About Leo the Lion: Astrology/Zodiac

Leo

The Lion

Modality: Fixed
Element: Fire
Ruler: The Sun
Season: Summer
5th Sign of Zodiac
Metal: Gold
Stone: Ruby
Color: Orange, Gold
Anatomy: The heart
Keywords: magnanimous, generous, hospitable, caring, warm, authoritative, active, open

Comparison with its symbol, the Lion:

The majestic lion, the King of the Beasts, is Leo’s symbol. Throughout history, the lion has symbolized sovereignty, rulership, and courage. “The lion’s size and strength have captured human imagination since ancient times”(1)

Leos, like lions, are thought to be strong leaders. They generally have a regal quality to them and possess a noble manner that is hard to miss.

The glyph for Leo represents the mane of the lion.

Leo

Select individual icons in the image grid for more information about Leo and Leo associations.

Leo: Ruling Planet

The Sun is Leo's planetary ruler. Through the Sun, we derive our life purpose.

The Sun represents our conscious mind in Astrology. It represents our will to live and our creative life force. The Sun is our ego. It is also our "adult"-- the part of us that censors our "inner child", that reasons things out and makes final decisions. The Sun directs us and can be considered "the boss" of our chart, and, like its ruler, Leo is a proud leader.

Leo: Glyph

The Leo glyph, depicted here, may represent the two valves of the heart since Leo rules the heart; alternatively, it can be considered the mane of Leo's symbol, the lion.

Leo: Flowers

Flowers associated with Leo are the sunflower (depicted here and representing vitality, admiration, strength, and positivity -- all traits associated with Leo), the gerbera (representing happiness), and the marigold (representing passion).

Leo: Element

Leo's element is Fire. There are three Fire signs: Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius. Fire signs are spontaneous, reactive, and assertive.

With Fire, we have pride, passion, courage, creativity, and impulse -- all traits associated with Leo. Leo, as a Fixed Fire sign, is passionate and loyal.

Leo: Symbol

The symbol for Leo is the Lion. The majestic lion, the King of the Beasts, is Leo's symbol. The lion symbolizes sovereignty, rulership, and courage.

Leos, like lions, are strong leaders. They have a regal manner that is unmistakable.

Leo: Modality

Leo's mode is Fixed. There are four signs in the FIXED family: Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius.

Fixed signs are loyal, steadfast, and stubborn. They tend to resist change and possess excellent follow-through. As a Fixed Fire sign, Leo is passionately loyal.

Leo: Ruling Planet Glyph

Depicted here, the glyph or symbol used to represent Leo's ruling planet, the Sun.

The Sun glyph shows the circle of Spirit, indicating potentiality, brought to focus in the central point or dot.

Leo: Constellation

The constellation of Leo is depicted here and is as distinctive as the sign with its many bright stars.

Leo: Metal

The metal associated with Leo is gold.

Gold is the metal of Leo's ruler, the Sun. Gold symbolizes purity, perfection, vitality, and prosperity.

Leo: Gem

Leo is associated with a number of gemstones, mainly the ruby (pictured here, and symbolizing vitality, passion, and energy).

Leo: Colors

Colors associated with the sign of Leo are gold, yellow, and orange.

Leo: House Association

Leo is the fifth sign of the zodiac and is also associated with the fifth house.

The fifth house rules creative self-expression, pleasure and entertainment, all forms of "play", speculation and gambling, pastimes, hobbies, attitude towards romance, romantic relationships, lovers as opposed to partners, attitude towards having fun, drama, adornments and costumes.

See Leo Symbols & Associations or All signs’ icon grids

See Leo Symbols & Associations

Sun in Leo

(The Sun is in Leo from approximately July 23 to August 22, depending on the year).

There’s an unmistakably regal air to Solar Leos. These are dignified—even noble—folk. Leos have a reputation for being conceited, but think again. Leos do feel important, but this generally takes the form of wanting to change the world in some way—to make the world a better place. They are generally motivated by affection for people, and often have big dreams and plans to make people happy.

