Sun Sign Series – Leo

Someone recently pointed out that I missed doing Leo and Virgo in the Sun Sign Series. I was trying to do them in order, but it doesn’t surprise me that I skipped Leo and Virgo. In my opinion, these two signs are difficult to explain, not because they are more complicated, but because they are generally mocked by the public. I’m sure you’ve all heard of the arrogant Leo or the OCD Virgo, and while there is some truth in these meme’s, it is not the whole truth. It can be difficult for the astrologer to overcome a sign’s public ‘reputation’, but I’ll give it a go…

The ruler of Leo is the Sun, and the Sun is the most important planet [luminary really] in astrology.  The Sun represents “who we really are”.  It is the place where the soul lives, breathes, and grows.  All of life experiences will be processed through the other planets, but growth will take place with the Sun. 

The Sun also represents the will or the power urge, the source of energy for every person.  It is the masculine principle, representing authority, paternity, ambition, leadership, and self-expression.  It is the place of determination and confidence for the individual. Regardless of where the Sun is placed by sign in a chart, it will be the place where all growth takes place. Leo is just the sign where the Sun is strongest, but that doesn’t mean it is the ‘best’ placement [despite what a Leo will tell you!]

***Note*** The Sun is NOT the personality.  The personality and physical appearance are determined by the moment of birth, and is reflected by the Ascendant [also called the Rising Sign].***

In the sign of Leo, the Sun is said to exemplify cosmic splendor. The meaning attached to this seems to be that both the good and bad characteristics associated with Leo are perpetual. As a fixed sign, these qualities just do not change. As I tell my clients, it is ‘baked in the cake’ in many ways.

The Leo is a dominant, spontaneous, creative, and extroverted personality. They possess grace, dignity, and an expansive personality. The lion is king of the animal kingdom, and an appropriate symbol for Leo. Ambitious, courageous, strong willed, positive, independent, and self-confident are all words that describe Leo.

Leos were born to lead, and are most effective when in a position of command. Leos are straightforward, uncomplicated individuals who know what they want and pursue it with enthusiasm and a creative spirit. Leos possess a strong positive nature and don’t shrink from adverse circumstances. They are not easily daunted, and will persist through the most formidable circumstances.

Leos are proud people, with an idealistic nature. They are outgoing, happy, kind, and generous. Self-expressive, intelligent, and broad minded, they are philosophically inclined.

They tend to be stubborn, and will hold onto a belief, or stick to a course of action through thick or thin. They are direct and to the point, and lead with their emotions. Because of their positive nature, they tend to expect the best, and when things don’t turn out as they expected, they react immediately and badly. Quick tempered, blunt and nasty when they have been affronted, they are deeply hurt by malice or hostility. Although, they may suffer from short bouts of depression when life doesn’t meet their expectations, they bounce back quickly and move on with their normal cheerful and demonstrative nature. Leo walks forward always, head held proudly, and face turned towards the sun.

In personal relationships, Leo is open, sincere, genuine, trusting, and generous. Although outgoing, spontaneous, warm- hearted, and straight forward, a tragic flaw in Leo is gullibility. They are too trusting and generous to people they like and love. They are not good judges of character and are inclined to treat those close to them as if they were perfect beings incapable of wrongdoing. Because no one can possibly live up to this kind of expectation, Leo is often disappointed and devastated in relationships. They do recover quickly however, and may have numerous love affairs. Their love of pleasure and beauty, and their expectation of perfection, drives them from one attractive partner to another.