Leo: Introduction
Grab your shades. Leo has entered the building. If you have a Leo Sun, Leo Moon or Rising Sign in Leo (or are close to someone who is hotter than the Sun), you will know what I mean. Sun ruled Leo has presence, charisma and, like all fire signs, does not do shy. You are there to be noticed and you generally make sure you get noticed at every opportunity. Blending in with the crowd is not for you. You want to be up there with your name, in lights, at the top of the bill – after all, life is not a dress rehearsal.
In this section, I’m going to tell you all you need to know about taming the big cat – the keywords associated with Leo and the stuff that Leo people find important in their lives. Whether or not that cat is a roaring lion or a playful kitten, all Leo influenced people have the propensity to be all shades of feline – and if you’re in love with a Leo, you need to know what makes them purr. Leo’s qualities can also be seen in those who have the Sun in a particularly strong position in the Natal Chart – e.g. close to the Ascendant or in the Fifth House, its natural domain.
Leo: Energy Type
Leo: Key Qualities
Fire
Fire signs are creative, inspiring and exciting. Leo loves to be the centre of attention – whether this is as a leader, entertainer or party animal. Leo is charismatic, charming and naturally dramatic in expression. However, Leonine dominance can become arrogant and egotistical. When a Leo’s ego has been pricked, the lion’s roar always exceeds the scale of the perceived injury. Leo is romantic and passionate, loves to be in love and relationships are important. Leo makes a loyal partner, but may be high maintenance.
Fixed
Fixed signs are stable, loyal and consistent. They represent the mid-season; Leo is where summer reaches it’s peak. It’s hot, it’s the holiday season and time to relax. Leo loves a good time and they love to be at the heart of everything they do. The desire to shine makes Leo creative in so many fields. Leo subjects enrich our lives with their contributions to our cultural capital. Leo demands applause, but the joy they provide is worth it.
Masculine
Masculine signs are active and Leo is actively confident, friendly, extroverted and dramatic. However, those qualities are not exclusively ‘male’ in a traditionally gendered sense. Lionesses assert their Leo characteristics just as well as their male counterparts and all Leos can be a diva – star power is where it’s at for Leo.

The Leo Myth
Leo: Ruled by The Sun
Leo is ruled by the Sun, the most dominant male archetype. In the Sun we find our father, our boss and all of those who we look up to and aspire to be. In that sense, once internalised, the Sun represents our own sense of power – for it is the most powerful life force – and without it we would freeze and die. It is, quite literally, the centre of our personal universe and symbolises the ego, our essential being. For all of us our Sun is who we are. It empowers us and lies at the heart of our individuality. Without the Sun we are nothing – no wonder humankind has always worshipped at its altar!

Leo Archetype: The Creator
Leo Character

Leo: Keywords
Positive
Affectionate, Attractive, Benevolent, Cheerful, Childlike, Courageous, Creative, Determined, Dignified, Dramatic, Entertaining, Enthusiastic, Faithful, Funny, Generous, Joyful, Leadership, Likeable, Magnanimous, Playful, Regal, Self Expressive, Sincere, Strong Willed, Sunny, Theatrical, Trustworthy, Vital, Warm.
Negative
Authoritarian, Bombastic, Bossy, Childish, Conceited, Dogmatic, Domineering, Egotistical, Flashy, Impatient, Lazy, Loud, Naive, Opinionated, Overbearing, Overthinking, Patronising, Pompous, Proud, Self Indulgent, Show-off, Snobbish, Unrelenting, Vanity.
Leo in Love
If there were prizes for being an incurable romantic, Leo would make the shortlist every time. Sincere, loyal and generous, you need to lead in the relationship – and you ensure that your relationship is centre stage in your life. Your partner will need to be suitably regal as the partnership will be a highly visible one and you will not stand for anyone who may compromise your status. You are, therefore, incredibly choosy when it comes to partner selection!
Once your choice has been made, however, Leos expect to be able to retain some independence. It’s not that you’ll be disloyal or unfaithful – you will have played enough prior to commitment to get that out of your system. However, you simply won’t allow your partner to usurp your position as top cat and that means staying slightly aloof sometimes – or simply demanding your own way at others. A word of warning – don’t take your loved ones for granted because you need close loving relationships more than most.
Leo & Family
Leo & Money
Leo Careers
Leo: Things To Look Out For
Hair, Yellow, Blonde, Sunflowers, Honey, Gold, Purple, Heart, Spine, Back, Cats, Vocal, Voice, Perfect Eyesight, Lamps, Lights, Ruby, Jewellery, Orange, Oranges, Plays, Theatre, Actors, Acting, Drama, Appearance, Shopping, Spending, Gifts, Luxury, Brands, Branding.
Next: Virgo | Libra | Scorpio | Sagittarius | Capricorn | Aquarius | Pisces | Aries | Taurus | Gemini | Cancer
Go To | Planets in Leo
Further Reading
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© Sara Shipman
Picture credit: Image by Christine Sponchia from Pixabay