LEO (The Lion)

How to define a person’s character from the planetary positions

Above is a summary of the characteristics attributed those born under the period of time when the Sun is in the section of the zodiacal sky known as ...Leo. To understand a person’s character a start has to be made somewhere. The easiest way is to divide the possibilities into smaller subdivisions. In Astrology this is determined by dividing the time the Earth takes to go around the Sun (a year) into twelve parts - these are the groups we call sunsigns.

Over the years the 12 sunsign divisions have gained, what appears to be, a precise edge to the group divisions. Above you will see that I start with a specific date ... (23 July) and finish with a specific date ...... (22 August), but the reality is not so clearly defined. The average time taken for the Sun to be seen in the same part of the sky from one time to the next, is known as 1 year, but it is only that, an average time. The rest of the planets can have an effect on the movement of the Earth, slowing it down or speeding it up, ever so slightly, and this can result in a slight variation in the overall time taken to reach the same point - as much as 1 day, possibly even 2 days, earlier or later than the average time of 1 year. If you were born within two days of the Sun changing sign, it is important for you to ascertain precisely which sign you were born in, and for that it is important for the astrologer to know the year in which you were born. For the those born on days within the rest of the sunsign period the interpretation should apply, as long as there aren’t any other strong influences interfering with your expression through your sunsign.

For most of you, Leo is the sign of generosity and nobility of feeling. This sign is the strongest one for self-expression. As the Sun generously gives us light, heat, warmth, and life as our planet continues to move in orbit around it, so Leos are also generous to people who allow them to be the centre of attention, in the spotlight, able to shine in company. There will be times when Leos feel their problems are overwhelming, but, somehow, providence will come to their aid, shining a light in a darkened corner showing them the way out, just as the Sun can infiltrate into the darkest shadow.

Leos roots lie in the home - it is where they can radiate their personal indepence most. The heart is where the home is, and as Leo rules the heart it is no wonder that they feel most generous within that environment. They can be generous with money, time, and knowledge, with no thought of the self. But their desire to produce children - the Sun is the giver of life - means they are strongly attracted to the opposite sex. If they don’t want serious heartache, then Leos must keep their love nature in check.

Leos are unconsciously drawn towards the idea that “the means justifies the ends”. As money is the central commodity which rules society, and Leos have a desire to be where they can become the centre of attention, you will often see them striving to become rich, and a part of the jet set. They can be overly confident, and too frank and outspoken, which causes many interpersonal difficulties, possibly losing them friends, but this because they misguidedly tend to assume that other people possess a sense of integrity equal to their own.

They dislike repetition. Once they see the point of something they can become impatient with others, and often obstinate in discussions. Those who disagree with a Leos opinion need to be tactful, for as long as is recognised that a Leo has dignity they are prepared to surrender some points if necessary. Leos recognise the effect they have on people, although this is not usually due to a lot critical analysis, they will, nevertheless, study ways in which they can create bigger and better effects.

Self-approval is very important to a Leo, and they will do anything they think is right, if necessary sacrificing public disapproval, for self-approval. They don’t always like being forced to compromise, and will sometimes despise the final result, and having seen it reduced in value in their eyes, may even neglect it.

Leo is the kingly sign, the sign of majesty, power and dignity. People born under this sign express pride in every movement they make, and if given power and responsibility will do everything they can to justify the confidence that has been placed in them. Leos function best in positions of management and responsibility, especially if they can be creative and set policiies. Those who fail in attaining positions of authority may develop traits of indolence, laziness, impetuousness, and inconstancy.

Enthusiasm, inspiration, practicality, spirituality, philosophical, all qualities which Leos use to good effect, and when these people are placed in positions of authority can mold public opinion. They may sometimes have a reckless courage but they never fight unfairly, no matter how great the advantages offered. In victory they remain magnanimous and in defeat stand unconquered.