Birth Charts 101: Understanding the Planets and Their Meanings
Use this beginner's guide to decode your birth chart and begin to understand the planets, their meanings, what it means when people ask you ...
zodiac sign of Leo
When someone asks you what your sign is, whether or not they know it, they're asking about the position of the sun at your moment of birth. The sun symbolizes our fundamental essence. This vibrant celestial body represents our ego, sense of self, basic personality, and general preferences. (You can read more about what your sun sign says about you right here.) The sun governs the <anchor>zodiac sign of Leo</anchor>, the vivacious, dynamic fire sign that exudes both bravery and theatricality. It takes approximately one month to transit — or move across — a zodiac sign.
Leo Zodiac Sign: Personality Traits and Sign Dates | Allure
All About Leo

# The Personality of a Leo, Explained

What you should know about this zodiac sign.

September 1, 2024

an illustrated rendition of Leo showing figure with foliage pattern

Daniel Egneus

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Roll out the red carpet, because Leo has arrived. Leo (July 23 - August 22) is represented by the lion, and these spirited fire signs are the kings and queens of the celestial jungle. They’re delighted to embrace their royal status: Vivacious, theatrical, and passionate, Leos love to bask in the spotlight and celebrate themselves. These lions are natural leaders and they enjoy cultivating friendships and romances that are artistically and creatively inspired. Playful Leos have no problem leaning into drama-fueled romances that are perfectly suited for the tabloids. (In fact, they may even prefer them.) After all, every Leo perceives him or herself as a celebrity. These astrological divas never get tired of lavish dinners, exclusive parties, or decadent designer wear.

Leo is ruled by the sun, the dazzling celestial body that governs life and vitality. The sun never goes retrograde, and likewise, Leos are renowned for their stability, loyalty, and consistency. They are dedicated friends and lovers who put their hearts into every relationship. (Fittingly, the Leo sign governs the heart.) Lions love to watch their mates succeed—until they feel threatened. They can become impaired by their ego, pride, and jealousy when they start to fear their star power will be eclipsed. It’s important for celestial lions to remember that their light is never obscured by others, and the bright shine of others' success does nothing to their own. Ultimately, Leos' own hubris is the greatest threat to their happiness.

This fixed sign is known for its ambition and determination, but above all, Leos are celebrated for their remarkable bravery. In tarot, Leo is represented by the “strength” card, which depicts the divine expression of physical, mental, and emotional fortitude. Fearless optimists who refuse to accept failure, Leos will find their deep wells of courage grow as they mature. Keep reading to find out more about Leo’s personality traits, weaknesses, and who they're most (and least) compatible with.

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## What are Leos known for?

Leos are known to shine, darling. Represented by the lion, Leos are recognized for their radiant charisma, natural leadership abilities, and effortless theatrically (TBH, they simply can’t help it). Celebrity Leos like Jennifer Lopez, Kylie Jenner, Madonna, Mick Jagger, Whitney Houston, and Jason Momoa exemplify the vibrant and dynamic qualities of this sign. These fiery big cats possess an innate confidence and a flair for the dramatic, often becoming the center of attention wherever they go. Their magnetic personalities draw people in, and their enthusiasm and zest for life are truly infectious. Likewise, Leos have a strong desire to be admired and appreciated, and they thrive in environments where they can radiate their signature warmth. Leo interests often revolve around creative pursuits and self-expression—whether through performing arts, fashion, or entrepreneurial endeavors, Leos love to showcase their talents and inspire others to channel their own bold ambition.

## What are Leos' weaknesses?

If a lion roars in the jungle but no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound? For these theatrical fire signs, the answer is a resounding yes—but why weren’t you listening!? This sign thrives on admiration and validation, so when Leo feels like their radiant spirit has been (gasp!) upstaged, they can resort to dramatic outbursts or attention-seeking behavior to reclaim the spotlight. Loud, proud, and undeniably dramatic, Leos are no stranger to complete ego meltdowns. Of course, over time, even the most outrageous lions must learn that they don’t always need to be the center of attention. In fact, cultivating a sense of self that isn't solely based on external validation will help Leos build stronger, more fulfilling connections with others. By honing these skills, Leos can maintain their majestic presence without overwhelming those around them.

## Who should Leos avoid?

Leos are natural leaders who love to take charge, which—even when well-intentioned—can rub certain signs the wrong way. While Leo can certainly form strong connections with any zodiac sign, they need to remember to share the spotlight and show appreciation for others' contributions. Pragmatic earth signs like Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn may find Leo's flamboyant style overwhelming, while emotional water signs like Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces might feel neglected or overshadowed by Leo's strong personality. Balancing their need for attention with genuine warmth and generosity will help Leos build more harmonious relationships.

## Which signs are Leos' best match?

While Leos thrive on attention and recognition, they also yearn for generosity and loyalty. These charismatic partners thrive on being adored and respected, but they also want to give that to their lovers, in return. Adoration is Leo’s love language, so fellow fire signs—Aries and Sagittarius—are always a good match. Aries and Sagittarius are effortlessly attracted to Leo's confidence and energy, valuing Leo's warmth and enthusiasm for life. Similarly, the air signs—Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius—can also be excellent partners for this regal showstopper. The air signs’ social and intellectual nature complements Leo's love for engaging conversations and lively interactions. These signs relish Leo's zest for life and bring fresh ideas that keep the relationship exciting and fulfilling.

More on astrology:

Allow astrologer Aliza Faragher to explain which signs yours is most compatible with:



Aliza Kelly is a New York-based astrologer, occultist, and writer. She is the author of The Mixology of Astrology (Adams Media/Simon Schuster), Starring You: A Guided Journey Through Astrology (little bee books), and This Is Your Destiny (Macmillan) and hosts the weekly podcast, Stars Like Us. Her writing... Read more

Astrology Writer

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