Generally, Leos are hard-working. After all, they are attracted to the good things in life, and they know they have to work to get them. It is sometimes difficult to imagine Leos as go-getters if you happen to catch them in one of their languid moods. These people can sleep in, laze around, and luxuriate for long periods of time. However, when they do get to work, they do it with intensity and determination. In this way, they are not unlike their symbol, the lion.

The worst thing you can do to a Leo is accuse them of bad intentions. Displaying behavior that makes them think you don’t appreciate them runs a close second. These happy, jovial people become mighty hurt when others don’t see them for their noble intentions.

Loyal, and sometimes rather traditional, Leos are, after all, a fixed sign. They’ll hold on to situations and people for a very long time before they give up. There is an unmistakable idealism to Leo’s view of the world and the people in it. Often, Leos have a very noble inner code that they answer to. Although on the surface, Leos appear rather confident, they can actually be some of the most humble souls around. They are the first to blame themselves when something goes wrong. Once again, it’s the Leonine self-importance at work, and this characteristic works in unexpected ways. Instead of being the conceited, self-absorbed show-offs of reputation, they are usually very self-aware, self-conscious, and, yes, even humble.

Some Famous People with Sun in Leo: Ben Affleck (Sun and Mercury in Leo), Sandra Bullock (Sun and Mercury in Leo), J. C. Chasez of N’Sync, David Duchovny, Jonathon Frakes (Sun, Moon, and Mercury in Leo), Whitney Houston (Sun and Venus in Leo), Peter O’Toole (Sun and Moon in Leo), Jennifer Lopez (Sun, Mercury, and Mars in Leo), Madonna (Sun and Venus in Leo), Robert Plant, George Bernard Shaw (Sun and Venus in Leo), Martin Sheen (Sun, Moon, and Mars in Leo), Christian Slater

Moon in Leo

Depending on other positions in the chart, Moon in Leo people are not necessarily outgoing. When they feel comfortable, they do like being the center of attention. That is, they like being in the “spotlight” in the comfort of their own homes and with family and friends. They enjoy entertaining others, and often take on the role of comic.

Lunar Leos often feel a need to organize, and even control, their families and friends. They have an inner mission to set things right, and generally like to oversee the goings-on in their little circle.

This is a rather creative position of the Moon. At the very least, Moon in Leo people want to create and entertain. They can be rather lazy at times, and a little bossy too. Generally, though, they have a deep need to treat others fairly and justly.

Lunar Leos require lots and lots of love and care in order to function well in the world. When they feel slighted, these people can be dramatic in their emotional displays. When their pride has been hurt, they are given to big scenes and sulking. This rarely happens in public, however. Lunar Leos are far too concerned about their image to make splashy scenes outside the comfort of their own homes. In public, they prefer to take things in dignified ways. At home, however, they’re given to big displays of emotional drama. These scenes generally don’t last too long, however. Lunar Leos are often personally popular folk who are valued for their integrity and strong sense of justice.

Generally, it is easy to reason with a Lunar Lion. Appealing to their well-developed sense of fairness usually works well.

Some Famous people with Moon in Leo: Tom Cruise (Moon and Venus in Leo), Marlene Dietrich, Jonathon Frakes (Sun, Moon, and Mercury in Leo), Katie Holmes, Anna Kournikova, Peter O’Toole (Sun and Moon in Leo), Julia Roberts, Tom Selleck, Martin Sheen (Sun, Moon, and Mars in Leo), Rene Zellweger

Mercury in Leo

When Mercury in Leo people speak, they do it with authority. Some of them come across as know-it-alls, but the more mature ones speak with style. They want others to know about their presence of mind and their know-how.

Mercury in Leo men and women are adept at seeing the big picture, sometimes at the cost of ignoring the details. They are generally skilled at the art of persuasion. While others may try to win people over with logic, guilt, or wit, Mercury in Leo does it with warmth and good will. They are excellent at promoting ideas and getting their message across.

These people can be very attached to their opinions, taking pride in their beliefs, which are often rather idealistic. They are capable people on an intellectual level, and have an especial desire for self-expression.

