wort Oil
Pour 1 cup of olive oil (or any carrier oil) over dried flowers, ensuring that they are completely submerged. Stir gently to release any air bubbles. Seal the jar and place it in a sunny spot for 4-6 weeks. The sunlight will infuse the oil with the healing properties of the flowers. After the infusion period, strain the oil through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean, dark glass bottle. Apply the oil to cuts, burns, rashes, or dry skin for its anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. Use the oil in a gentle massage over the heart or solar plexus area to ease emotional stress, lift your mood, and boost courage.
Caution: St. John’s Wort can cause photosensitivity, meaning it may make the skin more prone to sunburn when applied topically.
Hawthorn Berry (Crataegus spp.)
Hawthorn berries have a well-documented history of use in both European and Chinese herbal medicine, particularly for their cardioprotective properties. In Western herbalism, hawthorn is revered as one of the best herbs for heart health. It has been used to treat conditions such as high blood pressure, angina, heart arrhythmias, and general heart weakness.
The berries are rich in flavonoids and oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs), both of which support blood vessel integrity, improve circulation, and reduce inflammation in the cardiovascular system.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), shan zha (hawthorn) is commonly used to aid digestion and promote blood circulation. It is particularly helpful for addressing food stagnation in the stomach and small intestine, especially from fatty or greasy foods.
Recipe: Hawthorn Berry Syrup
Place 1 cup of dried (2 cups fresh) hawthorn berries and 3 cups of water in a pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, until the liquid has reduced by half. Strain the berries through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, pressing down to extract as much liquid as possible. Return the liquid to the pot and add 1 cup of honey. Simmer gently until the mixture thickens slightly into a syrupy consistency, about 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool. Take 1-2 teaspoons daily to support heart function and circulation.
Caution: Hawthorn is generally considered safe, but it may interact with certain heart medications, such as beta-blockers or blood pressure medications.
Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
In Turtle Island’s Indigenous medicine traditions, various tribes have used species of marigold for treating wounds, burns, and skin infections. Calendula plants are also used in sweat lodge rituals to purify the body and bring physical and spiritual healing.
Calendula’s carotenoids, the pigments responsible for its bright orange and yellow color, have antioxidant properties that protect cells from oxidative stress. This helps explain why calendula is beneficial not only for the skin but also for internal healing, as it reduces inflammation and protects tissues.
Recipe: Calendula Oil
Pour 1 cup of olive oil (or any carrier oil) over 1 cup of flowers, ensuring they are fully submerged. Seal the jar tightly and place it in a sunny windowsill or warm spot for 4-6 weeks. The warmth and sunlight will help extract the beneficial compounds from the calendula flowers. Shake the jar every few days to ensure the flowers remain submerged and the oil continues to infuse. Store the oil in a cool, dark place to preserve its potency. Apply the calendula oil to cuts, scrapes, burns, rashes, or dry skin. It helps soothe inflammation, promotes tissue regeneration, and prevents infection.
Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus)
The name Shatavari translates to "she who has a hundred husbands," symbolizing its role in promoting vitality, reproductive health, and longevity. As a cooling herb, it helps balance the fire element in the body, particularly by soothing inflammation and calming the digestive system.
Recipe: Shatavari Infused Ghee
In a small pan, gently melt 1 cup of ghee over low heat. Once the ghee is melted, add 2tbsp of Shatavari powder and 1tsp of cardamom powder. Stir the mixture continuously for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat. Once cool, pour the infused ghee into a clean glass jar and store it at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to a month.
Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus)
Native to Africa, watermelon has been cultivated for over 5,000 years and was prized in ancient Egypt, where it was depicted in hieroglyphics and even placed in tombs for sustenance in the afterlife.
Its ability to relieve heat, especially in the digestive system and heart, aligns it with the fire element, as it helps to balance excess fire in the body.
Recipe: Cooling Watermelon Salad
In a large bowl, combine 4 cups of watermelon cubes and 1 cup of cucumber slices. Add 1/4 cup of chopped mint leaves. Squeeze juice of 2 limes over the watermelon and cucumber mixture, then sprinkle with sea salt. Toss the salad gently to combine all the ingredients. For an extra flavor boost, you can add crumbled feta or a light dusting of chili powder.
Beets (Beta vulgaris)
In ancient Rome, beets were associated with Aphrodite, the goddess of love, as they were believed to enhance fertility and passion.
In medieval times, beets were considered a remedy for a variety of ailments, particularly those related to digestion, the heart, and blood purification.
Recipe: Beet and Citrus Salad
Roast or steam the beets until tender (about 45 minutes to 1 hour for roasting, or 30 minutes for steaming). Let them cool, then slice thinly. Peel and slice the citrus fruits into rounds, removing any seeds. Arrange the beet and citrus slices on a serving plate, alternating layers for a colorful presentation. Scatter the thinly sliced red onion over the top. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, then season with salt and pepper.
Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)
Tomatoes are now integral to many cuisines, particularly Italian, Mexican, and Mediterranean, but their journey from the Ancient Aztec societies to widespread acceptance took time. Initially, Europeans grew tomatoes as ornamental plants because they believed the fruit was toxic.
Tomatoes are renowned for their high content of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that gives the fruit its red color. Lycopene can reduce the risk of chronic diseases, including heart disease and certain cancers, especially prostate cancer.
Recipe: Roasted Tomato and Garlic Spread
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place halved tomatoes, cut side up, on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Nestle the garlic head on the sheet, drizzling a little olive oil over both the garlic and tomatoes. Sprinkle the tomatoes with salt and pepper. Roast in the oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the tomatoes are softened and slightly caramelized, and the garlic is golden and tender. Remove the garlic from its skin and mash the roasted garlic cloves into a paste. In a bowl, combine the roasted tomatoes and garlic paste, mashing them together to create a smooth spread. Add a drizzle of olive oil if needed for texture.
Figs (Ficus carica)
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, figs are known as wu hua guo and are a cooling food that helps clear heat, moisten the lungs, and tonify the spleen and stomach. They are often used to treat conditions associated with dryness and heat, such as dry cough, sore throat, and indigestion.
Recipe: Fig and Walnut Salad
Begin by lightly toasting 1/2 cup of raw walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until they are golden and fragrant. Set aside to cool. In a small bowl, whisk together 2Tbsp of olive oil, 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 tsp of maple syrup, salt, and pepper to create the dressing. In a large bowl, toss 3 cups of mixed greens with the dressing until evenly coated. Arrange the quartered figs and toasted walnuts on top of the greens, adding the vegan feta if desired.
