Leaning into what fires you up
Themes for August and Leo season (and remembering that this too will pass)
I’ve written previously about how I’m not a fan of August. Known as the “dog days” of summer, this month is long, hot, and can feel neverending. It’s also back to school time, which — even if we’re not returning to anything — infuses a feeling of anticipation into this time of year. We are all waiting for something.
August is a pause, and not always a welcome one. It’s a period of time where things may appear to stall out; to drone on and on, leading to us ask if things will ever change. Of course, things will change — time keeps marching on, and the world keeps turning.
Quite often, after August, this change happens suddenly. The weather dips, days get shorter, and suddenly, it feels like the end of the year already. It feels toxic to say “enjoy it while it lasts,” but perhaps we can carve out rituals to take advantage of this time; to create a chasm that lights us up instead of bring us down.
In my themes for this year’s creativity, I noted that August is a month where we find “the sprinkles on top that make [our creations] even more special.” No matter what you’re working on, how can you deepen it? How can you make it feel more like you?
And of course, if all of this sounds like a lot — take a rest. Stay inside. Go outside. Figure out what can light you up right now. Fill yourself up.
“I have done nothing all summer but wait for myself to be myself again.” — Georgia O’Keefe
August: the month of Leo season
Firey and fixed, Leo maintains the busy summer energy we’ve been feeling through July, and adds a layer of action and intuition. Now that summer is well underway and feeling stable, what else do we want out of it? What aligns with what we really want?
Leo is a fire sign and acts as such; fire signs are energetic, expressive, and opinionated. Leo is also a fixed sign, meaning it falls in the middle of a season (summer) and maintains a steady energy. The cycle of Leo season is a reminder to find creative projects, have fun, and create determination around what you really want. This is a time consider what relationships, projects, or other tasks you’re looking to deepen, develop, and/or hold steady. Leo lights a fire and keeps things in motion.
This season is about freedom — getting clear on what you want to prioritize moving forward, and what matters to you. It’s not about others, or what makes the most sense — it’s about what lights you up. How can you create determination around what you really want? What’s fun and enjoyable to you?
Here’s some ideas of what Leo will be beneficial for:
Bringing fire and action to your thoughtful Cancer ideas
Celebrating your progress and how far you have come
Promoting and spreading the word around your work and ideas
Taking risks
Doubling down on commitments
Stoking confidence and feelings of assurance around what you’ve committed to
As we wrap up the summer, consider how you can light it up. What will make it sparkle, sprinkle, ignite a fire within you? Whatever that is, lean in. Fill your cup.
