VIII - Strength

Leo Season 08.11.2023

There are a couple of days left of the Lion's Gate Portal. This happens every year when the Sun, the constellation Orion, Sirius(the brightest star in our sky), aligns with Earth. It is strongest on August 8th (8/8), but the portal is open from about July 28th to August 12th.⁠
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The energy of the Lion's Gate is primed for manifestation and abundance! So whatever you've been working on or avoiding working on this year could've quickly come to fruition during this time, especially with all the retrogrades.⁠
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It's no coincidence that you may be extra busy or experiencing extra tricky challenges. Could you take a step back and acknowledge the work you've done to get to this point or ask yourself why this lesson is happening for me right now? ⁠
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Strength represents Leo in the Tarot. The core energy of this card is Courage, knowing or realizing that you have the power & strength to move forward or take action despite any fear you may feel. ⁠
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Strength usually features a feminine figure looking very comfortable with a proverbial "beast." She represents the female magician in the tarot. And Strength, like Leo, is your universal cheerleader, believing in your strength and capabilities no matter what. ⁠
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This energy is here to empower you to make the best choices to balance your homeostasis. What are your priorities? What are your motives? Where are you spending your time, money, & energy? ⁠

This Strength Card is from the Modern Witch Tarot by Lisa Sterle.

So, of course, I had to use a famous song line from the Leo Icon herself, Whitney Houston. "I decided long ago, never to walk in anyone's shadow."⁠
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This was too fitting! From the famed "Greatest Love of All." I learned this song in my elementary school choir. And learning Whitney was a Leo and rereading the lyrics, this song is SO Leo! ⁠

Whitney Houston is credited for this quote repeatedly. But, I discovered in my research that Linda Creed wrote the song, and it was first recorded in 1977 by George Benson. I have never heard of these people; I thought it was interesting and felt it needed to be shared.

Because if you know the song and the line, we both know it will always be credited to our Leo Queen!

Leo is ruled by the sun, and they dislike sharing the spotlight. Miss Houston knew how to embody that Leo power and shine as bright as she was meant to.

For The Strength Card Spread, I got inspired to combine the energy of Leo Strength and The Lion's Gate Portal. Don't get hung up on dates; time is just a construct. Leo Season ends August 22nd, so you have plenty of time to connect with this energy.

*If you're using an oracle deck, pick the card that closest represents strength & courage to you.

And make sure you are saying "YES!" to fun & rejuvenation during this time. With so much going on, blow off steam whenever possible!