"dancing princess that wears glorious dresses"

—On Love, Marina Tsvetaeva

[text ID: I just want a humble, murderously simple thing: that a person be glad when I walk into the room.]

The Evermore Grimoire: Astrology

Leo (July 23rd - August 22nd) is the fifth astrological sign in the zodiac and is represented by a lion. In Greek mythology the constellation is identified as the Nemean Lion which was killed by Heracles during the first of his twelve labours. The Nemean Lion would take women as hostages to its lair, luring warriors from nearby towns to save the damsel in distress, to their misfortune. However Heracles was able to break the impervious lion's back which in turn freed the women. Zeus (king of the gods) commemorated this labor by placing the Lion in the sky. Traits associated with Leo include being bold, intelligent, warm and courageous. As a fire sign Leo's are the natural leader of the Zodiac, ready to blaze a trail, vanquish injustice and make a name for themselves along the way. Blessed with high self-esteem, they know that they possess enviable traits, and they're proud of them. They don't believe in false modesty and will be the first to praise themselves for a job well done. But Leo isn't self-aggrandizing or unwilling to roll up those sleeves and do the work: this sign knows that in order to be respected and admired, he or she needs to put in the effort worthy of a leader. They thrive on social interactions and have no problem making friends (although pinning them down to spend time with you is another story). Leos put themselves first, and will turn down a plan that doesn't fit with their agenda or idea of fun. This trait has gained them an unfair reputation for arrogance. But on the flip side, when they choose to spend time with you, it's genuinely because they want to.

Paradise

Watercolor on Black Paper

2021, 11"x 14"

Pink Bougainvillea

azul breath; hot creek geological site, california