Throughout the year, it is important to be aware of the needs of your astrological sign and of the unique impacts that affect all people during the various seasons of each astrological sign. Yoga is one practice that can be particularly useful for balancing the needs of your astrological sign and encouraging your natural internal qualities to shine forward.

The astrological sign Leo (July 23^rd to August 22^nd) is governed by the element of fire, ruled by the sun, and symbolized by the lion. The symbol of the lion emphasizes the internal qualities of the Leo of pride and courage. Leos are natural leaders that exude self-confidence, creativity, and passion, but they can also be arrogant, stubborn, and self-centered at times. Leos are often in search of greater self-awareness but may also neglect the needs of others along the way. This astrological sign is connected physically with the heart, spine, and chest, so yoga poses that target these body regions are very energizing for Leos. Due to the connection with the heart, Leos also tend to be generous and warm-hearted. Leo is also associated with the color orange, which is connected with the second chakra in the yoga subtle body, so yoga poses that stabilize this chakra can be balancing for Leos as well.

The Top 6 Yoga Poses for Leo Season

1.   Lion Pose (Simhasana)

Since Leo is symbolized by the lion, lion pose is the best yoga pose to help you embody your astrological sign and build up the internal qualities of this sign within you. By connecting with your inner lion-like nature, you can grow your natural self-confidence and courage, embodying a ferocious and fierce lion so that you can take on any obstacle that comes your way. This yoga pose also stimulates the groin which is connected physically with the second chakra and can work at building your inner passion and creativity.

2.   Camel Pose (Ustrasana)

Camel pose is a deep heart-opening posture which can be very balancing internally and encourage a deeper inner opening for Leos. Leos are naturally open in their hearts, so by further stretching and stimulating the chest in this yoga pose, you can work on balancing and controlling your heart and further deepening the connections between your body, mind, and soul. This pose is also a difficult pose to hold for longer periods of time and can challenge Leos' stubborn nature by encouraging them to work on developing greater patience and acceptance.

3.   Reclined Bound Angle Pose (Supta Baddha Konasana)

Reclined bound angle pose is a deeply stimulating posture for the inner groin that is also relaxing to the nervous system. This yoga pose directly works to stabilize the second chakra which is connected with the Leo astrological sign. The passion and creative nature of Leos can also sometimes get taken too far and lead them to become more arrogant and self-centered. But this posture promotes vulnerability and innocence internally, working to balance the rougher edges of the Leo nature and develop greater self-acceptance and compassion.

4.   Puppy Pose (Uttana Shishosana)

Puppy pose is a very playful and joyful heart-opening posture. Leos are naturally cheerful people, and this pose is a great match for their personality due to the embodiment of the puppy that it represents. This yoga pose is also deeply stimulating to the chest, heart, and spine, which are the main body parts associated with Leos. By embodying the puppy in this fun yoga pose, you can tap into your childlike nature and work on letting go of your ego along the way. This yoga pose also works at both healing the heart and tapping into the third eye. When you put pressure on your forehead, it naturally stimulates your third-eye center and helps you to delve into deeper layers of your inner being, which is a natural goal for Leos.

5.   Locust Post (Salabhasana)

Locust pose is a great yoga pose for Leos because it targets the entire spine and it is also a heart-opening posture, which are the two main body parts associated with Leos. This yoga pose is also deeply grounding through the pelvis which is a positive quality to develop further for Leos. By deeply grounding themselves in their true nature, Leos can have a greater ability to connect with others and the world while also bringing themselves into greater inner balance.

6.   Sun Salutations (Surya Namaskar)

Due to the fact that Leos are ruled by the sun and governed by the element of fire, the practice of sun salutations is a direct praise of these connections. Sun salutations are very dynamic, target every part of the body, and work at breaking down internal barriers through this flowing practice. By saluting the sun, you are also connecting deeper with your astrological sign’s ruler and taming your natural fiery nature along the way.

Breathing and Meditation Practices for Leo Season

1.   Meditation – Insight Meditation (Vipassana)

Leos are naturally in search of greater self-awareness, and this meditation style is perfectly suited for that inner inquiry. Insight meditation is a unique form of Buddhist meditation that promotes a deep analysis of the self to further the search for the core of your being. Through this deep inner inquiry, Leos can both work at tapping into their true inner nature while also working to connect with others on a deeper level by the practice of metta or loving-kindness as a part of this meditation style.

2.   Pranayama – Breath of Fire (Kapalabhati)

Leos are governed by the element of fire, so the breath of fire is the perfect practice to help them balance their internal fiery nature. According to yoga, when your inner fire becomes too strong or too weak, this can lead to disease and imbalance in the body. So, by doing this stimulating breathing practice, you can connect with your fire and stimulate it to function in a healthier way. This breathing exercise helps build natural confidence, self-awareness, joy, and prosperity as well.