DUALITY: masculine (outer-directed)
TRIPLICITY (ELEMENT): fire (spiritual)
QUADRUPLICITY (QUALITY): fixed (organization)

Leos are enthusiastic, ardent, powerful, expansive, creative, dignified, generous, flamboyant, inspired, and extravagant, but also dogmatic and sometimes stubborn.

RULING PLANET: The sun. The center of our solar system and the source of our light, heat, and energy - all the things that make life possible.

Astrologically, the sun is every person's most powerful influence; to Leos it gives qualities of vitality and authority.

CONSTELLATION: Leo, the lion.
SYMBOL: The lion. :P

Leos evince traits considered leonine, such as: regality, bravery, dominance, nobility, pride, and sometimes indolence.

SIGIL:

As you can see in the image above, the sigil for Leo is a combination of two incomplete circles (both symbolizing the Sun) joined by a crescent (the Moon). This combination symbolizes power acquired from both intellect and emotion.

MOTTO: "I will"
NATURAL HOUSE RULERSHIP: Fifth House, the House of creative self.

Leo governs pleasure and creativity, and people of this sign look for what they can get out of life for themselves and they may tend to dominate others. They also have a great capacity for creativity, especially presentation of creativity. Leos do not necessarily have big egos, but they do have a desire to comfirm their egos and they love devotion - both in having people devoted to them and in being able to devote themselves to worthy people.

PARTS OF THE BODY RULED BY LEO: Back, spine, and heart.

Emotional and physical strain can cause back/spine/heart problems in Leos.

LUCKY DAY: Sunday, "Day of the Sun." :P
ASSOCIATED METAL: Gold.
ASSOCIATED COLORS: The colors of the Sun: yellow, orange, gold.
ASSOCIATED FLOWERS: Sunflowers, marigolds.
ASSOCIATED TREES: Orange and other citrus trees.
ASSOCIATED ANIMALS: All felines.
ASSOCIATED CITIES/COUNTRIES: Rome, Prague, Damascus, Hollywood, France, Italy, Romania.

Keep in mind that you don't have to like sunflowers or move to Rome or Hollywood to be a true Leo - these associations are nothing more than associations. :P Some associations - like the fact that Sunday is connected with Leo - are rather obvious (Sunday is the "day of the Sun" and the Sun rules Leo), while the association of Romania to Leo might be somewhat less apparent. :p

Below is a superb profile on Leo men called "Maximizing Your Leo Potential" written by the late Michael Jay, astrologer and author of Gay Love Signs. I did not choose this resource because I wanted to exclude Leo women, nor did I choose it to imply that Mamoru is gay (not that I'd mind that, hehe ^.^). Rather, I chose this resource since Michael Jay was not a "textbook" astrologer. He actually provided some good insights and used his own intuition when writing up compatibility charts or sun sign profiles, and he is one of the best astrologers, even when writing very general, basic sun sun decriptions. I strongly suggest you get Gay Love Signs, since the excerpt I have below is no substitute. But enough of that. ^_^

Here is Michael Jay's Leo profile. It was written for male Leos, namely gay male Leos, but the traits mentioned in the profile are typical of all Leos. Just replace the word "man" with "woman" in the appropriate places if you want the profile to fit you (or the Leo whom you know) better. :P

MAXIMIZING YOUR LEO POTENTIAL:

(by Michael Jay)

You are the Sunshine of the zodiac - a real Golden Boy. The Fixed Fire-sign qualities of Leo make you devoted to the principle of life as an expression of your ego-oriented personality. You want your life-style to speak for you, to embody your creative imagination and need for recognition, admiration, and acclaim. The vibrant power of the Sun radiates your Leonine dignity and passion, attracting other men to your warmth and power. The intensity of your desire, the generosity of your spirit, and your drive for creative self-expression are the most potent gifts that the Fixed Fire of Leo the Lion bestows upon you as the child of the Sun.

Your basic goals center on your ability to dramatize the Leonine need for confirmation of your talents. You feel that you are innately worthy of respect and admiration from the world. You have a flair for the dramatic, enjoy the best things life has to offer, and inspire others to have faith in your ardent personality. You are very demanding of attention, but the magnanimous qualities of your royal sign also make you loyal and devoted to those who accord you your noble due. Your sense of dignity gives you a strong ego, which allows you to maintain a sunny optimism and faith in your future.

Leo's flair for personal style translates to success in any field in which the public can be exposed to your drive and imagination. In return you want recognition for your talents. Leos don't want to work behind the scenes because there isn't enough glory. You like to be out in front, projecting your creativity and basking in acclaim. Acting is a typical Leonine activity, or any other field in which there is the opportunity for applause, glamour, and self-expression. You must guard against being too extravagant or your positive charms will become negative factors that drive away the creative and sensitive people you seek to attract.

