the Lion & the Sun
a month-long portal to your most radiant self
July 22 through August 22, 2026
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What would it look like to actually let yourself shine?
Leo season comes around every year and asks the same question: what would it look like to actually be seen? Most years, we admire it from a distance. We tell ourselves maybe next year. Then September arrives, and we slip back into familiar patterns.
This year, the astrology is extraordinary. The Sun and Jupiter meet in Leo, a rare conjunction that happens about once every twelve years. Nine days later, a Total Solar Eclipse arrives in the same sign. There couldn't be a more beautiful time to practice showing up a little more fully.
There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique.
— Martha Graham, the mother of modern dance
I'm ready to stop waiting for permission.
- You've been dimming your light to make other people more comfortable
- You're ready to feel more at home in your voice, your joy, your creativity, and your radiance
- You're ready for visibility to feel safe in your body
- You have a vision for your life, but that little voice keeps telling you to be more realistic
- You're craving a spiritual practice that feels nourishing, intentional, and sustainable
- You've been longing to remember how magical life can feel
- You want to move through Leo season in relationship with fire, breath, courage, and the wisdom of your heart
A spacious month of intentional practice.
Opening Fire Ritual
Together we welcome Leo season with the sacred element of Fire. Through ritual and intention, we'll honor the light within and illuminate the path ahead.
Full Moon Breathwork
The Full Moon and a once-in-twelve-years Jupiter conjunction meet for one extraordinary night. We'll expand the breath, making room in the body for the life that's ready to meet you.
Limited Ritual Candle • 20 Only
A custom Lady + the Lion candle, created exclusively for this workshop to anchor your ritual and Leo season practice.
Limited to first 20 to join. US only. Free shipping.
Private Telegram Channel
Lion & the Sun community. Ask questions, share your experience, and receive Neelou's guidance through Mercury stationing direct, the Lion's Gate Portal, the Total Solar Eclipse, and more.
Eclipse Meditation
A guided meditation created specifically for the August 12 Total Solar Eclipse in Leo, supporting you in feeling grounded, open-hearted, and intentional as you cross this threshold.
Replay Access
Join us live whenever you can. If life, work, or time zones get in the way, the recordings will be here whenever you're ready.
Why should I invest my time, money, and energy in this?
We all know what it's like to know what would support us, yet still have a hard time making space for it. And we all know how easily life gets in the way.
This offering creates a rhythm you don't have to build yourself: two live gatherings, a private community, a guided meditation, journal prompts, rituals, and practices thoughtfully timed to the season. A structure held for you, so you can simply show up.
This moment is also rare. The Sun and Jupiter meet in Leo only once every twelve years, followed nine days later by a Total Solar Eclipse in the same sign. Rather than letting this season pass by, this is an opportunity to consciously partner with the energy of the cosmos while becoming more grounded, present, and intentional in your everyday life.
Neelou Malekpour
Neelou is a breathwork facilitator, ritualist, founder of SMUDGED, and author of The Art of Sacred Smoke. For more than seven years, she has guided thousands of people through breathwork, mantra, sacred smoke, and ritual, working with clients throughout the United States, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and beyond. She holds certifications in breathwork, Hatha yoga, and Kundalini yoga.
Her products have been carried by retailers including Nordstrom, Whole Foods, and Free People, with press features in Harper's Bazaar and Us Weekly, and collaborations including UNICEF, Alo Yoga, Soho House, and 1 Hotels. She lives in Austin, Texas, with her rescue pup, Palo Santo, and her partner, Katya.
the Lion & the Sun
a month-long portal to your most radiant self
July 22 through August 22, 2026
House 11 members: use your code at checkout. Payment plans available on request.
First 20 to join receive a free 7-day ritual candle. US only, free shipping.
A rare opportunity to meet privately with Neelou.
Her 1:1 calendar is currently closed to anyone outside of her Mastermind, but for participants in this offering, she's opening a limited number of 30-minute sessions for personalized guidance, intention refinement, and support as you move through Leo season.
Things to Know
How is this experience structured?
We'll gather live on July 22 and July 29, followed by a prerecorded eclipse meditation on August 12, and stay connected through journal prompts, rituals, and a private Telegram community throughout the month. Everything is thoughtfully timed to the energy of the season.
Why no live session on the eclipse?
In the lineage of teachings that informs Neelou's work, eclipses are considered a time to go inward rather than outward. That's why August 12 is intentionally designed as a quieter experience. Rather than a live gathering, you'll receive a guided meditation you can experience in your own time, allowing space for reflection, presence, and integration.
Do I need any experience?
No experience is necessary. Everyone is welcome, whether you're brand new or have an established practice. Every live gathering and audio is designed to meet you exactly where you are.
What if I can't attend live?
Whenever possible, we encourage you to join us live. But if life, work, or time zones get in the way, both gatherings are recorded and shared with everyone in the container, so you won't miss the experience.
Do I have to join the Telegram community?
Joining the Telegram community is optional. Throughout the month, Neelou will share prompts, rituals, reflections, and guidance there, and it's where you'll be able to ask questions and connect with others in the container. You're welcome to read along quietly or participate as much or as little as feels supportive.
How much time should I plan for?
The two live gatherings are about 90 minutes each. Beyond that, you're invited to engage with the practices, journal prompts, and Telegram community in whatever way feels supportive. This is meant to support you, not become another item on your to-do list.
How long will I have access?
Replay access is included through September. After that, both live gatherings will live on in the House 11 Content Library for House 11 members.
How do the ritual candles work?
The first 20 US participants will receive a custom Lady + the Lion candle to anchor their altar throughout the season. Shipping is free. You'll receive a separate email with your tracking information and candle-burning instructions.
What if I don't receive a candle?
You'll still receive the complete Leo Season experience. The Lady + the Lion candle is a beautiful companion to the journey, but it isn't what makes this work meaningful. Your intention is. If the candles have sold out, or if you're joining us from outside the US, you're invited to use any candle that feels special to you.
What if I want more personalized support?
Neelou and her team will be active in the private Telegram community throughout the offering. If you're looking for more personalized guidance, you can add a 30-minute 1:1 Clarity Session with Neelou for $88. A limited number of sessions have been opened exclusively for participants in this offering.