The onion body
leo season, finding your true essence, and mercury retrograde is OVER// july 19 - 25
Last week we explored the idea of ‘enoughness’ - the feeling that in order to achieve said ‘enoughness’, we have to do more or become more. As I mentioned last week, in contemplating my ‘less is more’ approach to my life and work recently, I have found a new way of understanding this concept….The Onion Body.
I was waiting for the bus last week, scrolling through emails, skimming newsletters, and my eyes scanned over a phrase that made me stop. “strip away the onion layers of your being.” It made me think of all the ways and reasons why we build up these protective onion layers over time. Wounding, ego, ambition, safety, desire to be accepted, etc. The onion body we carry is often layers of our external self that we show to the world around us to prove our worth.
So why would we want to peel back these layers? To return to our essential being, I think. To connect with the truest version of ourselves and invite that self to come out to play. It is often seen as our ‘inner child’, which is a good perspective but can also be hard to imagine bringing our inner-child into our adult life. So then, how do we imagine peeling the onion body and connecting to the core of who we have always been?
To be honest, I think it’s through small acts of courage and vulnerability. Peeling the onion body means allowing people to see softer, more tender parts of you…ones that live closer to the heart. Talking about things you care about, putting yourself out there in ways that feel cringy but turn out to be perhaps inspiring. It takes practice, but then you start to feel the air and light coming into your inner layers, making it easier to peel the old stories and expectations.
Last week, I biked through Brooklyn to hang posters for a new astrology offering. No one talks about how vulnerable hanging posters out and about actually is. There I am in my helmet, sweating profusely, wind blowing my posters up as I attempt to get the tape to straighten out and stick down. I was painfully aware of the looks I was receiving from the cool, chill Brooklynites sipping on their iced matchas, watching me struggle against the wind and sun to hang up my hand-drawn posters. My onion body wanting to form new layers and call it quits, returning to the safety of my air-conditioned apartment. But I persevered; I peeled those layers of embarrassment away and continued on my journey….eventually to a bodega for an ice cold lemonade…helmet still on my head.
I offer this idea of peeling the onion body to you as the sun makes its way out of the tender waters of cancer and into the spotlight of leo. Leo is the sign that wants to be seen, heard, and appreciated for what she truly is. She wants to be known for her essential nature. Leo has a great deal of courage, but she is also vulnerable as she dons her heart oh so openly on her sleeve. So before we can embrace all the magnetism and radiance that Leo has to offer, we must first be honest about the onion body we wear. The stories we tell ourselves, the beliefs that hold us back. And through the heat of this season, we must gently and proudly peel back the layers of our onion body to get closer to our true essence. That is the version that wants to shine out under the rays of this Leo sun. <3
In the Sky
☉ Sun enters Leo on 7.22 the season ruled by the sun. Leo radiates joy, love, and compassion from the center of its heart. This month, we focus on what makes us happy as a way to align with regenerative energy. Doing things that fuel us that allow us to use less energy/effort. People that make us happy, projects that light us up, places that inspire us…you can read more thoughts on Leo energy from this archived piece. One day later on 7.23 - mercury retrograde (finally) comes to an end. Although still in its shadow period, Mercury will journey forward once again, moving towards Leo, hopefully integrating all of the little lessons we’ve learned over the last few weeks. Taking them to heart so that we can embrace and embody them as we too grow and evolve.
☾ Moon moves - The moon is waxing this week. We will see a first quarter square in Libra on Tuesday asking us to check in with our capacity right now. Are we holding too much? Are we juggling too much? How can we reorient things to prioritize things that feel more aligned and ALIVE at this time.
Your invitation: This week, in addition to peeling back layers of the onion body (in honor of leo season), use the moon phases this week to push yourself. Re-work your schedule to accommodate more of what you desire. Don’t add more to the plate, but be strategic about how the plate is arranged so that maybe you find ways to fit more delicious bites on there.
In the Studio:
My first moon centering nidra meditation + conversation was a hit! Thank you to all who came and shared space. It was really special for me to be in a new space guiding you all!
I also worked with a new sweet private yoga client this week. We worked on movement (and stillness) as a portal for emptying and refilling our energy. Releasing stagnation, clearing out the cobwebs, and inviting in more seasonally aligned fire energy into the body to support us through these yang months.
UP NEXT - LEO FLASH READINGS
Starting this month, I will be holding 30-minute in-person flash readings for each season! This is a perfect sneak peek into your birthday month (hello LEOS!) or a way to learn more about where each sign lands in your chart (what the heck does it mean to have Leo in your 2nd house?) I only have 8 spots open per month - they will be held in my greenpoint studio on Saturday July 25th!
P.S - To all my fiery Leo’s looking for a birthday reading, note that my virtual solar return readings are still available to customize the date of your session :)
ONGOING - WEEKEND YIN ON INSIGHT TIMER
Last week, I had 104 people join me on insight timer for a lovely yin practice. Every(ish) Saturday at noon, I will offer a donation based weekend reset practice on the insight timer app! If you aren’t local to new york and are looking for a way to connect inwards while also attuning to the seasons around you, this weekly practice might be just what you need!
Until next week! xx