Leo

Leo Sun Symbol

The symbol of the lion represents Leo in the zodiac. The story behind this symbol is an excellent example of Leo’s fearlessness and drive. 

The Great Heracles did not stand a chance when faced with the wrath of the goddess Hera. According to myth, Hera took his sanity, and while his mind was wrapped in the confused and vulnerable state, Heracles committed acts of unthinkable horror. After he awakened, Heracles saw what he had done. His entire family was dead, an act of unforgivable violence. 

Heracles turned to the god Apollo for help. To atone for what he had done, Apollo sent him to serve Eurystheus, the king of Tiryns and Mycenae. For twelve years, this would be his reality, a life of servitude performing the Twelve Labors, difficult feats for someone no less than Greece’s most robust and bravest.

Heracles’ first task was to kill the Nemean Lion, a savage animal who could withstand attack from mortal weapons. Its golden fur was impenetrable armor, which makes for a difficult task. Using only his brute strength, Heracles wrestled the fearless animal while positioning himself to strangle the lion to death. Even though the body had ceased living, the Nemean Lion’s memory didn’t die that day. To honor the animal, Hera placed his form among the stars creating the constellation Leo.  

Coming away as the victor, Heracles wore the lion’s fur as armor, ever the manifestation of pathos. In Greek drama, pathos is a quality that triggers deep emotional reactions. Like Leo’s sign, an experience of struggle or dramatic sorrow could lead to unexpected outcomes, like everlasting fame.

Leo Sun Element

Leo displays the element of FIRE and tends to be the sign that enjoys when things revolve around them. The Fire signs (Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius) are all different, but they burn hot at their core.  As they prefer life to be grand, these fire signs produce an out-going, passionate, dramatic, and temperamental personality. People born under a fire sign will use intuition to guide their decisions and feel things out with their gut instincts. This impulsive nature can work in their favor or not. If they turn out too forceful or egotistical, then they may find battle after battle with those around them.

Like fire, these signs can run the risk of igniting, especially if someone challenges their authority. With a larger-than-life persona, the fire signs can push things too far sometimes. They suffer from burn-out after lengthy periods of high-octane living. Regardless, their passion for adventure and competitive spirit make life interesting.

Leo Sun Quality

Leo is a FIXED sign, which works to create a stable foundation. The four fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius) suggest reliability as they forge an atmosphere of patience and enthusiasm. They build a stable life. The fixed signs are trustworthy and helpful.

Being a Fixed Fire sign, Leo can expect stability and respect in their career. A Fixed Fire sign creates “cheerleader” energy wherever they are needed.

Leo Ruling Planet

The SUN rules the sign of Leo. Our solar system revolves around the sun, the central aspect of life. Leos love the limelight and attention. Just like the sun, they will happily let everything revolve around them. Sun energy rules the self and is a source of creativity within astrology. Leo is the most self-involved sign, but also a selfless sign. They produce a warmth of spirit and create joy.

Leo Sun Mantra

I will inspire greatness in all beings.

Leo Personality and Purpose

When your Sun is in Leo, you feel like you are the main character in every situation. In all honesty, you are the main character. With a friendly personality combined with exaggerated honesty, entertaining others is central to your being.

As an extremely enthusiastic sign, Leo expects attention and praise for a job well done. You tend to express a level of smugness or become boastful when relating tales of your life, but it feels more like enthusiasm than superiority. Your pride spills over during times of triumph, and you have to let everyone know!   

You have difficulty with any criticism, even when it may help you become a better version of yourself. Criticism feels hurtful to the Leo ego. If advice or critiques don’t match your self-perspective, then it would be beneficial to simply listen and wait until you’ve had time to process. In the end, your inner voice is the harshest critic you will encounter. Each day is another attempt to become a better version of yesterday.

When in control of a situation, you feel the most confident and in touch with your power. You thrive when being complimented sincerely and respectfully.

Romantically you are a great partner. You love grandness and spare no effort in giving love, support, and attention to your significant other. You’re a hard worker, and that doesn’t change when in a relationship. Leo’s love is loyal and intense. Expecting the same in return is extremely important. A flashy present, adventurous date, or wild social function thrills you. If you feel ignored in the relationship, then it’s time to make some serious changes or even call it quits.

Leo loves to come out on top and be viewed as royalty.  In that way, you are an excellent leader. When Leo encourages and helps others, they become a radiant light of inspiration for those around them. 

Leo energy expresses itself boldly through love, fashion, art, or music. You do everything with gusto, including the way you present yourself to the world.

When you were younger, physical activities, along with constant attention, and movement defined you. Your personality was bright and energetic from day one, but drama finds you whether you are involved or not. A young Leo is often lazy around the house, but only because it is suitable to be waited on and adored.

Leo Compatibility

Leo is most compatible with Air signs (Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius) and other Fire signs.

Are you a cusp?

If the description of Leo Sun is characteristic of your personality, you may find several of your planets are aligned with this sign, element, or quality. If very little of the description represents your persona, then other signs in your chart may carry more substantial aspects. Also, if you were born on a cusp, which is when your birthday is within a few days of the Sun’s move from one zodiac sign to the next, then your Sun might not be the most accurate representation of your potential. Being on a cusp means you display the traits of two different Sun signs or a unique blend of the two.

Read on for your other planetary placements, which give more insight.