Leo is the fifth sign of the zodiac. It is also known as the sign of the lion. If Leo is your lunar sign, then this guide is for you. The horoscope presented here is based on the ancient science of Vedic astrology, also known as the Sidereal or star-based system of astrology. It is a moon-based approach rather than the sun-based approach common to western astrology. In this article, you’ll learn all about your strengths, weaknesses, compatibility, ideal careers, and more.
Leo Overview
Leo is known as सिंह (simha) in Sanskrit, or “lion.” Each sign of the zodiac is characterized by certain basic traits. This includes Symbol, Planetary Ruler, Element, Nature, and Gender. The general make-up of the Leo sign is below:
Sign of the Lion. Leo natives are noble and powerful. They may unknowingly intimidate others with their strong presence.
Ruled by the Sun. The Sun is the planet of the self, fatherhood, government, authority, status, and will-power. Solar individuals are bright and influential.
A fire sign. Those with a Leo moon are temperamental, passionate, and energetic.
A fixed sign. Persons born under this sign are steady, predictable, and slow to change.
A masculine sign. This makes the native aggressive, bold, and thick-skinned.
Strengths
Leo is a sign of tremendous power and bravery. Just as the lion is known as the king of the jungle, Leos stand out among their peers. They are ambitious and effective leaders, and they command the respect of those who follow them.
A fire sign, Leos possess a warm and bright demeanor. You have a sharp mind, and you are capable of penetrating deeply into any subject matter you wish to study. When conversing with others, you don’t hesitate to speak your mind, and you always communicate in a frank and open manner.
Leo-natives are faithful and loving companions who will fight to the death for what they believe in. They demonstrate heroic courage in the face of challenges. For this reason, Leos often live a prosperous and successful life.
Your dignity and sense of self-worth are what attracts people to you. However, when your self-confidence gets out of hand, it can develop into excessive pride and egotism.
Leo Careers
Leo-natives are passionate idealists. They excel in leadership roles but may have a difficult time taking direction from others.
Recommended careers: Anything that puts their visionary mind to good use. Leos can be terrific politicians, publishers, producers, directors, entrepreneurs, artists, actors, writers, or designers.
Careers to avoid: Your tendency to see the big picture can sometimes cause you to overlook important details. Careers that require attention to detail may not be the best choice. For example, accountants, carpenters, auditors, librarians, or copy editors.
Weaknesses
Leos have an independent and noble spirit. Their charisma can take them to great heights in professional and social spheres. However, they are often proud and do not readily heed the good advice of others. At times, you can be headstrong and even reckless, forging ahead when patience and caution would serve you better.
Your cockiness can also make you a wild spender. You enjoy the high-life: expensive food, fine drink, and hot romance. You alternate between periods of over-activity and lethargy. As the sign of the lion, Leos enjoy lazy afternoons and long naps.
A fixed sign, Leo-natives are stubborn, refusing to change their ways even when presented with sound reason and logic. This inflexibility makes them slower learners than other signs of the zodiac, for they often must learn lessons the hard way—through experience.
Though your pride and sense of entitlement may cause you difficulties in relationships and in your career, you will nevertheless push forward toward your goals. You are capable of great self-sacrifice when your strength is tested.
Growth Opportunities
You can balance your natural strengths and offset your weak tendencies by putting some effort into the following areas:
- Respect your elders. Those who have made the biggest impact on human history have almost always had elders or mentors from whom they received guidance. This kind of valuable advice can save you a lot of time and trouble.
- Get pre-marital counseling. Leo-natives rush confidently into any situation, including relationships. If you get married, it’s very important to make sure you and your partner are on the same page and are getting married for the right reasons.
- Try a vegetarian diet. According to the law of karma, whatever harm we cause others will come back to us later in life. This includes animals and other creatures. Although Leos generally enjoy the taste of meat, a vegetarian diet is conducive for personal and spiritual growth.
