The Heart of the Lion
The sign Leo governs the heart. Leo is “governed” by the Sun. The Sun is also said to rule the heart. Renaissance doctors envisioned Sol as our great provider of Vital Force, and the physical heart—Sol’s terrestrial proxy—as the bodily center of that same essential, life-giving force. The renowned 17th-century astrological herbalist Nicholas Culpeper perfectly expressed this in the following statement:
“Regard the heart, keep that upon its wheels, because the Sun is the fountain of life.”
Traditionally, Leo’s season made the perfect time to nourish and support both heart and circulation.
In medical astrology, zodiac signs have temperature. Leo is the hottest of all signs! During Leo season, we look to cooling and moistening remedies for the heart, liver, brain, and arteries. We also seek deep hydration, along with the healthful balance of the arterial and venous circulation. Pure, clean water is one of the favored medicines for Sol’s season. Leo governs the heart, gallbladder, forearms, mid-back, spinal sheaths, and the heat generated by the liver (though not the liver itself).
This knowledge is especially cogent on the internally hottest days of the astrological year, associated with Midsummer’s Day and the Celtic Lammas. I’ve affectionately nicknamed this date the “Heart of the Lion,” because at Midsummer, the Fire Element becomes “fixed” or concentrated—reminiscent of the heat inside a pizza oven. This internally smoldering influence extends until August 22nd, and is most powerfully felt between August 6–9. This period includes the Full Moon of August 9th, at 3:55 a.m. ET.
Hypothetically, the Leo season’s yearly Full Moon in Aquarius emphasizes the previously listed body parts and functions, while also impacting the electrical forces of the heart and brain, the quality of the blood, the eyes, and the lower legs. Anima Mundi offers excellent herbal choices to balance circulation and calm excessive electrical disturbance (see below). My latest book, The Twelve Zodiac Sign Syndromes of Medical Astrology, provides more fascinating detail on the physical nature of Leo and Aquarius.
Of further note is the fun fact that Mars—our hottest planet of the pantheon—enters Libra, the sign of the kidneys and adrenal axis, on August 6th. Because malefic Saturn is also newly in Libra’s opposite sign, Aries, we now have both famously stressful planets (Mars and Saturn) situated together within the Libra–Aries polarity!
This astrological event, occurring during the year’s internally hottest sign, astrologically “dries” the kidneys and further stresses the adrenal axis from August 6–30. In traditional astrological medicine, this signals a potentially heightened need for kidney and brain hydration, plus adrenal support. Anima Mundi’s adaptogenic formulas are an excellent choice.
Leo the Lion’s time is our yearly stage for love, life, sport, and pleasure. While enjoying a joyful flowering, remember the three “H’s”: heat, heart, and holiday!
Learn more about Leo’s physical idiosyncrasies pertinent to this month’s Full Moon in my fascinating and detailed course Leo & Aquarius Syndromes and Body Types.
Heart & Circulatory Herbal Allies
Based on original work by Judith Hill, this section has been adapted and expanded by the Anima Mundi team to include additional herbal insights and context.
Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.)
Used for centuries in Western herbalism to support heart function and circulation, modern research has investigated hawthorn's potential to support healthy blood pressure and cardiac output by modulating vascular tone and antioxidant activity.
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Traditionally known as a “blood mover,” yarrow has been used to support circulation and vascular integrity. It has mild diuretic properties and has been studied for its ability to influence blood pressure and protect against oxidative stress.
Rose (Rosa spp.)
Members of the Rose family are often used to support emotional wellbeing, reduce internal heat, and soothe inflammation. Rose petals and hips are high in polyphenols and antioxidants, which may help reduce oxidative stress.
Nervous System & Brain Health
Calm Tea
This organic herb blend contains a combination of nervines traditionally used to soothe the mind and ease the stress of long, hot days. Ingredients like chamomile, milky oats, and ashwagandha have shown promise in multiple studies for calming the nervous system and improving mood.
Hydration & Antioxidants
Mangosteen-Hibiscus Beauty Tonic
Both key herbs in this formula are rich in polyphenols and traditionally used for cooling the body and supporting metabolic function. Hibiscus has been studied for its ability to support healthy blood pressure and contributes a naturally tangy, refreshing quality to beverages.
Adaptogens & Adrenal Support
Moistening, demulcent, heat-clearing, and adrenal-tonifying herbs come together in this excellent adaptogenic formula. It’s especially supportive during this month’s potentially stressful Mars–Saturn mutual transit through the signs of the adrenal axis.
This Full Moon calls us to nourish our core vitality—our Qi—particularly as cosmic tensions heighten between gut and mind, instinct and intellect. In medical astrology, the profound connection between mental function and digestion—what we now recognize as the gut–brain axis—has long been symbolically governed by Mercury and the Moon.
Leo season is a reminder to nourish what fuels us. You don’t need to be into astrology to benefit from slowing down, drinking more water, calming your nerves, and tending to your heart with time-tested plants. This Full Moon calls you to honor the inner fire without letting it burn you out.
*Disclaimer: All astrological information is to be considered "hypothetical" and does not, therefore, constitute a medical opinion, fact, or directive. Please consult your physician if you are experiencing health concerns. Herbs should not be used without your physician’s consent.