Creativity is especially important to Mercury in Leo people. They present themselves with a certain amount of flair, and even drama. Often passionate and enthusiastic speakers, Mercury in Leo people get their message across with zeal. Some people with this position have developed a perhaps more sophisticated manner in which they present their ideas and thoughts, and these natives possess admirable style and warmth.

Depending on the confidence level of the whole individual with this placement of Mercury, a stubbornness in the face of criticism or over-sensitivity to anything less than praise is present. Whatever the reaction, Mercury in Leo natives can be mentally arrogant. Mercury, by nature, is detached and reasonable. In Leo, however, the ego comes into play very strongly when it comes to intellectual analysis. With intellect and ego so closely tied, the ability to separate fact from fiction can be impaired. In some, boasting may be a problem. Probably the best way to handle this position is to find self-expression in some creative field. Mercury in Leo natives can be magnificent story-tellers, for example, mainly because they have such a wonderful sense of drama. They speak and write with heart.

Some Famous People with Mercury in Leo: Ben Affleck (Sun and Mercury in Leo), Sandra Bullock (Sun and Mercury in Leo), George Bush Jr. (Mercury and Venus in Leo), Cameron Diaz, Jonathon Frakes (Sun, Moon, and Mercury in Leo), Lindsay Lohan (Mercury and Venus in Leo), Jennifer Lopez (Sun, Mercury, and Mars in Leo), Patrick Stewart (Mercury and Mars in Leo),

Venus in Leo

When Venus in Leo people are in love, they are proud, even boastful. This position of Venus can turn humble Virgo Suns or retiring Cancer Suns into somewhat demanding lovers. Venus in Leo loves to court and be courted, and they need to feel very special. They are warm, generous, and even grand. Though really quite loyal to their partners (remember that love is THE most important thing in Leo’s life), they thrive on romantic attention. Be prepared for their displays: they will tell you about any advances that others have made on them. Remember, they’re just showing off to you, and it’s likely harmless. It’s a different story if you do the same, however. That’s when you’ll hear the lion roar…and, no doubt, you’ll want to keep these cats purring. Venus in Leo wants to appear experienced in love, even if they have little or no experience whatsoever!

Venus in Leo men and women have high expectations, but once you know that these expectations revolve only around how much attention you are giving them, you’ll see that they are really quite big-hearted about most everything else. They are threatened by a relationship that appears to have settled too much, or one that’s lost its spark. They are also threatened by indifferent or impersonal behavior on your part.

Although their needs for physical expression through sex are generally quite strong, their need for love is perhaps even stronger. It is hard for Venus in Leo people to separate love and sex, and even their most erotic fantasies are infused with love and affection. For this reason, few Venus in Leo folk would last long in a relationship that is mostly sexual. On the flip side, they may last longer in a love-only relationship in the absence of satisfying sex, but they are unlikely to feel very satisfied.

Pleasing Venus in Leo involves paying loads of attention to them. If you’re willing to make only one adjustment in your ways, it should be to remind Leo how wonderful they are. Respect and appreciate them, always. Put up with their childlike moments and their tall tales. They want to be seen as attractive by you, so avoid (at all costs!) putting them down in this area. They actually lose interest when they perceive the slightest loss of interest in their partner, and you can expect that any letdown will be acted out in a dramatic fashion. Remind them, in a gentle way, that your emotions count too. If you are feeling a little jealous, let them know. Remember, to Venus in Leo, your small jealousies are affirmations that you find them attractive and expect the rest of the world to as well. Let them decide where to go on a date, and let them pay too. When Venus in Leo feels loved and appreciated, they reward you with loyalty, a big sense of fun, and plenty of physical expressions of their love.

Some Famous People with Venus in Leo: George Bush Jr. (Mercury and Venus in Leo), Tom Cruise (Moon and Venus in Leo), Whitney Houston (Sun and Venus in Leo), Nicole Kidman, Lindsay Lohan (Mercury and Venus in Leo), Madonna (Sun and Venus in Leo), Tobey Maguire, George Bernard Shaw (Sun and Venus in Leo),

Mars in Leo

This position of Mars gives a drive for significance. Mars in Leo individuals possess a strong need to create in some way—and they are determined that their lives have not only meaning, but significant meaning!

