Leo reminds us that the love of the Self is the most important love of all. We should delight in our bodies and in those ideas and creative impulses that spark delight without checking in with society to make sure it’s not too weird. This is not narcissism or selfishness, but self-respect and self-care. You cannot care for others, if you are not properly cared for. Who can love you better than you can love yourself? This Leo Full Moon, celebrate yourself.
Write yourself a Love Letter
Begin by surrounding yourself with things that bring you joy. Decorate your altar with your favorite colors. Include a vase of your favorite flowers. Play music you love in the background. Fill the air with your favorite scent. Dress yourself in your favorite outfit- either the most comfortable or the one you feel the hottest in. Set up a mirror nearby so you can look at your beautiful self.
You will also need some sort of stationary, paper and an envelope and a pen or pencil.
Begin your ritual as you normally do.
Now, write a letter to yourself. Include the following:
- The amazing things you accomplished in the past year.
- Three (or more) things you are objectively good at.
- The blessings you hope are bestowed on you in the coming year.
When you are done, seal the letter and give it a kiss. You can leave lipstick prints on this one.
Finish your ritual as you usually do.
Now tuck it away and don’t look at it again until next year UNLESS you have an emergency need for words of love sometime before that.
Next year, write a new letter under the full moon in Leo and then read your letter from this year. Make sure you write your new letter before you read the old one!
Self Love Languages?
This month, I am thinking of ways to honor our delicate inner selves and it got me thinking about the Five Love Languages idea and how we can apply these to ourselves. When I think about how I know I am loved, I notice how delighted I am to see that something I needed to do is already done or that someone has done something to make it easier for me. I am in an absolute tizzy of delight if I go out to find the snow already cleared off my car or, better yet, a full gas tank. (I guess I’m an Acts of Service girl?)
I am not an expert on these and I am not even sure how much I buy into the idea, but the idea of Love Languages has entered our culture and so provide a useful framework for our exploration of self-love. Choose one idea to start with and expand to more as long as it feels good. And once we’ve practiced on ourselves, we can start spreading it around.
This little light of mine. I’m gonna let it shine.
Words of Affirmation
Many of us thrive on Words of Affirmation. These aren’t just compliments, which are not nearly as satisfying, but actual acknowledgement of achievements. We are discouraged from “bragging” at a young age, but acknowledging that you put in hard work and practice to gain your skills and even material goods isn’t bragging. It’s just truth.
If you journal (and every witch should) make a point of writing down your accomplishments each day. Don’t demand that these accomplishments be spectacular. Start where you are. There have been days when I might write down the fact that I managed to get a shower in and that felt huge.
Tell yourself out loud how awesome you are. Look in the mirror and tell yourself how amazingly you styled your outfit and how good your arms are looking after all those work outs. Declare yourself the Mightly Monarch of Customer Service after dealing with that exhausting customer at work. Do it out loud and to your face. Make up a song about it.
Acts of Service
This is about letting future you know how much you love them. We often spend a lot of time cleaning up after our past selves or spending our present just trying to get through. But we can flip the switch and perform acts of service to our future selves that will soon because a delightful present.
Get into the habit of cleaning up after dinner or craft time so that future you can just jump right in without wasting energy tidying up after past you.
Make sure your favorite snuggle spots are tidy and cozy and not covered with clutter. You can clutter up some other spot, but leave your favorite reading chair clear and ready to accept your bottom.
What other things can you do to make future you feel like royalty when they realize (or remember) that you did something just for them?
Receiving Gifts
While retail therapy isn’t always healthy, we can put thought into what sort of gift would really let our light shine. I am impulsive and often decide I absolutely need something that I never look at again. But gifting yourself doesn’t mean buying everything that catches your eye. Instead, bring something beautiful into your life with intention on a regular basis.
For example.
If you are into cosmetics or hair care products, take the time to really experiment with different brands, scents, etc. to find the one that works best for you. Find your signature scent, your signature color and present yourself with something from that line every few months.
Do you like flowers? Buy yourself a bouquet once a week and keep fresh flowers in a vase where you can see them every day.
Quality Time
Many of us spend so much time seeing to the needs of others we forget to spend time with ourselves. Time spent alone, engaging in a favorite quiet activity, meditating or moving through nature is valuable, grounding and empowering.
Set aside time every week to do something alone. Sign up for a dance class, or an art class. Go for a hike. Meditate. Do crafts. Explore the museums your community has to offer without a companion rushing you along to the next exhibit. Or just spend some quality time with a coloring book and crayons.
Switch off your phone for at least an hour to give yourself this time to just play with your inner child.
Physical Touch
Our bodies are amazing. Our sense of touch is all-encompassing. Exploring our own bodies without the judgement of others is such a pleasurable experience.
I know it sounds like I’m talking about sexual exploration, but I’m not. You do you though and more joy to you. You will have an easier time telling a partner what you like after you’ve spent some time sorting it out for yourself.
Take the time to really observe the sensations your body experiences throughout the day. What feels good and what doesn’t? Do tight, stretchy clothes feel good? Or loose flowey clothes. Which gives you the most physical pleasure? What shoes feel best? What socks do you like best? Does it feel best to have your hair covered, arranged up or do you love the feel of it on your shoulders? Do you like smooth sheets, or fuzzy sheets? Take the time to sort these things out and ensure your beloved self is always as comfy as you can possibly be.
Take the time to stretch, moisturize, soak in a warm tub if that feels good and get a massage once in awhile if you’re into it. Do it all with intention. That you love you and you think you deserve to feel good.
Journal and Discussion Prompt for Leo
What is one thing you absolutely love for your romantic partner to do for you? How can you do something similar for yourself?
Discover more from Simply Magick
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.