While the beautiful Hawthorn may not be the first flowering herb that comes to mind when you think of Leo, this Leo herb is known for its metaphysical and strengthening actions on the heart, making it a very compatible Leo herb.
A herb for those needing courage Hawthorn has its roots deeply embedded in folklore, even the leaves of the Hawthorn bush are toothed. When we think of the mighty Leo the Lion we imagine a lion living with pride, with a powerful heart, connected to its tribe family and environment, ruling his or her domain with a firm and grounded grip. And just as deeply, and disturbingly, embedded is the understanding that a lion in captivity is a cowering lion, having lost his or her heart, has lost his or her power, strength, connection, and courage.
While Hawthorn is not the only herb for Leo, it’s a great herb for those who have lost heart, lost courage, or are feeling disempowered. If you’re in need of some Leo bravery, Crataegus oxacanthoides is your herb.
Sun and Mars energy
Sunshine is required for physical, mental and spiritual health, a life-giving energy but too much and it burns. With too little, there is no life. Mentally, spiritually and metaphysically we feel it when there is a lack of sunshine, and that lack quite literally contributes to depressed states of being. We hibernate in winter and celebrate the new life that comes with the sun in spring.
In much the same way, when the Leo radiance is in full bloom the energy is beautiful, radiant, and palpable, when that light has been dimmed, however, it’s a different story. The story of Androcles, the slave who removed a thorn from a lion’s paw comes to mind, if a Leo is in pain you will know about it and if you are able to help free a Leo from pain, you are a friend for life.
A Leo living at full capacity, owning their place in the world, and with ego in check is potent, a radiant force to be reckoned with, powerfully warming to those lucky enough to feel those golden rays, and as healing as the ruling sun planet – living up to the associated metal element of gold.
Of course, Mars energy is also a key player here shown by the stunning fiery red berries, the doctrine of signatures that indicates its affinity and sphere of action on the heart and blood pressure. And on holding fear, being fearful of heart problems.
The sun has always been, at different times. for different reasons and depending on its intensity, celebrated, worshipped, cursed, chased and avoided throughout history.
Mars energy gets things done, it’s active and powerful while also being known for its volality and ferociousness. It helps us take an action rather than remaining passive.
Magic and Folklore
Hawthorn too has its history steeped in magic, along with being used to decorate Maypoles, the Hawthorn thorns were used by witches both for rituals and for dancing under. In folklore Hawthorn bears many names including Hagthorn, Ladies’ Meat, Mayblossom, Tree of Chastity.
Even the lion’s woolly mane can look like a representation of the sun, with its warm-coloured, majestic rays fanning outward in a circular shape.
In numerology the number 1 is ruled by the Sun and the colour red, perfect for those Leos who love to be number 1, kings and queens of their jungles.
Keynotes of 1 include:
• originality
• ambition
• organisation
• pride
• independence
• assertiveness
Image by Henryk Niestrój from Pixabay