Leo

Our Fixed Fire Vivacious, theatrical and passionate leaders.

Represented by the lion, these spirited beings are the kings and queens of the celestial jungle and they are absolutely delighted to embrace their royal status. Time to roll out the red carpet because Leo has arrived ~ They love to bask in the spotlight and celebrate themselves. These lion hearts are natural leaders who enjoy cultivating friendships and romances that are artistically and creatively inspired.

Leo is ruled by the sun, the dazzling celestial body that governs life and vitality. The sun never goes retrograde, and likewise, Leos are renowned for their stability, loyalty, and consistency. They are dedicated friends and lovers who put their hearts into every relationship. (Fittingly, the Leo sign governs the heart.)

This fixed sign is known for its ambition and determination, but above all, Leos are celebrated for their remarkable bravery. In tarot, Leo is represented by the “strength” card, which depicts the divine expression of physical, mental, and emotional fortitude. Fearless optimists who refuse to accept failure, Leos will find their deep wells of courage grow as they mature.

Latin for Lion, is the fifth sign of the zodiac. The constellation Leo is associated with the mythological Nemean lion. The lion is a very important and prominent symbol in Greek mythology with its opposite sign being Aquarius.

Leo was one of the earliest recognized constellations, with archaeological evidence that the Mesopotamians had a similar constellation as early as 4000 BCE. Egyptians worshiped the constellation, which they referred to as “Knem”, because it was present during the flooding of the Nile River. This event signified plentiful harvests for the upcoming year, and the people interpreted it as a gift from the earth. Leo remains one of the 88 modern constellations today, and one of the most easily recognizable due to its many bright stars and a distinctive shape that is reminiscent of the crouching lion it depicts. The lion’s mane and shoulders also form an asterism known as “The Sickle,” which to modern observers may resemble a backwards “question mark.”

In Babylonian astronomy, the constellation was called UR.GU.LA, the “Great Lion”; the bright star Regulus was known as “the star that stands at the Lion’s breast.” Regulus also had distinctly regal associations, as it was known as the King Star.

In Greek mythology, Leo was identified as the Nemean Lion which was killed by Heracles during the first of his twelve labours. This Lion would take women as hostages to its lair in a cave, luring warriors from nearby towns to save the damsel in distress, to their misfortune. The Lion was impervious to any weaponry; thus, the warriors’ clubs, swords, and spears were rendered useless against it. Realizing that he must defeat the Lion with his bare hands, Hercules slipped into the Lion’s cave and when the Lion pounced, Hercules caught it in midair, one hand grasping the Lion’s forelegs and the other its hind legs, and bent it backwards, breaking its back and freeing the trapped maidens. Zeus commemorated this labor by placing the Lion in the sky.

Leos are the natural leaders of the zodiac, as magnificent and striking as the Lion that embodies their sign. Leos are radiantly joyful, liberal with their appeal and endowments. They are fiercely proud and confident. They love and live life to the fullest. Leos are also powerful, courageous, and eager to conquer everything they set their minds to. When Leos set a target for themselves, they stick to it with tenacity.

Big love to our Leo’s of the world!

The dance I have written to embody the positive and enchanting qualities of Leo is paired with the track Silver Lion by Tsar B:

https://tsarb.bandcamp.com/track/silver-lion

This is a two hour class, complete with a warm up and cool down. Enjoy!