Leo

“To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance.” – Oscar Wilde

The Lion

Dates: July 23 – August 22
Element: Fire
Modality: Fixed
House: 5th
Planet: Sun
Symbol: ♌ (The Lion)
Ruling Body Part: Heart & Spine
Tarot Card Association: Strength
Day of the Week: Sunday
Metal: Gold

Who is Leo?

Leo, the fifth sign of the zodiac, is symbolized by the mighty Lion—a creature that has long represented strength, nobility, and leadership in cultures around the world.

Its bright heart is marked by the fixed star Regulus, or the “Lion’s Heart.” Regulus is also called the “little king,” and is considered to be one of the brightest stars in our sky.

Across cultures, the Lion has been a universal emblem of strength and sovereignty. The Babylonians knew this constellation as UR.GU.LA, the Great Lion of kingship, ruled by the fiery god Lulal.

Their reverence for the mighty beast stemmed deep and wide across their culture. In antiquity, the Lion of Babylon, a massive stone relief from the time of Chaldean Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar II, stood as a representation of royal power and divine protection.

In ancient Egypt, Leos were seen as children of the Sun, their personalities shaped by the intense heat of mid-summer, their golden hair likened to the Lion’s mane.

In Egyptian mythology, the lioness Sekhmet embodied this sign’s fierce, protective, and creative power. A warrior goddess of destruction and healing, she was called upon to defend Egypt from disease and enemies, her very breath said to be the scorching desert winds.

This great lion was immortalized in the form of the Sphinx, whose body gazed eastward, likely waiting for Regulus to rise before the Sun.

To the Greeks, the constellation of Leo is actually Zeus’s commemoration of the Nemean Lion. According to the myth, the Nemean Lion was an indomitable beast whose impenetrable hide made it a creature of legend. That was until Hercules defeated it with his bare hands, and donned its pelt, as part of his Twelve Labors.

Some of these seem familiar? Pieces of these legends are also referenced in the Strength card, the ninth tarot card in the Major Arcana. In most decks, the card shows a woman taming a lion, as a show of strength and compassion.

It’s no surprise that those born under this sign have this burning drive to leave their mark on the world, much like the celestial Lion that has commanded the sky for millennia.

Personality

Leo is ruled by the Sun, the center of our solar system, and much like their ruling star, they naturally attract attention. This sign rules the 5th house of creativity, romance, and legacy.

Warm, confident, and radiant, Leos have an unmistakable presence that draws people in. Their energy is bold, generous, and inexplicably self-assured.

As a fixed fire sign, Leo is the embodiment of sustained passion and willpower. Whereas Aries sparks new beginnings, Leo keeps the fire burning. They are steadfast in their ambitions and fiercely loyal to their loved ones.

Leos carry a sense of regality about them. Much like the long-standing associations with the kings and deities of old, you will find that a lot of them are natural-born leaders.

However, their need for recognition can sometimes veer into arrogance. At their best, they uplift and inspire those around them; at their worst, they can become domineering or overly concerned with their image.

Strengths

Charismatic and magnetic
Loyal and protective
Creative and expressive
Confident and fearless
Generous and warm-hearted

Weaknesses

Can be prideful and stubborn
Craves validation and admiration
Struggles with criticism
Tendency to be dramatic or attention-seeking
Can become possessive or overbearing

Leo Season

Approximate Dates: July 23 – August 22
Leo season is a time of self-expression and unabashed confidence. The Sun’s influence encourages us to step into the spotlight, take pride in our talents, and embrace joy and pleasure.

What to Do

Leo season is all about taking up space and embracing who you are. And while you’re at it, everyone else should be preparing to embrace who you really are too!

Dive into passion projects, showcase your that new skill you’ve been working on. Put yourself out there, whether through performance, leadership, or artistic expression.

Celebrate your wins, indulge in a little guilty pleasures, and take pride in what makes you unique – flaws and all.

Fun and flirty energy is abuzz during this season, so don’t be afraid to wear your heart on your sleeve and pursue what (or who) you truly desire.

What Not to Do

With so much confidence and enthusiasm in the air, it’s important to keep that pretty head of yours in check.

Yes, self-love is essential, but take care that you don’t let your ego overshadow meaningful connections. Let others take the spotlight once in a while.

There’s a fine line between confidence and arrogance, and unchecked pride can turn admiration into alienation.

Be mindful not to let external validation dictate your self-worth, and while grand gestures and indulgence are part of Leo’s charm, remember that excess can lead to recklessness.

Most Compatible Signs

Leo thrives in relationships that are passionate, dynamic, and full of admiration. In romantic relationships, Aries and Sagittarius (fellow fire signs) make excellent matches, bringing shared enthusiasm, adventure, and excitement.

Libra, an air sign, also complements Leo well, with a knack for balancing out Leo’s more intense energy.

In friendships, Gemini and Aquarius stimulate Leo’s mind and keep conversations engaging. Gemini’s playfulness matches Leo’s freak, while Aquarius challenges Leo intellectually. Put these three in a room, and you’re sure to have a party – if not a very stimulating discussion over brunch!

Least Compatible Signs

Certain signs may struggle to connect with Leo’s intensity. In romance, Scorpio’s deep, brooding nature may clash with Leo’s outgoing and lighthearted approach to life, leading to power struggles.

Taurus, another fixed sign, shares Leo’s stubbornness, making compromise difficult.

In friendships, Capricorn’s reserved and pragmatic personality may not always align with Leo’s exuberance, and Virgo’s critical nature can dampen Leo’s spirit. However, with mutual respect, these relationships can still be valuable.

Hold Up! It’s important to note that compatibility is not a fixed rule—just because two signs may not naturally align doesn’t mean they can’t build meaningful relationships! Many factors in an individual’s natal chart influence how they connect with others. In fact, the conflicts between these signs’ energies are often challenges that play out within a person’s own personality rather than outright clashes with others.

Dream Careers

Leo flourishes in careers where they can shine, lead, and inspire others. They thrive in roles that allow them to be in the spotlight, exercise creativity, or command authority.