Leo is the fifth constellation of the Western zodiac and is represented symbolically by the Lion. This is the second of the fire signs and is also the second member of the fixed quality. Leo is ruled by the Sun and is naturally associated with astrology’s fifth house. Creativity, energy and vitality; a lively, zestful and enthusiastic attitude; fun, romance and a fondness for children and animals are all high on your list of priorities, for those often noticed and far from average individuals, who are born under this sign.

Typically, Leos don’t like to take a back seat. Just as the Sun is naturally placed at the centre of the solar system, where no one fails to recognise its pivotal role, so Leo prefers to occupy a central position, and to be surrounded by those who admire and appreciate you. The Lion is of course the king of the beasts, so those born under this sign suit leadership, have excellent organisational ability and thrive in positions of responsibility and trust. The more prized you feel for your efforts, the more you will continue to give of your best.
A menial, insignificant or subordinate role could never be appropriate where a Leo is concerned. The ability to shine, to be the best that you can and to manifest your full potential, is a pivotal motivation for those born under this constellation. Typically, you are literally a sunny character - full of optimism, enthusiasm, verve, vigour and with a genuine lust for life. You are driven to reach conspicuous prominence in most things that you do. There’s a strong impulse towards approval and approbation, so many Leos seek to increase their chances of public acclaim, by exploiting their talents to the full. Others are content to concentrate on more modest objectives, where a central position is easier to maintain.

This sign is particularly associated with creativity in all its forms. While many will be attracted to more conventional modes of creative expression – such as music, art or the theatre for example – others are best suited to focus their energies on the home. Childbirth, bringing up a family, or raising animals will often express the creative impulse even more directly. Ultimately, like the Sun your ruler, you always need to feel at the heart of things. Most Leos would secretly prefer to be a small star ruling its own planetary subsystem, rather than an insignificant and in the end more minor component, of some larger cosmic structure.

Strangely the high personal standards of many Leos can cause you to emphasise an excessively narrow range of activities. These are usually those things in which you have previously proven your ability. Failure and humiliation are not feelings that a Leo can easily bear, so you may end up foregoing certain opportunities rather than to risk looking small. Nonetheless in the world of show business there is a greater than average number of performers, who have Leo prominently placed in their horoscopes. The same applies across the spectrum to many figures in the public eye. And as you will almost certainly be aware, royalty around the world has also had a special and lasting connection, with your sign as well!
Symbol The Lion
Ruling planet The Sun
Lucky day Sunday
Lucky colours Sunlight colours - yellow, gold, orange
Lucky number 1
Birthstones Diamond and amber
Metals Gold
Flowers Sunflowers, marigolds, passion flowers, celandines, rosemary, cyclamen
Trees Olive trees, palm trees, all citrus trees – especially orange, bay trees
Countries France, Italy, Macedonia, Romania, Sicily, Madagascar, Zanzibar
Cities Bath, Bristol, Bombay, Chicago, Madrid, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Rome
Best partners Aries, Sagittarius, Pisces
Worst partners Taurus, Scorpio and often Aquarius
Most astrological textbooks would have us believe that every Leo is an indomitable show-off, always ready to take on the world and completely impervious to the kinds of setbacks that we all experience from time to time. However, in reality those born under this sign are actually quite sensitive, although your inherent pride means that most hurts are not witnessed publicly. The Lion retreats to his (or her) den, licks his wounds for a while and then bounces back with renewed vigour and optimism, to face another day.

Despite a substantial focus on pleasure and recreation, Leo isn’t averse to working hard. You are capable of long hours and sustained application when involved in something that really grips your attention. Alternatively, you enjoy any situation where there is plenty of opportunity for reward and recognition. Having nothing to be proud of isn’t a natural state of affairs for you, and tends to bring out more undesirable patterns of behaviour. Without some sense of your own unique contribution, you can grow surly, uncooperative, lazy, selfish and disruptive. This sign functions most effectively with lots of opportunities for self-determination and with the ability to make and to implement your own decisions. Given the respect you are sure that you deserve, you make a tolerant, magnanimous and a just leader, one who guides by example and is capable of inspiring genuine loyalty and devotion, in all those surrounding you.

Leos are generous and big-hearted to those they love and are noble and tolerant in their outlook and perspective. You are selfless and giving towards those you care about, and will certainly defend the objects of your affection to the very last. It’s unsurprising that once in love you prove to be the world’s greatest romantic. You are very loyal, but tend towards serial monogamy. Once your latest earth-shattering affair starts to settle down, the resultant routine may prove rather less perfect, than you had initially hoped or dreamed about …
 © Paul Wade 2007 choose another sign?
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