The Sun in Leo...
The Sun in astrology symbolizes the core essence of who you are -- your individuality and sense of self. It describes what is likely to motivate you, and why. The Sun Sign describes the prime focal point within the personality structure, and is of major importance. Understanding and developing these aspects of the self will help you to develop and expand your sense of being the authentic self you truly wish to be. Understanding the house in which your Sun is found will give even greater detail.
Leo: Fixed Fire
Ruler: The Sun
Keywords: Creativity Love Warmth Self-Expression Leadership
Positive: Confident, self-expressive, sincere loyal, honourable, affectionate, truthful, regal, protective, cultivated, refined, artistic, self-expressive, romantic, fun, radiant, religious
Negative: Vain, selfish, arrogant, self-centered, lustful, bestial, hedonistic, deceptive, dictatorial, extravagant, superficial, immodest, cruel, snobbish, destructive.
When The Sun is found in its' own sign of Leo, those born at this time of year a special task here on Earth - to shine!.... Your symbolic ruler - the Lion - is Lord of the jungle, the most majestic animal of all. Whether you experience yourself as the warm and magnanimous centre of your own world, or as a dark and depressive force that looks enviously at others, will depend on the choices you have made. When born under the sign of Leo, you have the opportunity to be positive, warm and bright. How easily you manage to do this will depend on the level of self-esteem you actually hold inside.
In some ways, you have a special job to do when born under this sign, for you are likely to be blessed with the confidence, creativity and social skills needed to do whatever you set your mind to. Self-assuredness and a willingness to lead often come naturally to those born here. You tend to have the gifts of vitality and popularity to assist you on your way. Because of your need to be centre-stage, you are likely to thrive on attention and approval. Within moderation, this is fine. After all, you are only giving your public what they need and want! But taken to excess, this can manifest as a constant search for recognition from others that reveals an inner shakiness about where your true talents lie. Despite the outgoing and confident side Leos often like to express, they tend to carry deep insecurities about their value and worth. There is an existential angst that sits at the centre of this sign. Beneath a confident and sunny exterior can hide an insecure and uncertain little lion cub. This cub needs constant reassurance that it is both accepted by others, and fundamentally alright.
Sometimes this insecurity within Leo overwhelms their natural desire to shine, and there are those Leos who prefer to bloom from the sidelines, rather than stand in the limelight. Whether this is due to real shyness, or a deeper insecurity will be shown over time. By spending time cultivating your innate creativity through hard work and discipline, you learn to see for yourself what you are actually good at. By seizing the opportunity to do the things that feel special and important to you, you gain the self-approval which will stand you in good stead. Once you know what you do and do well, you can ¡§re-launch your promotional tour¡¨. When you feel free and secure in your own talents or abilities, you will instinctively know when it is time to ascend onto the podium, and when it is time to get off!
This 'existential angst' is worthy of closer inspection. Despite the apparent confidence and self-assuredness of Leo this is actually a deeply mystic or even religious sign that is intrinsically connected to the mystery of Life itself. Leo rules the forces of creation, or of the emergence of something from idea/inspiration into form. At a broad level, this lends those born under Leo an innate connection to creative processes, and in many situations, a creative streak. The mystery at the heart of creativity is essentially mysterious, and may be divine. It is within the pulsing heart of the creative mystery that Leos look to discover their source. Are they really the Divine Child born to live out some unique destiny, or are they just a chance conglomeration of emotions, opportunities, opinions and needs?
At a philosophical level, Leo is connected to the utterly human need to know the essence of who we are and where we have come from. For the Leo individual, there is often a very private insecurity (or introversion) that drives them to seek to discover the source from which they came. They know that life tends to "like" them, and will help them on their way, but they have no idea of what they have done to deserve this, or whether it will continue. Is it of their own making, this inner life force full of passion and self-confidence, or does it come from a source higher than themselves? A deep existential longing, as well as source of personal suffering, often comes from grappling with questions such as these. In the act of creation, Leos secretly hopes to reconnect with the source of Life itself, and discover where they have come from and where they are meant to go. They tend to be attracted to magic, mysteries and an enchanted quality in life. Yet in order to find the answer to these questions they must face a fundamental truth - it is only through the loss of personal meaning that eternal truths are found. Leos often face a period in their lives (maybe more than once) when they cannot rely on luck, courage and charm to get them through. They must make a deeper voyage into the heart of darkness that also beats within. When they accept the shadow side of Life they know the brilliance of their light. Through depression and spiritual yearning, Leo comes to understand for themselves where the source of their essence lies.