Leo Relationships
A group of lions is known as a ‘pride.’ It’s no surprise then that Leos are family-oriented and proud of their roots.
Friends
Leos generally forge friendships with other leaders and innovators who share qualities similar to themselves. They often make new friends through social and professional functions where like-minded people gather, such as networking events, conferences, or retreats.
Family
Leo-natives possess a regal quality about them, and often come from respected or well-off family lineages. You and your father are both stubborn and may clash at times. Your mother is interested in spirituality and the occult. You can be blessed with good children.
Romance
Leos have a strong sex-drive, and if this isn’t kept in check it can ruin relationships. More so than most other signs of the zodiac, Leos are at risk for marital distress, and even affairs. You need to learn to respect and appreciate your partner for their unique qualities and worldview, which may be very different from your own.
Compatibility
In Vedic astrology, compatibility in relationships is a complex science that takes many different factors into account. It’s always helpful to consult with an experienced astrologer who can carefully consider yours and your partner’s individual charts.
Nonetheless, there are general patterns of compatibility across signs. These signs are usually a good match for Leo:
- Aries
- Leo
- Scorpio
- Sagittarius
The Sexes at a Glance
The Leo Man
- Courageous
- Commanding
- Magnanimous
- Arrogant
- Quick to take offense, but also to forgive
The Leo Woman
- Attractive
- Generous
- Sensuous
- Entitled
- Can sacrifice for her family
Saturn’s Grind
Each planet oversees different areas of life. Saturn is the slowest-moving of the planets, and his influence is often accompanied by hard lessons.
When Saturn passes through the native’s moon sign, as well as the one before and after it, this is known as sade sati, or “Saturn’s Grind.” During this period, one experiences heavy karmic reactions. However, by adopting the right attitude, this can be a period of tremendous personal growth.
For Leos, the periods of sade sati are as follows:
- September 22, 1945 — November 25, 1952
- June 10, 1973 — October 5, 1982
- September 5, 2004 — November 14. 2011
- July 12, 2034 — January 27, 2041
- August 23, 2063 — November 4, 2070
Famous Leos
Politicians
Lyndon B. Johnson
Ted Kennedy
Princess Anne
Actors / Actresses
Mary Astor
John Travolta
James Franco
Andy Kaufman
Zac Efron
Henry Winkler
Amy Sedaris
Sam Neil
Steve Buscemi
Danielle Darrieux
Romain Duris
Samuel L. Jackson
Regina King
Jodie Foster
Rodney Dangerfield
Bob Saget
Ian McKellen
Kate Bosworth
Jay Leno
John Stamos
Seth Green
Matthew McConaughey
Musicians
Bernard Fanning
Madonna
DMX
Lou Reed
Busta Rhymes
Dolly Parton
Joe Strummer
Eddie Vedder
Taylor York
B.B. King
Mary Wells
Martha Wainwright
Bootsy Collins
Cass Elliot
Vanessa-Mae
Beck
Writers / Directors
Vladimir Nabokov
Walt Whitman
James Baldwin
Jack Kerouac
John Grisham
John Irving
Sandip Ray
Gertrude Stein
Emma Lazarus
E.B. White
Arthur Rimbaud
Philip Levine
David Lynch
Philosophers / Scientists
Gustave Choquet
Marquis de Sade
Entrepreneurs
Elon Musk
Steve Ballmer
Richard Branson
Athletes
Pablo Cuevas
Kevin Anderson
Shaun White
The 12 Signs of the Zodiac
Learn about each of the twelve signs of the zodiac.
| Aries | Taurus | Gemini |
| Cancer | Leo | Virgo |
| Libra | Scorpio | Sagittarius |
| Capricorn | Aquarius | Pisces |
The 27 Nakshatras
Learn about the 27 Nakshatras or “Lunar Mansions” of Vedic astrology.
Sources
Barbara Pijan Lama’s Vedic Astrology
What is Your Rashi? — Miles Davis
Saturn Transit Dates
Astro-Charts
