ORIGINS OF THE ZODIAC
THE MYTHOLOGY OF LEO
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Latin Name: Leo meaning 'lion'
Constellation: Leo
Archetype: The Great Lion
Associations: Heracles, Sehkmet
Planetary Ruler: The Sun |
The constellation Leo is one of the most widely recognized patterns in the night sky. Its visibility gives Leo a prestigious, royal flair, and its connection to kings and king-making extends back into some of the earliest historical records. In fact, Leo’s brightest star, Regulus, was called Sharru, or 'the King' in ancient Mesopotamia. Staring at the heavens today, our imagination is still activated when we gaze upon Leo, the lion, the king of beasts.
Babylonians knew Leo as UR.GU.LA., the Great Lion, a depiction shared by cultures spanning Persia, India and the Levant. A popular motif in artwork, lions feature in ancient pottery, temple reliefs, statues, coinage, and crests, stylized to display their power, regal prowess, and association with the sun.
CONNECTION TO LEO
LEO: THE LION
In Egypt, the presence of the Leo constellation during Nile flooding linked Leo to power as well as destruction. Sehkmet, the lion-headed goddess of the Egyptian pantheon, was similarly associated with Nile flooding, the sun, protection and warfare.
The Greek mythology of Leo has its roots in the legend of Heracles, who, for the first of his twelve labors, was charged with slaying the Nemean lion. Heracles initially tried to kill the lion with arrows but found that its coat was impervious to mortal weapons. He eventually managed to defeat the beast by backing it into a cave and overpowering it with sheer strength. Heracles wore the skin of the lion both as a trophy and as protective armor in his subsequent trials.
THE DARING OF LEO
Leo is the fifth sign of the zodiac, corresponding with daring; harnessing willpower to make our unique creative mark on the world. Leo is the second fire sign, and its natives exemplify qualities like confidence, originality, and charisma. However, Leo is also the second fixed sign, so as much as Leo suns might be playful and dynamic, they can also be dramatic and averse to change.
Once we’ve discovered our inner fount of security in Cancer season, we can put ourselves 'out there', stepping into the limelight and publicly embracing our gifts and talents. We are visible, and this visibility may earn us prestige.
This is a season to pay more heed to our inner child and allow them to take center stage. The magic of the childlike mind, or beginner’s mind, is that it enables us to recognize opportunities where we otherwise would only see obstacles. Therefore, the sun’s transit through Leo celebrates and elevates those who honor their curiosity, follow their passions, and abandon stultifying safety nets to take risks. And if a risk is to be taken, it may as well be done with a theatrical twist! Leo season reminds us that courage and imagination are our best weapons. Much like Heracles, victory will only be achieved if we refuse to quit when our first attempts fail.
MYTHS AS MAPS
In the quiet pull of the stars, there lies a map - spiralling back to our origins where myths and mysteries once intertwined with breath and bone. Reconnecting with these ancient stories in the realm of astrology is like stepping into an old song, whose melody we somehow remember yet cannot fully place. Each constellation a whisper, each planet a pulse, guiding us through a universe that knows us deeper than we know ourselves.
Here, myths are not merely tales but ancestral truths, woven into the fabric of our being, inviting us to reclaim fragments of ourselves lost in the modern rush. In the language of the heavens, we find our names written across epochs, asking us to listen, to remember, to understand that the vastness above is mirrored within. To know the stars is, in a profound way, to know ourselves.
Working with Leo mythology
Working with Leo mythology lights a path of creativity, courage, and radiant self-expression. Here are three ways to weave this regal wisdom into your story:
1. Shine with the Lion’s majesty
Leo, crowned by the noble lion, embodies the courage to stand tall and the grace to lead with heart. Let this symbol guide you to step boldly into your light, embracing your unique gifts. Reflect on where your spirit shines — does your inner lion roar with pride or quietly await its moment to rise?
2. Draw inspiration from the Sun’s eternal flame
Ruled by the Sun, Leo carries the warmth of vitality, the brilliance of presence, and the unwavering fire of purpose. Look to myths of solar deities as maps to honour your inner radiance. Chart the places where you bring light to the world, balancing your glow with the gift of lifting others into their own.
3. Step onto the Hero’s stage
Leo connects to myths of heroic journeys and performers, like Hercules’ trials or Apollo’s golden lyre, where triumph is born of creativity and charisma. These stories call you to see life as your stage, a realm for bold and heartfelt expression. Reflect on how you live your tale — are you embracing the courage to inspire, creating a legacy of brilliance and love?
LEO JOURNALING PROMPTS
In your journal, let myth guide you to explore the below prompts during Leo Season.
1. If you didn’t succeed the first time, are you willing to try again?
Leo season rewards courage and confidence, so don’t give up! Consider a recent project or plan that went awry. This is your signal to approach it from a new angle. Using ordinary 'weapons' may not get you results, but strength and willpower will! Brainstorm your ideas here.
2. What creation would you birth into the world if you had limitless resources?
Remember, every creation begins with a spark of imagination. Your inner child can provide guidance on bringing it to life.
3. Are you ready to claim more space?
Where are you making yourself small or downplaying your talents? In your career? With your peers? Stepping into the spotlight may feel intimidating, but authenticity will connect you with an eager audience.
We all embody each of the twelve signs within us, share this with others in your life.