The power of the Lion's love is sometimes overwhelming. You want total attention, devotion, and passion from any man who becomes your lover. Though you love the adulation of the crowd, your Fixed-sign nature impels you to look for a stable love that will allow you the rewards of one man to whom you will be able to devote your precious love. You expect fidelity from him as an acknowledgement of your superior ability to satisfy his need for passion and security. You like to feel protective rather than possessive toward your lovers.

Leos do everything in the boldest way possible. You are a snappy dresser - not trendy but with a focus on quality and things that stress your best features. Your talents for creative inspiration and for attracting attention combine to create an almost irresistible image of self-confidence, even arrogance. You have a way of stimulating other men to live up to your standards of excellence, whether it's in business, pleasure, or creative endeavors.

In keeping with your kingly tastes, you like to live an active social life that focuses on you as the main attraction. Leos often arrive at social events with a party of friends and admirers as a ready-made "court." You survey the scene before entering a room, waiting to be noticed and recognized as you decide where to place yourself. You tend to pose in social situations, to make yourself look as good as possible. You want others to approach you, because underneath all that sunny self-confidence you fear rejection. You love the glitter of opening night or chic restaurants - situations that allow you to see and be seen in a flamboyant setting.

You are looking for a love that expresses your need for quality, devotion, and personal pride. The magnanimous Leo spirit needs to give love as much as to receive it, with lavish displays of affection. You are direct and open about your needs, especially when it comes to love. Leos believe in loyalty, and you want a love in which you can place your total faith. Your gambler's instincts, combined with your optimism, tend to make you a bit of a romantic. You believe that true love may be just around the corner, so it's important always to be at your best.

Cupid's darts of desire can hit at odd moments, causing you to be unfaithful if you already have a lover. A man with your flair is bound to be tempted by the flattering attention of other men. Your dalliances will be very discreet because "cheating" is incompatible with your self-image. Furthermore, you are genuinely distressed at - if not deterred by - the fear of hurting your lover. Your guilt will result in some extravagant present that says a silent "I'm sorry and I love only you" to the man who rules your heart.

The lover you choose will express the same personal care with which you choose all of the aspects of your life. As a Fixed sign, you prefer to stick to those things, places, and people you have come to value as up to your standards and reflective of your taste and style. When you have decided to commit yourself to another man, you want him to be someone you are proud to be seen with, who will complement your life-style. Ideally he will look up to you for your most admirable qualities and reinforce your own best opinion of yourself. You don't want a man who will restrict your freedom or social life, even if it's because he wants you all to himself. By the same token, you should be careful not to be overly possessive or too demanding. It is easy for you to have attractive partners, but your ideal lover is the man who is home when you get there and cuddled in your arms when you wake up in the morning.

The power of the Sun in Leo gives your personality much charm and creative drive. You handle your life and your loving with a grace and style that can attract all the recognition, affection, and success you crave. A lover you can depend on will be the crowning glory of your life, but you can be domineering and predatory in your attitudes and manners. When you lead with your heart, you are bound to get hurt, but you have the ability to heal quickly and the faith to continue the quest for the true love that brings out the finest in your noble nature.

Tender passion and affection make you capable of overcoming your most arrogant and conceited insecurities. You will never need to demand recognition when you use your radiant charm to express yourself. Friends and lovers will come forward to return your warmth and reinforce your bright image. Happy rests the head of Leo who wears the crown with grace, generosity, and affection. When you falter, it is always with the best of intentions. When you succeed, you share your joy from the bottom of your generous heart.

(END)

And now that that's over, here's some stuff about Leos that was not found in Michael Jay's profile! :P

*ahem* Leos are sometimes called eternal children due to their unhibited ability to give affection and their pleasure in the moment. Their nature is flamboyant and expansive, which means they despise the ordinary and routine. They never settle for second best, and thus luxury is very important to them, even if they may not be able to afford it. They are the most lavish spenders in the zodiac (Librans are a close second), and they are splendid partygivers and hosts. They are very much like the Sun, radiating energy and magnetism and burning with steady optimism, and their most likeable trait is exuberance.

Leos and Capricorns both tend to positions of authority, and both signs can be hard workers, but Capricorns do the "slow and steady" climb while Leos think they are born into high position. Leos are ambitious but not ruthless. When they are unhappy it doesn't last long, and they are able to bounce back quickly. Their challenging/overbearing nature may cause them problems and they are prone to be victims of slander, but it is difficult to dislike a Leo - their warmth and "sunny" disposition is too hard to resist.

