Sun Sign Secrets (12 page)

self-assertion
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creativity
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a place in the Sun
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recognition

theatricality
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hobbies
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leadership
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romance
•
pleasures

fun
•
hospitality
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openheartedness
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appreciation
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beach resorts

fame
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playfulness
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entertainment
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children
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luck
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gambling

sports
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acting out
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games
•
performance
•
sun worshipping

love affair
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regal bearing
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self-love
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hero or heroine

prizewinner
•
golden objects
•
show business

Leo's Symbolic Meaning

Leo is the sign of the creative organizers of the zodiac. Practically no one is as good as they are at recognizing the solution to a problem and organizing the means to solve it. It is this ability that gives rise to Leo's reputation as a great leader. Like all leaders, most Leos feel more comfortable when they are telling others what has to be done rather than taking care of the routine details themselves. They get annoyed with themselves for this trait, but not for long, because Leos like themselves a lot. They put themselves where there is much that needs to be done and they associate themselves with the right group of people so that their creative input is always welcome, even if they do not always jump in and get their hands dirty.

The symbol for Leo is the strong and proud male lion, a most appropriate symbol. Not only is a group of lions referred to as a “pride,” but also the importance of personal pride to those born during the time of Leo cannot be overstated. They do not want to be connected to anyone or anything that they do not feel is up to their high personal standards.

Showing us all how things are done is a special gift that Leos possess. This is why they have such a knack for drama—acting, the arts and music, or any form of display. Their generosity requires them to create situations and objects that will benefit and entertain them and those they consider worthy to be connected with them.

Leo is one of the four Fixed Sun signs of astrology (the other three are Taurus, Scorpio, and Aquarius). Fixed signs are stable, resolute, and determined. They represent the force of holding steady. Being a Fixed sign makes Leos loyal, stubborn, and proud.

Leo is also a Fire sign, one of three (Aries and Sagittarius are the other two). Fire signs are primarily energetic, enthusiastic, and impulsive.

Leos are legendary for their ability to help and protect those who acknowledge them as special people. They gain a sense of their own self-worth by giving what they think others need from them. However, it is important that they remember that they, too, need help and protection. Leos are usually too prideful to ask for help.

Recognizing a Leo

People who exhibit the physical characteristics distinctive of the sign Leo look noble. They may seem tall and possess a majestic countenance. A Leo knows how to dress to impress. Leo's inner sense of royalty exudes dignity, elegance, and class. A Leo's hair can appear to be like a lion's mane—a feature of pride that catches the attention of others. Leos move with a natural athletic grace.

Leo's Typical Behavior and Personality Traits

• needs to be admired
  
• is trusting and loyal
  
• uses charm to get what she wants
  
• likes to show off
  
• is trusting
  
• likes excitement
  
• is generous
  
• has elegant tastes
  
• is popular
  
• gives and expects respect
  
• is generous with affection
  
• is a leader
  

What Makes a Leo Tick?

Leos may worry that they are not as proud, powerful, or good a leader as they wish they were, and that people who matter to them will discover this fact. At times they need to fall back on the “fake it till you make it” philosophy. Sometimes, even the best of leaders must put on an act to get the job done. Leos find it very difficult to be a team player, since they feel it is their lot to lead others.

The Leo Personality Expressed Positively

At their very best, Leos are an intelligent, creative force wherever they operate. Their ability to solve problems with a combination of optimism and common sense is a marvel to behold. Leos have a rare talent for being both commanding and friendly at the same time. When Leo is happy, he makes the whole world around him a bit sunnier.

On a Positive Note

Leos displaying the positive characteristics associated with their sign also tend to be:

• attractive and demonstrative
  
• positive thinking
  
• dignified and charming
  
• honest and loyal
  
• proud of their homes
  
• warm, friendly, and generous with gifts
  
• courageous and bold
  
• responsible and mature
  
• adoring of loved ones
  

The Leo Personality Expressed Negatively

When Leos are working on projects for others to look at, their audience's feedback becomes very important to them. If their creations are not acknowledged or praised to the hilt, their pride will be hurt. As a result, they might forget their usual kindhearted ways and may even try to use their power or influence to sway the opinions of others. They may sulk if attention is not paid to them or to their efforts.

Negative Traits

Leos displaying the negative characteristics associated with their sign also tend to be:

• superior in attitude
  
• status conscious
  
• smug and conceited
  
• arrogant and self-involved
  
• stubborn or willful
  
• overdramatic
  
• brooding and vengeful
  
• judgmental about appearances
  
• overeager to impress
  

Ask a Leo If...

