Ritual 34: Monday, August 20, 2007

Waxing Moon

Leo is nearing her last roar before the sun moves into Virgo later this week. The zodiac's great lioness craves attention, thrives on praise. Whether or not your astrological make-up includes planets in this sign of fire, creativity, performance and leadership, you can pay homage to the archetype with a ritual of passionate self-appreciation.

You'll need an orange candle, a fire-safe bowl, a tiger's eye stone, some paper and something to write with.

The consummate rock star, Leo knows how to stand on stage and receive an audience's applause. Not everyone can handle that. How often do you duck away from praise and attention? Let Leo show you how it's done tonight!

Light the orange candle to invoke the spirit of the fiery Lion. You may even wish to let out a few growls or roars!

Lions live in groups called "prides." Pride is a characteristic often attributed to Leos. Use the paper and pen to write a letter of praise to yourself.

Start the letter, like so...

Dear [your name],
I am so proud of you for ________________.

Then write with a lion's pride. List everything -- and I mean everything -- you can think of that you're proud of yourself for. Go back as far as you like in your personal history. There may be accomplishments from the third grade that still want to be recognized. For some of us, just surviving early childhood trauma is an accomplishment! If that's that the case for you, then include it: "I'm so proud of you for making it through!"

Close your letter with some final words of praise. My inner lion wants to hear "You're awesome!" What does yours want to hear?

Place the tiger's eye into the fire-safe bowl. Say aloud:

I ask you to receive this praise.
As you receive this praise, so do I

Roll up your letter and light it with the flame from the orange candle. Hold it for as long as you can without burning your fingers. Let the ash fall onto the stone. While the paper burns you may want to roar or growl or chant.

When you can no longer safely hold the paper, drop it into the bowl. After the flame consumes the entire letter, swirl the tiger's eye around in the ash. Be sure to get it thoroughly coated. As you do, say aloud

With Moon's power and Leo's pride
Take these words deep inside
Turn yourself into my guide.
I say it is so, and so it is done.

Blow out the candle in one great powerful breath. Your tiger's eye stone now carries the power of this ritual. Wipe off the ash and add to your wallet, purse or mojo bag. Carry it with you to be reminded of what a rock star you are.

After the ritual, share your experience in our community section.