Leo astrology. Today we’re diving deep into this Zodiac sign, including its lion symbol, compatibility, character traits, “Leo careers”… and everything you need to know about Leo men and women!
The Leo Astrology Sign
- Leo dates: July 23 – August 22
- Element: Fire
- Symbol: Lion
- Zodiac quality: Fixed sign
- Best Leo Match: Aries, Gemini, Libra, Sagittarius, Aquarius
- What do Leos Fear? Being ignored, Abandonment
- Best crystals: Amethyst, Citrine, Tiger’s Eye, Onyx, Howlite (more crystals)
- Ruled by: Sun
- Rules: House of Pleasure
- Position: 5th House
Disclosure: Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, we may earn a commission. But we only recommend products and services we've used and love.
Read another sign:Aries Taurus Gemini Cancer Virgo
Libra Scorpio Sagittarius Capricorn Aquarius Pisces
Leo Astrology
Simply put, if you’re in the presence of a Leo, you KNOW you’re in the presence of a Leo!
Leos (born July 23rd – August 22nd) are some of the most strong, magnetic, energetic, and warm people on this planet. Period.
Their hard-to-miss personality is well displayed by the funny Jennifer Lawrence… relatable Anna Kendrick… and regal Barack Obama. Their strength and Herculean fearlessness is also seen in quarterback, Tom Brady. (*swoon*)
Basically, if there’s a sign that could to take over the world (with a Colgate ad worthy smile), it would be a Leo!
Leo Personality Traits
So, what is the personality of a Leo? Well, Leos are the life of the party — even if they “party” is a mid-afternoon staff meeting at a stuffy office job.
No matter where they are or who their with, a Leo Zodiac sign makes sure they’re enjoying life to the fullest!
People often find themselves hanging out with their Leo friends to get a boost of energy or dose of belly-holding laughter.
Leo Characteristics:
- Fun loving
- Energetic
- Intense
- Attention seeking
- Creative
- Warm-hearted
- Passionate
- Generous
- Self-confident
- Cheerful
- Humorous
- Kind
- Charismatic
- Trustworthy
The Leo astrology sign is intensely passionate and energetic!
But, some personalities have a hard time being around their constant motion and overpowering energy. (Seriously, my grandma is a Leo and we call her the “Tornado.”)
And the rumors are true… Leos are so confident that they can come off as aggressive. They have an opinion, and and they aren’t afraid to voice it!
They are also known to get annoyed and angry quickly, and be moody if things aren’t going their way.
Leo’s can also be:
- Stubborn
- Flighty
- Prone to over promising
- Self-centered
- Insensitive
- Dramatic
- Attention-seeking
- Moody
At the end of the day though, Leo’s love making others laugh and enjoying life right along with them.
They don’t take offense easily and shrug it off if they prove to be too much for someone.
Because they’re a fire sign (like Sagittarius and Aries), they’re some of the most kind people you’ll ever meet. And they don’t like making people uncomfortable. Their energy is fabulous… as long as you are on their good side!
Leo Men
If you’re dating a Leo man (or interacting with one), make sure you buckle your seat belt!
Leo men know exactly what they want and they go after it with gusto! Er, until they decide they want something else.
They often have ULTIMATE goals (like “enjoy life!”) and are flexible about how they fulfill that goal. So it’s not uncommon for them to switch things up and hop in and out of school and careers.
Don’t worry though — their passion and charisma usually lands them at the top of wherever they go quickly.
Dating a Leo Man
Leo men are true Kings of the Jungle (they do hold the lion sign, after all). They tend to dominate wherever they go, including relationships.
They love the chase and to have fun with their potential mates. To them everything is a game, and that game does wonders for their ego!
Some signs can take offense to this, but the Leo guy doesn’t mean any harm… Remember, the Leo astrology sign has a soft, kind heart.
Leo men are also wildly passionate and have a strong protective streak. This leads some to believe that they are cold-hearted.
You may see a Leo man:
- Helping out someone who’s down on their luck
- Getting in a bar fight because someone hit on their girlfriend
- Leaping tall buildings in a single bound :)
While they’re not usually hot-tempered, they don’t think twice when it comes to defending those they love.
