Develop Fierce Confidence
Leo (July 21-August 22)
Connect with your powerful Sun-self and radiate your light out into the world
Leo is a positive, fiery sign, ruled by the Sun. Its keywords are creatively and joyfully. Traditionally Leo is associated with the father. The parts of the body that are associated with Leo are the heart and the spine. The sign has a regal nature, reflected in its favoured royal colours which are scarlet and gold.
In the Leo-inspired yoga practice in the Yoga by the Stars book, we aim to build fierce, unshakeable confidence, in tandem with a compassionate, loving, heart. We draw our inspiration in the practice from, on the one hand, the strength and courage of a lion, and on the other, the lionesses’ ability to cooperate lovingly with other lionesses in her pride. Our intention is to build a strength that is tempered by love. It’s the go-to yoga practice whenever you need to be nurtured and empowered. It's a grounding, sunny, strengthening practice, that increases confidence and courage.
Leo’s ruler-ship by the Sun is celebrated in the practice by including energising, revitalising sun imagery. we visualise a sun, radiating warmth and energy at the solar plexus chakra (Manipura); and we use the empowering seed-mantra, RAM, which is associated with this chakra. This is our lion’s roar. We also include flowing yoga sequences (vinyasas); incorporating yoga poses such as Fierce Pose (Utkatasana) and modified press-ups, to build up mental and physical strength. And of course we include the playfully fierce Lion Pose (Simhasana).
Yoga helps you to stand tall and to find the courage in your heart to follow your true path in life. Sometimes yoga is quiet and reflective, at other times it prompts you to roar like a lion and to defend what you believe in. The reflective side of your yoga practice puts you in touch with what is true for you; whereas the active side of your practice requires you to give voice to that truth, and that is your lion’s roar.
In the Leo-inspired yoga practice in the Yoga by the Stars book, we aim to build fierce, unshakeable confidence, in tandem with a compassionate, loving, heart. We draw our inspiration in the practice from, on the one hand, the strength and courage of a lion, and on the other, the lionesses’ ability to cooperate lovingly with other lionesses in her pride. Our intention is to build a strength that is tempered by love. It’s the go-to yoga practice whenever you need to be nurtured and empowered. It's a grounding, sunny, strengthening practice, that increases confidence and courage.
Leo’s ruler-ship by the Sun is celebrated in the practice by including energising, revitalising sun imagery. we visualise a sun, radiating warmth and energy at the solar plexus chakra (Manipura); and we use the empowering seed-mantra, RAM, which is associated with this chakra. This is our lion’s roar. We also include flowing yoga sequences (vinyasas); incorporating yoga poses such as Fierce Pose (Utkatasana) and modified press-ups, to build up mental and physical strength. And of course we include the playfully fierce Lion Pose (Simhasana).
Yoga helps you to stand tall and to find the courage in your heart to follow your true path in life. Sometimes yoga is quiet and reflective, at other times it prompts you to roar like a lion and to defend what you believe in. The reflective side of your yoga practice puts you in touch with what is true for you; whereas the active side of your practice requires you to give voice to that truth, and that is your lion’s roar.
Leo-inspired Meditation Questions
- Which aspects of yoga do I find helpful for improving my self-confidence and developing an unshakeable belief in myself?
- How comfortable am I with owning my own authority and expertise, and sharing it with others?
- Am I prepared to stand up for myself when others unfairly challenge my authority?
- What ideas do I have for collaborating and cooperating with others to work towards a shared vision?
Leo: Develop fierce confidence, voice your truth with your lion's roar! Own your expertise,connect with your powerful Sun-self, and radiate your light out into the world. Build powerful, cooperative connections with others.