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.
