Leo Season: Leading with an Open Heart
The Sun: The Cosmic Magnet
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.