Friends and family depend on their Leo men to pick them up when they’re down and show them a great time. Whether they’re headed to a concert or the grocery store, it’s all the same to a male Leo.
How Do You Attract a Leo Man?
At the end of the day, Leo men are super easy to please. All they want is to feel loved and appreciated. So:
- tell them you love them
- thank them when they do nice things for you
- show loving gestures (like baking their favorite cookies)
- praise him
- be kind and patient
- tell them you need them
- let them be the “Lion” that they are!
And if a Leo man likes you back, you’ll know it! He will shower you with love, attention, and praise. They will also make you the center of their universe and protect you!
Leo Men at Work
In their careers, Leo men place high stock in their title and status.
They have an ego that LOVES to be stroked, so you won’t likely find them in a job that doesn’t induce an, “oh, cool!” reaction from others. Their passion, if directed at work, can help them advance and find success anywhere they go.
The Leo Woman
Ah, the lioness. The Leo woman is a force to be reckoned with.
Friends and family know they can count on their Leo women to give them tough (but needed) advice… and defend them if someone does them wrong.
Despite their protective nature, Leo women love to unwind and be the life of the party. But once the party is over, she’ll get right back to business, as determined as ever.
A Leo woman knows exactly what she wants, and isn’t afraid to ask for it — or leave if it’s not possible.
She’s a strong, confident woman and she will never compromise on her values. This makes her an awesome role model for kids and those around her.
Leo Women in Relationships
Other signs might find a Leo woman’s energy a bit intimidating. After all, she seems to have it all together and can totally take charge in her relationships… She’s the woman who knows what needs to happen and when!
But underneath her strong exterior is a woman who would love to share her burdens with a partner — as long as they can handle them.
A Leo female can fall in love fast if her partner makes her feel special. And once she falls in love, it’s deep and meaningful.
You see, Leo women build their lives around those they love. So if you make the cut, you’ll have it made in the shade for life… she’ll be generous, shower you with attention, and protect you. (Even though she can be a little clingy at times.)
On the flip side, she is quick to anger if she’s scorned. And she can hold a grudge for a long time.
Leo Symbol and Mythology
The Leo astrology sign is connected to the Greek hero Hercules. Legend goes that Hercules killed a lion that had been terrorizing the town of Nemea for years.
At first, Hercules was told that this lion could not be defeated… arrows wouldn’t kill it. Hercules didn’t believe that (of course… typical guy), so he shot his arrows anyway.
All the arrows did was cause the lion to run and hide in his cave, so…
Hercules searched the cave for months and finally found the lion.
Since he knew arrows wouldn’t work, he used the lions own claws to penetrate his skin and killed it. Hercules then wore the lion’s skin as a cloak and sign of his strength and courage. (The cloak made him look super regal and fierce.)
The story of Hercules killing the lion speaks to the Leo Zodiac sign’s ability to stare down fear.
This is why those the Leo astrology sign push themselves and rarely adhere to boundaries. (They love being the center of attention, but that love may stem from a fear of not being noticed.)
Also, Leo is the only Zodiac sign ruled by the Sun, which all the other planets revolve around. This makes their “all-in” personality even stronger.
If you haven’t already guessed, they like to maintain power and attention… and now you know it’s because of the Sun connection!
Who Should Leos Date and Marry?
Are Leos Hard to Date?
The confident and aggressive Leo needs someone that can keep up with them, and give them a lot of attention. They tend to be self-absorbed and need a partner that can put them first. This can make them hard to date.
Yet, there Zodiac signs they jive with, and are up for the task. They are:
- Aries
- Gemini
- Libra (the peacemaker, of course!)
- Sagittarius
- Aquarius
And here are the signs that don’t mesh well with a Leo’s powerful energy:
- Taurus
- Scorpio
Leo Compatibility – Best Matches
Aquarius and Leo
Mama used to say that opposites attract and the Aquarius and Leo pair does not disappoint in this regard. In fact, some say this is one of THE most fiery and passionate pairs in the Zodiac!
While the Leo is the sun, the Aquarius is lightning (or a rainy day). These two powerful weather forces balance each other out in every way, making them a match made in… nature.
But, because these are both dominant signs, it’s likely power struggles will ensue. With a little communication, though, this team should be right back on track. The Aquarius finds warmth in this relationship, while the Leo feels chilled out and balanced.
