| Leo Dates: | July 23 to August 22* |
| Zodiac Symbol: | Lion |
| Element: | Fire |
| Ruling Planet: | Sun |
| Ruling House: | 5th |
| Quality: | Fixed |
| Polarity: | Positive |
| Power Color: | Yellow, Orange |
| Birthstones: | Peridot, Onyx, Diamond, Carnelian, Ruby |
| Flowers: | Sunflower, Marigold |
| Key Traits: | Enthusiastic, Self-assured, Generous |
| Desires: | Success, Recognition, Esteem |
| Compatible Signs: | Aries, Gemini, Libra, Sagittarius |
| Mantra: | "I will" |
A Summary of the Leo Zodiac Sign
Leo is considered the warmest and most generous sign of the zodiac. Like the Lion or Lioness, a quality of nobility and a natural air of leadership surrounds all Leos.
Leos are not likely to do anything that they do not intend to do and tend to be less impulsive than the other Fire signs. Leos often find themselves “accidentally” or “unexpectedly” at center stage, or others “volunteer” them into it. This is what makes Leos such natural teachers, entertainers, and managers.
Leos are also the staunchest defenders of the underdog, as they feel a natural responsibility to those less fortunate. This is a clue into why Leo has often been called the most loyal of the signs, but actually, the loyalty they demand from others is far greater than their loyalty.
A Leo’s worst traits are false pride and arrogance, as they often prioritize things that make them feel good. When pressured, Leos have a hard time making compromises or being even-handed. The good news is that Leo’s warm and self-confident nature wins over most.
Although the Leo zodiac sign can be playfully competitive, it’s hard to force one into a conflict or into in-between, “gray” areas.
* The dates of each zodiac page change every three years due to the nature of the Earth’s rotation around the Sun—just like a leap year.
Read Your Free Daily Leo Horoscopes
Symbol: The Lion
The Leo symbol is that of a Lion—a good fit for the bravery of this sign. The Lion is fearless, impossible to challenge, and their only weaknesses are being fearful and aggressive towards those they confront.
This gives them a moment before tackling the world with dignity and respect.
The Lion also needs a safe place to find comfort and are warm-hearted at the core. Just like a Lion, Leos are fiercely protective of their loved ones, and will often adopt people around them as their cubs. They are brave and calm in their approach towards threats.
Element: Fire
Fire signs are always masculine or positive. Of course, not all Fire signs are going to behave the same. Even two Leos can be very different from each other, like all signs, because of the placements of the planets in their birth chart.
With that said, Leo is gregarious and usually enjoys the company of others. They light up a room and make a gathering come to life.
Leos are also confident in their abilities to get things done, good at motivating others, and goal-oriented, creative, and inspiring.
However, the Fiery Leo is not without their flaws. Leos are prone to temper outbursts, want to have their way, and are impulsive and pessimistic.
The other Fire signs in the zodiac are:
Ruling Planet: The Sun
Just as the Lion is a ruler over the animal kingdom, the Sun is the lord over the solar system. Relatedly, it is fitting that the Sun is Leo’s ruling planet.
Being ruled by the Sun means Leo loves to be the center of attention and the center of everyone’s world.
The Leo zodiac has a huge self-image, a Fiery nature, a drive for life, and an abundant personality.
Leo Quadruplicity
Even though all Fire signs will be similar, there are a lot of differences between them. This is because of the quadruplicities or the qualities of those signs. Three quadruplicities exist just like there are four elements — Fire, Earth, Air, and Water. These are Cardinal, Mutable, and Fixed.
Leo is the Fixed quadruplicity of the Fire signs. This means Leo is:
- Resistant to change
- Not particularly thrilled about new ideas
- Tenacious and/or stubborn
- Wanting others to agree with them
- Bringing responsibility to teamwork and keeping everyone under control
- Wanting things done your way
- Not a risk-taker
- Taking responsibility very seriously
Key Personality Characteristics
Leo loves to be the center of attention.
When a Leo doesn’t get that from their nearest and dearest, they can get a little pouty. But the gloomy days are few and far between because you love to be where the action is and the people creating it. As a result, a Leo works hard to pay for their luxurious tastes so that they can be generous with everyone in their inner circle, which is probably a large one. Leo has many friends, and all of them are dear ones.
Leo’s sparkling personality embodies the Lion—the King of the Jungle. It’s going to take a lot to get them down and keep them there!
Leos are typically fantastic entertainers; no expense or effort is spared to ensure others have a good time. Leos often attract the attention of others (wanted or otherwise). Some of this attention may be unwanted because Leos are rarely available; they take early and well to solid and committed relationships.
For this sign, it’s essential to have passion in life, and when that passion is lacking, it feels like having an operation without anesthesia.
The key to any Leo’s success is to learn when to be the show-off and take control and when to tone it down and be more open to the needs of others. Of course, there’s a time and a place for everything.
