5 Ways and 5 Yoga Poses to Embrace this Leo New Moon and Let Your Lion Shine
We’ve just wrapped up our SHINE Youth Yoga Camp this week! Something that all the little ones learned during camp is to keep shining bright – through how you care for your body, how you connect and communicate with others, and how you walk through the world altogether!
Well, sometimes – maybe all the time – adults need gentle reminders to shine bright too. Because we all have so much to offer in this world.
This week, serendipitously, is the New Moon in Leo. And Leo knows all about shining bright. Whether you’re a Leo or not, you still have Leo in your astrological birth chart, and you’re still a human on this planet! So no matter what, you’ll feel the effects of this Leo New Moon.
Learn more about how this Leo New Moon will affect your life, and how you can embody the energies of Leo and this new moon within your yoga practice this week.
Shine Bright Through Leo
Leo is a fire sign in the zodiac, ruled by the sun, and often referred to as the ‘father of the zodiac.’ This is because Leo signifies leadership through action, confidence, exuberance, perseverance, and determination.
With Leo ruled by the Sun, and the Sun being at the heart of our solar system, Leo is also considered to be a heart-centered sign – encouraging you to be present within your heart and exude your unique radiance from your heart.
Leo also rules over the fifth house in astrology, which is the creativity and children sector of your chart. This means that Leo will naturally encourage your creative expression, your connection with children as well as your own inner child.
Within your personal chart, where does Leo fall?
What house does Leo reside in?
When you look to your chart, wherever Leo falls within your chart is where this New Moon will ask you to examine where in this aspect of your life can you become more exuberant, more confident? Where can you release tension? How can you let go?
A Quick Recap of the Houses in Astrology
House 1: I am. Awareness of the self, outward appearance
House 2: I have. Personal resources, finances, possessions, values, skills
House 3: I think. Mental activity, immediate environment, learning, siblings, communication
House 4: I nurture. Inner world, parents, home, ancestral roots, inner security
House 5: I create. Personal creativity, romance, children, fun.
House 6: I serve. Daily life, work, health, service to others, self-improvement
House 7: I partner. Awareness of others, marriage, business partnerships.
House 8: I circulate. Shared resources, death, letting go, regeneration, shared finances.
House 9: I explore. Expanded horizons, higher education, philosophy, publishing, religion, travel, law.
House 10: I achieve. Outer world, career, status, reputation, vocational purpose.
House 11: I aspire. Group contributions, friends, groups, goals, aspirations.
House 12: I dream. Spiritual life, solitude, institutions, transcendence, self-sabotage.
Are you able to identify how this Leo New Moon could possibly show up in your life at this time?
Have you already been feeling the effects of this?
It is common to begin feeling the energies of the moon a week or so before it reaches its peak. As well, new moon energies are felt months afterwards.
New Moon in Leo Brings Delightful Surprises
This new moon in Leo is a unique one. Not only is the moon in Leo, but Venus is also in Leo. This ends up emphasizing the Leo qualities of confidence, romance, and dating.
However, while Leo loves taking action, a new moon will always ask us to pause and reflect for a moment. To examine what it is that’s working and what isn’t working and needs to be changed or removed.
With this examination and reflection, heart-centered Leo asks you to first become present within your heart space and reflect on yourself and your life through the lens of compassion, love, and patience, rather than criticism and judgment.
As you set new intentions during the Leo New Moon, do so with love and optimism, and without fear and desperation.
You may find that this Leo New Moon actually brings about some delightful surprises. With Uranus squaring the Sun and Moon at this time as well, you may find yourself reflecting on where you’re holding yourself back.
Leo wants to play and create and have fun with life. Sometimes our insecurities, doubts, and fears hold back that lion within. Uranus urges you to break free from the normal and the expected in order to find out more about yourself, your desires, and your passions.
Let your Leo shine through you.
Ways to Embrace the Leo Energy Within
Get creative!
Paint, dance, sing, create something! Think back to your childhood and how you used to have fun. Sometimes it’s all in the simplicity. It could be as simple as drawing with chalk, or swinging on a swingset. Whatever you do to create and express your creativity, embrace it during this time and have fun!
2. Move your body
With Leo being a fire sign and ruled by the Sun, it definitely enjoys turning up the heat. With whatever exercise routine you're being drawn to during this time, you may notice an increased desire to really get in a good sweat and get the heat building within the body. It can be a vinyasa yoga class, a HIIT workout, a good, long run… whatever feels right for you, listen to that inner lion.
3. Check-in with your inner child
Leo, while also associated with children, includes your own inner child. How can your inner child be tended to and nurtured during this time? Take a few moments out of your day to find silence and stillness, and to listen to the inner stirrings of yourself.
4. Step out of your comfort zone
Leo is brave and courageous. And with Uranus encouraging new visions, new habits, and breaking out from the old patterns, you may feel that urge to do something you’ve always wanted to do. Now is the time to embrace that confidence and curiosity for the world and take the leap!
5. Create an empowering mantra
It may sound simple and silly but sometimes we forget our inner power, strength, and resilience. Keep your confidence and light shining bright during this time by creating your own unique mantra. Something that will encourage and inspire you to step out of your comfort zone and embrace a new way of being that feels most aligned.
Yoga for the Fierce Lion Within
Yoga can help you to find your center and presence within your heart space during this time. And Leo energy loves some great heart-opening asanas. Try these juicy heart-openers during your asana practice this week. Notice how it feels!
Low Crescent Lunge or Crescent Lunge
Begin in plank pose. Bring your right foot forward and lift your arms overhead. Keep your hips sinking low while your heart reaches forward. Option to place your left knee down to the mat for low crescent lunge. Switch sides when ready.
Camel Pose
Begin kneeling. Inhale your arms overhead. Exhale them either to your lower back as you arch backward, or with one hand on one heel while the other hand is on your lower back, or with both hands on both heels, chest reaching forward and up.
Dancer Pose
Begin standing in mountain pose. Bring your right foot behind you and grab your inner right foot with your right hand. Bring your heel towards your hip. Inhale your left arm overhead and as you exhale, fold forward as you kick your right foot into your right palm. Switch sides when you’re ready.
Reverse Warrior
Begin in Warrior II. Front knee is bent at a right-angle. Back foot is flat and parallel to the back of your mat. Hips are facing the long end of your mat. As your arms extend out on either side, flip your front palm to the ceiling and as you exhale, bring your front arm up to the sky and reaching over your head. Your back hand rests lightly on your back leg.
Upward Facing Dog/Cobra
Begin laying on your stomach. Place your hands under your shoulders. Inhale, lift your chest off the mat. Option to keep your knees on the mat for cobra pose, or lift your knees and hips off the mat as you push into the tops of your feet, into upward facing dog.
