An Overview of Sun Sign Characteristics for Leo

The ruler of Leo is the Sun. The glyph is generally thought to represent the tail of the lion. In ancient Dionysian mysteries it was considered to be a phallus. It can also symbolize the heat or creative energy of the Sun. On entering the sign 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. Through the ages, Leo has signified the coming of the high growing season and thus reflects the abundant generosity of life. In this aspect Leo is seen as the ordained provider. A role which many astrological lions would take on quite willingly.

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

Sun Sign Personality Traits for 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 and humane nature. They are basically 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, Leos tend to expect the best, and when things don't turn out as they had 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.

"Even a happy life cannot be without a measure of darkness, and the word happy would lose its meaning if it were not balanced by sadness. It is far better to take things as they come along with patience and equanimity." —Carl Jung,   Born July 26, 1875

"I have been through a lot and have suffered a great deal. But I have had lots of happy moments, as well. Every moment one lives is different from the other.  The good, the bad, hardship, the joy, the tragedy, love, and happiness are all interwoven into one single, indescribable whole that is called life. You cannot separate the good from the bad. And perhaps there is no need to do so."   —Jacqueline Kennedy, Born July 28, 1929

Vocational Interests Suited to Leo Tendencies

Leos like to live on a grand scale. First class is the only way to go and luxury is comfort. In professional life, they do well in a career where there is room at the top. In the political arena, they keep going until they reach a powerful position in government. In business, you can find Leos in the president or chairman's office or on the Board of Directors.

"If you live long enough, you'll make mistakes. But if you learn from them, you'll be a better person. It's how you handle adversity, not how it affects you.  The main thing is never quit, never quit, never quit." —Bill Clinton, born August 19, 1946

Leos always strive for a position of leadership. They are excellent organizers, managers and leaders. Many of them go into business for themselves.  They are ambitious by nature, and prefer to take charge and delegate. Leos possess a strong creative and dramatic bend, and you will find many in the theater and film industry. They become stars of stage or screen, talented musicians, or well known painters. Whatever they choose, it will usually be in the limelight, first row, center stage.

"To all those who have wondered if America's beacon still burns as bright: Tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals." —Barack Obama, Born August 4, 1961

"I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work, the more I live. Life is no brief candle for me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for a moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations." —George Bernard Shaw, born July 26, 1856

Insights to a Leo Relationship

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.

"Sometimes, if you aren't sure about something, you have to just jump off the bridge and grow wings on your way down." —Danielle Steel, born August 14, 1947

Leos are not great 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 and devastatingly disappointed.  They do recover quickly however, and may have numerous love affairs. Their love of pleasure and beauty, and their expectation of perfection often drives them from one attractive partner to another.

"The more one does and sees and feels, the more one is able to do, and the more genuine may be one's appreciation of fundamental things like home, and love, and understanding companionship." —Amelia Earhart, Born July 24, 1897

Leo, a fire sign, is full of optimism and enthusiasm; they are outgoing and exuberant individuals who love people and company.  Fiercely loyal to those they love, Leos are also fiercely possessive, but in a manner based upon respect not control. In all significant relationships, Leo commits and settles in for the long pull. They expect, from the beginning, that this firm commitment is reflected in equal measure by their partners. When this trust is breached, Leo is deeply wounded and greatly offended. Proud and unyielding, Leos love their own freedom and do not put up with restraints of any kind.  They are truly at their finest when the object of their attention shows appreciation of these qualities by reflecting freedom and self respect within their own life. Like lions in the wild, Leos know instinctively that royal blood flows through their veins. Recognize and praise this native nobility and your lion will treat you like a King or a Queen, for that is exactly how Leo perceives a mate.

The Lore of Leo in Mythology

To our ancestors, the qualities of the Lion were associated with rulership and divinity. Wherever this animal was encountered, its characteristics were attributed to gods and goddesses. For many cultures, the symbol of a lion serves as a guardian. Lion figures stand fast against darkness and evil intent in the doorways of palaces, temples, and in the rituals of the Chinese New Year. It is not hard to recognize some of these same attributes in those born under the Sun sign of Leo.

In Greek mythology, the constellation of Leo is explained through the tale of Hercules and the Nemean lion. More than a lion, this beast was the sibling of the infamous Sphinx whom Oedipus encounters. The creature had terrorized the countryside for years and all weapons were useless against it. Hercules was sent to kill the beast by Hera; as an illegitimate son of Zeus the goddess hated him and hoped for his failure. Hercules, however, proved successful in defeating the Nemean Lion, literally wearing his victory by making a cloak and helmet from the creature's hide. In honor of this great feat, Zeus set the form of the fearsome Lion in the night sky.

Famous Leo:

"Love of power and command are the prevailing characteristics of Leo people; they live in a world of their own creation, and nothing seems too great for their ideality. Being full of faith they accomplish and achieve by persistent determination; to them their will is law.  When developed they carry with them the most harmonious vibrations of the twelve signs, and have the power to soothe and heal. This sign prompts the higher emotions and gives love of honesty and a higher morality. Their passional nature is keen and ardent, all the feelings coming direct from the heart." —Alan Leo, born August 7, 1860

Who praises all his kindred do?

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