Leo is the Fixed Fire sign of the Zodiac, and its¡¦ qualities are symbolically described by the physical influence of the sun. Leos can be gifted with outgoing qualities like radiance, confidence and energy which they freely share with those around them. As the sun is at the center of our solar system, so the sign of Leo relates to those qualities meant to encourage new life. As centripetal forces, they feel the need to organize and to lead. Leos innately look at the world from this central point view, and see themselves as the focal point of everything. Because they see themselves as central, they often naturally feel entitled to rule. At their best, Leos can provide leadership with generosity, warmth and strength. They excel at encouraging others to be the best that they can be. In fact, leadership is a special quality of this sign, and others will naturally look to Leo to provide cohesiveness and direction. Over time, Leos come to accept this role with humility and good grace. Leos will readily become the life of the party and step up to take centre stage, if the situation requires. Even the most retiring Leo types will recognize that there are times, especially when it comes to fun, that someone has to take charge. They have an innate sense of how to do this owing to a child-like quality and vivacious spontaneity.
Yet there is of course another side to all this bright, shiny valour. When failing to operate from the highest ideals and motivations, Leos can also become ruthless despots and manic "drama queens", enraged by the idea that they are not receiving their rightful due. This is where the bestial qualities of this sign are seen to rise to the fore. As much as they can be light and bright and full of sunshine, Leos can also become complaining, vain and self-centred black-holes, destroying everything around themselves in a monstrous rage of regal dissatisfaction. The deep-rooted insecurity that sits at the centre of this sign can take over and cloud all other more attractive qualities of this sign. The Queen of Hearts in Alice in Wonderland is one such displaced Lion. She destroys what she cannot have out of a desperate insecurity that someone else has more than her.
Just like the animal which is their symbol, a Leo must have their own domain, an area of life where they know that they ¡¥rule¡¦. In certain ways, Leos gain a sense of personal authenticity by having precedence and being able to take charge. Managed wisely, Leos can blend passion, vitality and creative interests in such a way to ensure that everyone benefits from the outcome. Passion is the key-word here, for as a sign ruled by the qualities of the heart, Leos tend to want to lead in whatever area of life generates passion and meaning for them. As Deborah Houlding describes it
"Put simply, whatever opinions anyone else may have on the matter, a Leo perceives him- or herself as the royal center of activity. Lions are territorial animals and care little about what happens outside the boundaries of their own terrain; similarly, all Leos will have an area that they view as 'their kingdom' - their rightful place to shine where they can become the nucleus that directs, organizes and orchestrates. To some it is the domestic environment; to others, a hobby or intellectual pursuit; others yet may find it in a wider professional or political arena. Wherever this 'kingdom' exists, a Leo will take great pride and pleasure in being viewed as someone to look up to. Treat them with respect, and they demonstrate that well-earned reputation for a broad-minded, enthusiastic and magnanimous disposition." 1
Fail to offer such respect, or question the Leo's authority or right to rule, and the poor fool will soon know about it. Leos hate to be told what to do, and will rise up in self-righteous indignation should anybody question a decision made within their own chosen domain. They are best left to feel in charge of this area of their lives, for it is here that any inherent insecurity will diminish and the more noble qualities of the sign will eventually shine through.
As the sign of romance, Leos also specialize in affection, grand gestures and big gifts. Leo is connected to the expression of love, and seeking the thrill of romance is one of their favourite pastimes. They make warm and generous lovers who take the time to enjoy the art of love. Yet whilst they will often display a great affection and tenderness to others that makes them exciting to be around, the flow of attention can eventually become decidedly one way. Once the thrill of the initial chase is done, Leo can tend to expect more for themselves than they themselves are prepared to give. As a basically self-centred sign, Leo will easily get wrapped up in the importance of their own self-expression once they have capture another's heart. Leo may expect unending adoration and lavish proofs of affection, but may not be so ready on the return. For Leo, the fun of relationship lies in the romance, and after the initial gestures are made, attention is likely to shift back to the demands of their chosen domain, sometimes leaving partners out in the cold. This can be especially problematic in relationships where the partner is less independent or needs constant closeness themselves. In this degree, the happy Leo should remember - to ensure happiness they should give as good as they expect, so ensuring that the flow of mutual generosity and reward stays open, even when the other's heart has been won.
If you were born under the sign of Leo, your task here on Earth is to shine. You are likely to be equipped with natural qualities such as confidence, warmth, good humour and a generosity of spirit that make you easy to be around. Because of your innate sense of being at the centre of everything, you are ideally suited to organizing others and taking charge. Yet stepping into this role as the central organizing principle within others lives requires you to confront and eventually vanquish the deeper insecurities that you carry inside. You are likely to be a highly creative and self-expressive individual, and when you take the time to understand and develop your capacities before expecting others to recognize and approve of them, you will learn to appreciate yourself. Then you can step out into the limelight when the moment requires without simultaneously demanding attention, recognition and applause. All this will come naturally to you in time owing to your sunny disposition and radiant charm. Leo is generally a fun-loving, warm and passionate sign, concerned with romance, loyalty, love, affection and generosity to others . You are likely to always be a child at heart, with a spontaneity and simplicity about you that keeps you forever young. Learn to lead from the centre of who you are and not from the parts of you that crave recognition and you will come to take up your rightful place as the central organizing principle within your own and others lives.
