Are these self-aggrandizing opportunities to satisfy our ego, or do we yearn for the limelight to serve the higher good of others? This is a key question in this matter, as reflecting the higher-side expression of Leo and honoring the highest in all through your gifts is the best way for us to shine. As we tune up our leadership roles, it’s important to make sure we are not burning ourselves out, as the candle that burns to hot and too fast quickly leaves us in darkness.
In order to find the balance here, I think of the Hermit from the Tarot, who stands cloaked as the wise elder, shining star in hand, ready to guide those that need a light to escape from the dark. The Hermit is similar to the figure of Gandalf from the Lord of the Rings, whose mission is to serve the highest good, even while serving the individuals in the fellowship. However, the role as a leader also requires us to rest and recharge, and few things are better to aid us in this than the light of the full moon. The ritual below helps you utilize the Leonine Moon’s energy to fuel your own inner light.
Along with this lunation, we have a tight relationship with Chiron, the wounded healer, who further amplifies this moon’s encouragement for us to step forward into our leadership gifts. Now is the time both to shine and create balance so that you may shine more brightly and more consistently. This aspect may stir things up within you that prevent you from stepping easefully into you power. That’s okay! Chiron calls us to look at our challenges in order to learn from them. Because we cannot teach others what we have not yet already learned for ourselves.
Another aspect here with Mars, Juno & Venus suggests a shakeup in love relationships…but only if the shake up is meant to occur. If it seems like a surprise that things are going awry, draw back and gain some perspective. You might see that this has been brewing for sometime, and it just took an energetic nudge to burst loose. Do your best to soften around the issue (Mars often hardens us, which doesn’t help in these situations), and see how it resolves in a way that ultimately is for the best.
Ritual to recharge & reignite:
As a fire sign, Leo burns hot and bright. In order to fuel this fire while avoiding burnout, the key is to stoke a quiet flame with consistency and the right fuel. This ritual brings this energy to life, allowing you to show up as a leader or mentor, own your power, and remain in alignment with the highest good.
Gather crystals (topaz, citrine, yellow jasper and clear quartz are good choices), sage, sweet grass or palo santo for burning, and find a symbol that represents your role as a mentor. This full moon is showering us with Leonine limelight, and as such, make sure you have a candle (or several) on hand to burn during the ritual. Set your items in an organized way within your space (perhaps in a circle, with you in the middle) and light your candle. As you sit quietly amongst the fire light, allow it to recharge you. It also charges up your symbol at the same time. Consider your leadership role and say the following invocation out loud:
Chiron & the Moon, light my inner fire so that the flame may burn off the impurities that block my power, allowing me to step fully into my role as mentor, shining light on others.
Quietly reflect on this invocation as you continue to feel the light shining upon you. Use your hands to “take in” the candle flame, by brushing your hands (at a safe distance) over the flame and drawing it’s energy toward you. Allow it to wash over you and take as much as you need during this process. Finally, hold your symbol in your hands, and bring your hands to prayer as you give thanks for this super-charged symbol that reflects your goals as a leader. Close the ritual by cleansing yourself with the sage, sweetgrass or palo santo (encircling your body three times with the smoke). Chant Om three times and offer a moment of gratitude. Snuff the candle.
By Alanna Kaivalya
Alanna believes Yoga is for everyone and each student can develop the self-empowerment needed to embark on a personal journey to meaningful transformation. On this principle she founded The Kaivalya Yoga Method, a fresh take on yoga emphasizing the individual path while honoring tradition. Teaching students since 2001, teachers since 2003, Alanna has written and developed teacher trainings worldwide for top studios and independently. In January she debuted a comprehensive 200hr-online teacher training with YogaDownload. She holds a Ph.D. in Mythological Studies with an Emphasis in Depth Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute, has authored numerous articles and two books: Myths of the Asanas, an accessible practitioner’s guide to stories behind beloved poses; Sacred Sound, a yoga “hymnal,” illustrating the role of chant and mantra in modern practice. Look for her third book, Yoga Beyond the Mat, in Autumn 2016.She lives in New York City with Roxy the Wonderdog.
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