As long as both of their egos can take the backseat, these partners could conquer the world (and they just might).
Read: 7 Fascinating Things About Aquarius Women
Gemini and Leo
Some people take life very seriously. But Geminis and Leos? Not so much. This relationship allows both parties to let loose and enjoy everything!
Once these two get together, there’s not much that can’t happen. They might fly to Cancun on a whim or decide to get matching tattoos — on the first date.
Gemini and the Leo astrology sign are full of passion, intrigue, and vibrancy.
It’s tough for both of these signs to find someone that can match their level of creativity and excitement. So once they discover each other, there may be no stopping them!
Of course, impulse trips and permanent ink aren’t the most responsible way to live. In fact, this duo may encounter rough waters with the responsibility part of life. But ultimately, this pair is one of the great ones that love songs sing about.
>> Read: 5 Factors That Determine Soulmate Astrology
Leo Least Compatible Matches
Capricorn and Leo
While both of these signs are driven, they may be driving in different directions.
Capricorns seize life and know exactly what they want, as do Leo’s. But because both signs are inflexible, fireworks (and not the good kind) may ensue.
The Leo Zodiac sign, while passionate, is easily put out. And Capricorns can be a tad harsh or blunt for the Leo’s ego.
On a positive note, both of these signs are ambitious. And if they can agree on a shared goal, they can become an unstoppable power duo!
Pisces and Leo
Both of these signs are emotional, and that’s the problem. The Leo astrology sign tends to rush through life and not think of consequences. And this can be detrimental to the sensitive Pisces.
BUT… if Pisces sees the Leo as their “hero,” it will stroke the Leo’s ego enough to make the Pisces the center of their world!
Leo Astrology – Best Careers
Because of Leos energetic and charming personality, they find career success almost anywhere. And since they are so confident and energetic, they make great doctors and lawyers.
Yet their constant need for change may cause them to switch from job to job (making friends wherever they go!)
Best Leo Jobs:
- Actor
- Politician
- Singer
- Artist
- Travel photographer
- Public figure (blogger, author)
- Writer
- Entrepreneur
- Consultant
- Pilot
Wherever they end up, they need enough structure to ensure their work gets done… but not so much that they feel suffocated.
For the most part, coworkers and bosses love Leos. But they may become frustrated with their lack of commitment and tendency to drop projects when something better comes along.
On the flip side, Leo’s can make good business partners. Why? Because they need accountability and enjoy the social component.
Leos love all things trendy and new, so they may leave a stable career to try their hand at a new venture!
Leo Astrology and Money
So, are Leos good with money?
Leos enjoy spending money — plain and simple. Whether they’re buying themselves the latest iPhone or spoiling a friend, they don’t mind whipping out their wallet.
Leos are also generous. They would spend their last dollar to be sure someone else ate before thinking of themselves.
They love the way it feels when they’re able to help someone they love (remember that protective streak?) Friends may worry that they’re overextending themselves, but Leo’s rarely listen!
But don’t worry. Since the Leo astrology sign is SO driven, they can be laser focused if they decide to budget and save!
Famous Leos
The strong and loyal Leo traits shine through in these celebrities. Who is your favorite eminent (famous) Leo?
Male Leo Celebrities
- Daniel Radcliffe
- Chris Hemsworth
- Steve Carell
- Ben Affleck
- Steve Martin
- Robert De Niro
- Patrick Swayze
Female Leo Celebrities
- Jennifer Lawrence
- Sandra Bullock
- Jennifer Lopez
- Halle Berry
- Amy Adams
- Hilary Swank
- Debra Messing
- Mila Kunis
>> Read: List of 184 Celebrity Zodiac Signs
Leo Astrology Takeaways
- On a typical Saturday night, Leo’s are tearing up the town and making friends with anyone who walks in the door.
- Their passionate, energetic, and warm nature makes them excellent friends and fun coworkers.
- Some people find the Leo sign’s energy too intense, but most people love their spunk.
- The Leo astrology sign will go where the wind takes them, so they may not be in one place very long. Wherever they go they make friends and rise to the top.
- Friends and family know they can depend on their protective Leo for anything :)
