Cancer ← Leo Astrology Sign → Virgo

Zodiac Constellation of Leo

The Leo type is the most dominant, spontaneously creative and extroverted of all the zodiac signs. In grandeur of manner, splendor of bearing and magnanimity of personality, they are the monarchs among humans, in the same way as lions are the kings of beasts. Taking the whole lion analogy one step further, Leos can also be considered to be the apex predators of the zodiac. Leo is ruled by the Sun, which gives strength, vitality, energy, courage, health and power. In the Tarot, a lion is often depicted in the 'Strength' card and Leo rules this card.

They are ambitious, courageous, dominant, strong willed, positive, independent, self-confident there is no word as doubt in their vocabularies. They are born leaders, either in support of, or in revolt against the status quo, they are at their most effective when in a position of command, their personal magnetism and courtesy of mind evoke qualities of loyalty from their subordinates. As they are uncomplicated, knowing exactly what they want and using all their energies, creativeness and resolution to get it, as well as being certain that they will, their followers know where they are with Leonians. Leonians think and act bigger than would normally be dared, although the ambitiousness of their schemes and idealism may sometimes daunt their followers. Their practical hard headedness and ability to go straight to the heart of any problem, reassures them. If Leonians meet with setbacks they thrive on the adversity.

On the whole they are powers for good, for they are strongly idealistic, humane and beneficent. They have powerful intelligence and are of a broad, philosophical, sometimes religious, turn of mind. Those who are devout may become very obstinate in upholding traditional beliefs and will cling tenaciously, but with complete sincerity, to practices and doctrines which liberal thinkers regard as absurdly out-of-date.

Their faults can be as large in scale as their virtues, and an excessively negative Leonian can be one of the most unpleasant human beings imaginable, displaying extreme arrogance, autocratic pride, haughtiness and excessive hastiness of temper. If jealously suspicious of rivals, they will not hesitate to use cunning, lies and trickery to discredit them. Self-centredness, greed for flattery, boastfulness and bombast, pomposity, snobbish superiority, and overbearing and intolerant disdain of underlings - to whom they will nevertheless delegate the carrying out of minor details in their grandiose schemes, and from whom they are not above borrowing immoderately if an occasion necessitates it - any of these can be characteristic of Leo. Add to them a passion for luxury, a lust for power, unlimited sexual lust and emotional indulgence, and a character emerges that no one would want to know either in public life or private. But their pride may go before a fall as uncontrolled impetuosity is likely to bring them low. Fortunately it is rare that a Leo is so undisciplined as to give way thoroughly to this list of vices, and their tendencies to them are usually balanced by an innate wisdom.

Leos are no purring kitties either. Although some other signs such as Sagittarius, Aries, Scorpio and Taurus are known for their tempers, they differ from Leos in that Leos can be 'Feral' in nature, meaning that they are capable of savagery and destructive behaviour, when angered, whereas Sagittarius is only 'Semi-feral'. Aries and Taurus are 'Bestial', wherein primal instincts can at times, take priority over higher reasoning. Scorpios are a water sign and can become 'Mute', or have trouble in adequately communicating their feelings.

In professional life they do well at any vocation at which there is room at the top. As politicians they are content with nothing less than a powerful position in government. In business they may be the chairman of their company's board, or at least directors or managers. They are excellent organizers and overseers, and if from the artisan ranks of society they will aspire to become the boss, partly because they are ambitious by nature, partly because they dislike manual labour, preferring to take charge of others doing it. If artistic, Leos can become stars of stage or screen (their bent is serious rather than light drama), maestros as musicians when they will gravitate toward the grand instruments or activities, such as the organ or conducting of orchestras and as painters; anything grand in conception and scale appeals to them. Leo women make exceptionally good welfare workers.

In his or her relations with others the Leo type is open, sincere, genuine and trusting. Outgoing, spontaneously warm hearted and plain spoken, though never lacking in kindliness, Leos are more disillusioned than the average if let down by those they trust. They are not good judges of character and are inclined to favouritism and an exaggerated faith in their followers which too often ends in disappointment. They have a strong sex drive and are so attracted to the opposite sex that they find it hard to be constant, they can be so intensely sexual as to become dissolute. They may have numerous love affairs for their love of pleasure and beauty is liable to drive them from one attractive partner to another. They are very much inclined to deceive. Their marriages may fail for the same reason, yet they are sincere and generous to their lovers while love lasts, and will remain attached to their homes so long as it is run for their benefit. They demand service, but are incapable of reciprocating it.

Physically Leos have large, strong and active bodies, broad shouldered, big boned, taller than average, yet narrow flanked and often lean in youth. Such physiques often run to plumpness as the years pass (though usually majestically so!). Their heads are large and round, their hair usually blond and curly, their complexions florid, their expression imperious. The eyes, often blue or grey, are wide, prominent and keen. They stride masterfully and in a stately fashion, their upright carriage reflecting the sense that they have a right to be here.