Leo

When any planet is in Leo, or Leo is on the cusp of any House, the matters covered by the planet or House will be affected by Leo characteristics.

Fixed Fire, ruled by the Sun, Lord of the Fifth House -- is it any wonder natal Leo tends to make a splash?

The fifth sign of the Zodiac, Leo is ruled by the planetary Big Dawg, Sol, our Sun. From a heliocentric astrological standpoint, the Leo native truly is the "Center of the Universe!" Many Sun Sign characteristics are visible in the creatures represented by the sign, and with Leo, this may even be more true than for most.

Think of the noble lion, King of the jungle. He's majestic, proud, ruler of his domain. He's also ... well, kind of lazy, don't you think? Lying in the sun while the lionesses do the hunting, he still expects -- and obtains -- the "lion's share." You might be fooled into thinking the Leo native is simply a big, lazy house cat (especially when he or she is purring with pleasure). This would be a mistake!

The Leo native can definitely be lazy, and you know what? That's because he or she can get away with it. A natural leader, Leo functions best in a "management" position. This goes for work -- the Leo manager will direct the team with seemingly effortless ease, instinctively and seamlessly assigning tasks to the employees' areas of strength. The crew will love their Leo boss, and Leo will be fulfilled, as a born leader and an excellent teacher, who truly inspires his or her students with love of learning. Leo is lavish with praise, as long as the praise is deserved.

Off the job, Leo also likes being in control. The sign's physical associations are with the heart and the spine. While cardiac or back problems may occasionally crop up, on an emotional level, Leo is big-hearted, strong-hearted, warm-hearted, and with a spine of steel. Leo may make you feel half-crazy with his flamboyant, attention-grabbing ways, then sweep you off your feet with a burst of heart-felt warmth. Equal parts infuriating and awe-inspiring, the Leo native is at home with the spotlight. Leo, however, is no scene-hog: this sign simply can't help making a splash.

There is a particular association between Leo natives and children (especially their own cubs), but this association goes deeper. Leo knows well his strengths, and has a natural abhorrence for the strong preying upon the weak: anyone hurting a child, an animal, or any creature perceived as an "easy mark" is likely to see the lazy lion transformed into the King of Beasts, in full roar as he runs at them, claws out.

Leo natives are loyal to the core. When you befriend the Lion, you've made a friend for life. If Leo tries to teach you something, listen up! You'd be hard-pressed to find a better advocate, a more loyal friend, a more enthusiastic teacher ... or a worse enemy (with the possible exception of Scorpio).

For information regarding the physical traits and characteristics of the Leo native, please see our page on Physical Appearance and Astrology.

Artwork: Nemean Lion; Sol Mosaic.