Get ready to roar because the New Moon in Leo is just around the corner on August 4th!
With both the Moon and Sun cozying up in the sign of the lion, the energy is perfect for embracing your inner royalty and shining brightly.
Leo is all about confidence, creativity, and a little bit of that fabulous drama we all secretly love.
So, let’s dive into an old pagan-style ritual that resonates with the powerful and regal energy of Leo. This ritual, known as the “Sun King’s Blessing,” is steeped in ancient traditions and perfectly aligns with Leo’s fiery spirit.
Sun King’s Blessing Ritual
What You’ll Need:
- A small cauldron or fire-safe bowl
- Dried herbs (rosemary, bay leaves, and chamomile work well)
- A gold or yellow candle
- A piece of parchment or paper
- A gold or yellow ribbon
- A feather (optional, for added symbolism)
Step-by-Step Ritual:
Prepare Your Sacred Space: Find a quiet spot where you won’t be disturbed. Set up your altar with the cauldron or fire-safe bowl in the center, surrounded by the herbs and the candle. Place the ribbon and parchment nearby.
Cast Your Circle: If you practice casting a circle, do so now. This can be as simple as visualizing a protective light surrounding you or walking in a circle while chanting a protective spell or sprinkling salt around you in a circle while doing the same… whatever resonates with you the most.
Invoke the Sun King: Light the gold or yellow candle and say, “I call upon the Sun King, ruler of light and warmth, to bless this ritual and fill it with your radiant energy. May your strength and courage be with me.”
Write Your Intentions: On the piece of parchment, write down your intentions or goals for this lunar cycle. Be clear and specific about what you want to manifest.
Create the Herbal Offering: Take the dried herbs and place them in the cauldron or bowl. As you do, say, “These herbs I offer to the Sun King, symbols of earth and growth. May they carry my intentions to the heavens.”
Burn and Release: Carefully burn the parchment with your written intentions in the cauldron or bowl. As the paper burns, visualize your intentions rising with the smoke, being carried to the universe. If you have a feather, you can wave it gently to help guide the smoke upward.
Tie the Ribbon: Once the parchment has burned completely, take the gold or yellow ribbon and tie it around your wrist or a special object, like a piece of jewelry. As you tie the ribbon, say, “With this ribbon, I bind my intentions to the power of the Sun King. May they grow and flourish.”
Close the Ritual: Spend a few moments in meditation, feeling the energy of the Sun King filling you with confidence and strength. When you’re ready, thank the Sun King and any other spirits or deities you called upon.
Close your Circle: Stand at the edge of your circle and thank the directions and any spirits or deities you invited for their presence and assistance. Starting in the west (or wherever you began casting your circle), move in a counterclockwise direction (also known as “widdershins”) around the circle, either walking or using a tool like an athame or wand to symbolically cut through the energy. As you move, visualize the protective boundary dissolving and the energy gently flowing back into the earth. You can say something like, “I release this circle, let the energy return to the earth, leaving this space cleansed and protected. So mote it be.” Once you’ve completed the circuit, take a deep breath, feeling grounded and centered, knowing your circle is closed and your space is back to normal.
Keep the Candle Burning: Allow the candle to burn down completely, or if you need to extinguish it, do so safely and relight it each night until the next Full Moon.
This ancient ritual is a beautiful way to honor the Leo New Moon and harness the potent energy it brings. Let the Sun King’s blessings guide you towards your goals with the strength and courage of a lion.
A Leo-Themed Breathing Exercise
Let’s add a little roar to our breathwork! This one’s called “Lion’s Breath” (Simhasana Pranayama), and it’s perfect for tapping into that fierce Leo energy.
Get Comfortable: Sit in a comfortable position, either on your knees or cross-legged.
Inhale Deeply: Take a deep breath in through your nose, filling your lungs completely.
Exhale Like a Lion: As you exhale, open your mouth wide, stick out your tongue, and let out a forceful “ha” sound, like a lion’s roar. Really go for it!
Repeat: Do this 5–7 times. Feel the release of any stagnant energy and the infusion of courage and vitality.
A Journal Prompt for Leo Energy
Grab your journal and let’s dive deep with a prompt that aligns with Leo’s vibe:
“What makes me feel most alive and confident? How can I incorporate more of these elements into my daily life?”
Spend some time reflecting on your answers. Let your pen flow freely and see what hidden desires and passions come to the surface.
A Visualization Meditation
Here’s a short visualization meditation to connect with the powerful energy of the Leo New Moon:
Find Your Space: Sit or lie down in a comfortable position. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths, relaxing your body with each exhale.
Visualize the Sun: Imagine a brilliant, golden sun at the center of your chest, radiating warmth and light. Feel its rays spreading throughout your body, filling you with confidence and strength.
Embrace Your Inner Lion: Picture yourself as a majestic lion, standing tall and proud. Feel the power in your muscles and the courage in your heart. You are fearless and radiant, ready to take on any challenge.
Set Your Intentions: Visualize your goals and dreams as if they are already achieved. See yourself living your best life, full of joy and success. Let this vision fill you with determination and excitement.
Return to the Present: Slowly bring your awareness back to your surroundings. Take a few more deep breaths, and when you’re ready, open your eyes, feeling empowered and energized.
An Affirmation to Shine
Lastly, let’s wrap up with a powerful affirmation to keep that Leo energy flowing:
“I am a beacon of light and creativity. My heart is open, my spirit is free, and I embrace my unique brilliance every day.”
This Leo New Moon is all about stepping into your power, letting your true self shine, and having a bit of fun along the way. So go ahead, embrace your inner lion, and let your light dazzle the world!
Best wishes and may your intentions shine brightly under the Leo Moon!