Top Traits
Leos are warm and forgiving and can have genuine sympathy for most of the world’s pain and problems.
Continually, it’s easy for this sign to forgive after a rift between friends or lovers.
This sign is passionate about whatever they do. They tend to need a partner in life to get the emotional support and adoration required by this big-hearted sign.
They need to matter to someone—they need to be someone others lean on. At the same time, Leos must remember to accept help as often as they give it.
This zodiac sign is also:
- Big-hearted, passionate, romantic
- Very outgoing, extroverted, gregarious
- Stylish
- Protective
- Love to give advice and counsel to others
- Crave compliments, attention, and flattery
- Generous and forgive easily
- Sympathetic
- Work well under pressure
- High morals
- Creative
Challenges & Weaknesses
Of course, the good comes with challenges that balance this big personality. Specifically, Leos:
- Can be very lazy
- Hate to be bored
- Are prideful, arrogant, conceited
- Are possessive
- Can be vulnerable and easily upset
- Are opinionated and stubborn
- Need people to need them
- Are extravagant and may be careless with money
Leo During Conflict
Leos need attention to feel important. Leos crave validation at all levels, which is why they work hard to be in the spotlight.
To overcome conflict, let Leo know they are understood and acknowledged.
Relationships & Sex: Understanding the Leo Lover
A Leo in love is a best friend for life that always sees the good in everything.
Leos in love can be complicated because, as a Fixed sign, they will stick anything out to the bitter end—they are fixed to success in love and life. Relationships are no exception.
Leos can sometimes be a tad on the jealous and obsessive side, but their intentions are always in the right place.
This sign is a lover of life and love, and their generosity with partners knows no bounds.
Although this sign might have a slight obsession with flattery, they can get pouty if their ego isn’t being stroked.
If you love a Leo, flattery will always get you everywhere.
The Leo Man
- Love company and being the center of attention
- Need to be appreciated
- Courteous, chivalrous, and generous
- Romantic, faithful, loving, and devoted
- Likes to provide for their families
- Not afraid to express their emotions
- Will not be dominated
- Possessive and jealous
- Vain
- Flirtatious
- Dramatic and over-indulgent
- Quick-tempered
- Will not tolerate disrespect
- Proud
The Leo Woman
- Natural leaders easily attract attention
- Lively
- Sensual
- Passionate and devoted
- Sensitive and compassionate
- Intelligent, witty, talented, captivating
- Good hostesses
- Needs a bit of discipline (self, or otherwise)
- Needs compliments
- Arrogant
- Indulgent
- Jealous and possessive
- May tempt jealousy from others
The Leo Child
- Enthusiastic, natural leaders, confident
- Daring, loves attention
- Intelligent
- Loving
- Social
- Needs to be given responsibility from an early age
- Sulk if they are not the center of attention
- Quick to anger
- Bossy and proud
- Can be careless and go through lazy periods
- Will try to shirk their responsibilities
- Needs to feel appreciated
Love Compatibility
Fire and Air signs are the best matches for a Leo.
Leo likes things their way, can get on with other Fixed signs, and will have a lover for life if they find one. But the other party in this love compatibility match will need to be okay with making concessions for Leo all the time.
At the same time, Leo is famous for getting on with everybody, so it’s hard to find anyone who doesn’t like a Leo with a reasonable cause. That’s sometimes a problem for jealous partners too.
Yes, we’re talking about you, Scorpio.
How to Attract a Leo
Those in Leo’s life need to understand that they like to be the center of everyone’s attention.
A Leo also loves adventure, and it is looking for the next best place or thing to do. To get the attention of Leo, be ready to have fun but also be willing to make compromises.
Career & Money: Leo at Work
Like all areas of life, Leos also have the Fire sign streak of passion and creativity in their career goals.
Leos find success in jobs and professions where every day is different. They favor travel-related jobs.
When Leos serve others and meet others’ needs like the King or Queen of the Jungle that they are, they feel like they have met their own high standards and expectations.
A Leos’s best day would see them playing the starring role in making the world better, all on their own. Just remember, it takes a village to change the whole jungle. A Leo should use their leadership skills to bring a team together to accomplish bigger and heftier goals.
Birthstones
- Peridot: influences the positive and negative traits of the Leo sign.
Influential Leo People & Celebrities
Some famous Leos include:
- Barack Obama
- Jennifer Lopez
- Alfred Hitchcock
- Ben Affleck
- Kylie Jenner
- Cara Delevinge
- Anna Kendrick
- Joe Jonas
- Kristen Wiig
- Sandra Bullock
- Daniel Radcliff
- Meghan Markle
- Whitney Houston
- Viola Davis
- Elisabeth Moss
- Jason Momoa
- Chris Hemsworth
- Madonna
- Robert De Niro
- Shawn Mendes