FAMOUS PEOPLE WITH LEO AS THEIR SUN SIGN:

Madonna, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Mae West, Maxfield Parrish, Andy Warhol, Robert Redford, Yves Saint Laurent, Lucille Ball, Ethel Barrymore, Napoleon, Bradbury, Fidel Castro, Coco Chanel, Cecil B. DeMille, Amelia Earhart, Alfred Hitchcock, Mick Jagger, Carl Jung, Aldous Huxley, Dustin Hoffman, Chiba Mamoru, and Seiya Kou. :p

THE DECANATES OF LEO:

First Decanate (July 23 to August 1)
Keyword: Self-expression.
Planetary subruler: The Sun.
Constellation: Ursa Minor (Little Bear) - the Little Dipper. Symbolizes goals and true direction.
The Sun is both your ruler and subruler; thus you are doubly under its beneficent influence. You enjoy the spotlight and may be known as a colorful person, and you have an artistic flair. You have a knack for drawing attention due to the way you speak and present yourself, and you are a good leader as you stimulate and excite others. In general, you don't keep your emotions to youself, whether they be good or bad. You are impulsive in love and you can end up following your heart without thinking. At times, you can be very stubborn about wanting your own way.

Second Decanate (August 2 to August 12 - Mamoru's decanate!)
Keyword: Expansion.
Planetary subruler: Jupiter.
Constellation: Ursa Major (Great Bear) - the Big Dipper. Symbolizes wisdom.
The expansive planet Jupiter co-rules your decanate with Leo's Sun, accenting intellectual and visionary qualities. You are very proud with a quick temper, and your ability to dissect problems and see immediately what needs to be done gives you an authority that others respond to. You are jovial and good-humored but it's hard for you to laugh at yourself. You are ambitious, but as much to gain in intelligence as in money, and while you can do manual labor you much prefer mental work. Sometimes you are thought of as being overconfident, but that is really a genuine expression of your enthusiasm and willingness to try.

Third Decanate (August 13 to August 22)
Keyword: Creativity.
Planetary subruler: Mars.
Constellation: Hydra - the water-serpent. Symbolizes activism and mental energy.
Aggressive Mars combines with Leo's Sun to emphasize impetuousness and will power. You get into new projects readily and with enthusiasm, but you need real results to be satisfied. Routine bores you - you need fresh ideas and stimulation/challenge to keep you at your best. You often have bursts of huge energy followed by periods of complete inertia. People always know where they stand with you in personal relationships. Love may cause problems since you want it to be too perfect and may be too demanding of a partner. You find waiting very difficult, and since you are outspoken, you dislike secretive people. Sometimes you have a reputation for being temperamental.

THE CUSPS OF LEO:

July 23 to July 27
You are a Leo with Cancer tendencies. You harbor high aspirations and tend to be creative, but you are also methodical and studious. You want to make the "right" choices and hate being caught off-guard or unprepared. Mental work stimulates you, and you have good powers of concentration and an ability to express yourself. Your warmth and ebullience attracts many friends. You love to buy beautiful things and thus can be extravagant with money, and you are headstrong and possessive in love.

August 18 to August 22
You are a Leo with Virgo tendencies. You gain attention with your strong personality and sense of style. You are very determined, climbing over obstacles to reach a goal or get something your heart is set on. You have a taste for elegance and like to travel first class. Though you are quite levelheaded when listening to other people's problems, you are an emotional person. You make decisions with your heart and then rationalize with your head.

PARTS OF THE BODY RULED BY LEO:

Leo rules the spine, back, and heart (the Sun has always been associated with these body parts). The heart is associated with warm emotion, and the back and spine are associated with courage, all of which Leo displays. They are open and give fully of themselves, living life to the fullest. Leos have strong consitutions, supples spines, and good coordination. They are usually excellent dancers and/or athletes.

Leos have a great need to excel and often push themselves to the point of overexertion and nervous strain. Their upper back tires more easily than other parts of their body, and they can get pains and pressures around the heart. Leos can feel their heart in their mouth when startled, and they can usually feels the pulses beating inside their heads. Heart problems may crop up later on in life, though Leos are noted for longevity (as are Sagittarians and Capricorns).

The Sun also influences the spleen, the thymus (vital to early childhood growth and immunization against bacteria), and body vitality in general, so the sign of Leo is characterized by growth, vitality, and good health. Leos are not inclined to illness, and if they do catch a sickness they bounce back quickly. As a rule, they live healthy lives, but they must learn to slow down later on in life to avoid a heart attack.