This is a particularly vital position of Mars. Passions run high, and so does desire. There is a strong will that gives these natives much staying power. Though Mars in Leo people will enjoy the pleasures of risk-taking, they generally have a strong sense of reason at the end of the day.

Mars in Leo people often have well-defined ambitions. Rarely will you find a person with Mars in this position who lives life without a true sense of a “calling”. They act with authority and power, and their personal magnetism generally endows them with the ability to get what they want.

This is one of the more sexual positions of Mars. While they are rather easy to arouse, their passion is long-standing. Mars in Leo natives enjoy sex more than most, as long as heavy doses of love and romance are part of the package. In partnership, they demand loyalty and admiration.

Impatient with small-mindedness and disloyalty, Mars in Leo natives generally have a strong idealistic streak. They easily get fired up when they feel they’ve been humiliated, and they defend their high principles with ardor.

Mars in Leo natives act with their heart. Their ego is tied up with their actions, so that most anything they do becomes a source of great pride. Though some are self-righteous and quarrelsome, the more sophisticated people with this position are kindly leaders. (See also the Sexuality of Mars in Leo).

Some Famous People with Mars in Leo: Cher, George Clooney, Melissa Etheridge, Jennifer Lopez (Sun, Mercury, and Mars in Leo), Martin Sheen (Sun, Moon, and Mars in Leo), Patrick Stewart (Mercury and Mars in Leo),

Leo Ascendant

Leo rising people cannot help but be noticed. They radiate a special energy and magnetism that gets others’ attention. Sometimes it’s because they are loud people who pay a lot of attention to their personal appearance (especially their hair!); other times it’s due to a regal manner that simply demands interest from others.

Leo Ascendant people are very self-aware and body-conscious. They are acutely aware of others, and how they come across. In fact, these people are especially aware of their personal “backdrop”—they consider what the people they’re with, and the environments they are in, do to their own image. Often, Leo rising natives feel as if they are on stage, even in the privacy of their own homes!

They are given to rash decisions, temper tantrums, and excesses. However, they have plenty of staying power, drive, and their idealism keeps them from getting into too much trouble. The desire to oversee the goings-on in their circle can sometimes amount to bossiness. If this desire doesn’t go too far, however, it can just mean a person who wants to make sure the people they love are all right. Many Leo rising people are managers, either by profession or character.

The tendency to overestimate things, and themselves, is generally present. This is due to a natural enthusiasm and optimism about any new undertaking. Sometimes, they are walking commercials. In fact, Leo rising people make excellent promoters.

Leo rising people are generally demonstrative, and given to grand gestures. Drama comes naturally to these natives. In fact, some are so caught up in fiction, they’re a little blind to fact. They have an unusual need to be admired.

Leo Ascendants often have a strong physical constitution. They pay special attention to their personal appearance and mannerisms. Usually, they choose clothing and hairstyles that are youthful. Their manner is authoritarian and strong.

No matter their age in real-world terms, Leo rising people are kids at heart. They are fun-loving and warm; generous and spirited.

Just how magnanimous and outgoing a Leo rising individual is will be modified by the placement of the Sun by sign and house. This is because the ruling planet of a Leo Ascendant is the Sun. For example, a Leo rising person with Sun in Virgo may not come across as strongly as a Leo rising person with Sun in Aries. No matter the placement of the Sun, however, Leo rising natives are quite self-aware and optimistic. They have a natural flair for presentation, an eye for quality, and a hard-to-resist warmth of style. They want to make things happen, and they create a stir. More on Leo Rising.

Famous people with Leo Ascendants include George Bush Jr., Robert Downey Jr., Justin Timberlake, Jason Bateman, Katie Holmes, Matthew Perry, Dick Butkus, Muhammad Ali, Celine Dion, Donald Trump, Robert Urich, Elton John, and Marilyn Monroe.

Leo Symbols & Association