Ask a Leo if you need help organizing a project or enterprise of any sort. The task can be big or small, complicated or relatively easy, but no matter what it is, Leo has a plan for how to get it done better, faster, more economically, and even with more style. She believes that her way is the only way, and will probably tell you so. Leo may criticize your way of handling things, but always in a pleasing manner!

Leos As Friends

Leos as friends are caring, thoughtful, warm, and fun to be with. They love their friends and need to feel proud of them. They are generous with resources and hospitality, expecting friends to show their gratitude in kind. Leos dislike cheapness in any form and are unlikely to make friends with people whom they perceive as being cheap. In general, Leos like their friends to be successful, but not so successful as to take any attention away from Leo's limelight! A friend who has strong personal aspirations or ambitions that compete with Leo's may find it impossible to have a close and trusting relationship.

A friend who fails a Leo by criticizing something she has done or belittling something she cares deeply about may be dropped like a hot potato.

Looking for Love

Leos need to put themselves into the most positive situations to find love. If they are in a place where they are happy, they will create an incredible relationship. If they are in a place where their energy has to be used just to keep things going, they could lose one of their most valuable possessions: their time. If a Leo does not have a good relationship, the reason most likely has to do with ego. The Leo may be too concerned with status to be able to be with people who are good for her. To Leo, love is a dramatic ideal, and sometimes this factor overshadows the possibility of romance with someone who may not look, act, or seem like someone Leo believes she should be with. Leos are not shallow people, but they do set the bar very high. Male Leos seem to have no trouble attracting women, while female Leos attract many men with their natural beauty and liveliness.

Leos don't endorse the “friends first, lovers later” philosophy. They are often likely to fall in love at first sight, or at least on the first date! For them, romance is more likely to flower from a chance meeting, by coincidence, or through paths crossed by accident. It is common for Leos to transfer all their ideas and ideals about romance to a new love affair, believing that the one they have fallen in love with possesses all the traits and characteristics they desire, even if this isn't the case. In fact, the biggest disappointment Leos in love can suffer is to discover that the one they love isn't the paragon of romantic virtues they first envisioned.

Finding That Special Someone

Leos have to take the lead to create and improve the kind of relationship they want; they should not expect to simply sit back and let things happen. It would be good for a Leo to keep things organized and moving in terms of making dates and plans.

First Dates

The perfect first date for Leo can be attending a sporting event or going to a movie. Leos don't need the quiet intimacy of a dimly lit restaurant to create a spirit of emotional intimacy and romance. They love to be in the midst of a crowd. They are often movie buffs as well, so an evening spent watching a new comedy over popcorn could also be their style.

Leos are active people, and they enjoy being out in the sunshine, so a good first date could be sailing, surfing, or just lying in the sun. A stroll on the beach at sunset sets a romantic mood.

Leo in Love

Leos are the true romantics of the zodiac. They can enjoy all kinds of fun things and creative expressions together with their partners. It is rewarding for a Leo to actively pursue creative projects with a love interest. Attending creative classes together, visiting museums, and going to art galleries, movies, dance recitals, concerts, and the theater are all pursuits that light a Leo's fire. A long vacation is also a perfect way to stimulate Leo's romantic nature.

Undying Love

For Leo, problems in a relationship may be the result of not making time for fun and romance. Children may be the problem, or views on children may conflict, especially regarding the conditions that have to be present before children can be brought into the world and reared properly. Trouble in a Leo's relationships could also be caused by problems related to organization, responsibility, and leadership. If Leo finds that there are many essential tasks that neither partner is good at, then both must try their best to do them together.

Expectations in Love

Leo wants a partner who enhances her own image and who enjoys being in the spotlight as much as she does. Leo's partner must be good-looking and have great taste, but should not detract attention from Leo. Leo wants a partner who will place her on a pedestal and believe in her dreams with all of his heart. Leo loves good manners, expects to be treated like royalty, and needs total commitment of faithfulness and adoration from a loved one. Affection is an important factor in any Leo relationship. Leos need to be shown in all ways that they are loved.

Leo's partner must enjoy all aspects of entertaining and must have the creative flair for making their home a beautiful showcase. With the right partner, a Leo will rise in social status due to her generous hospitality, enthusiasm, and persistence for excellence. Consequently, Leo's fire will make her partner shine, too. Despite having a large ego, Leo is dedicated to being the ideal partner, too.

What Leos Look For

Because appearance and style mean a lot to Leo, these may often be the first things he searches for in a romantic partner. But there are many other traits that are important to him, so he is not likely to judge on looks alone. Leos require someone whose enthusiasm and zest for life matches their own. They are not interested in people who are emotional downers or too needy, no matter how attractive they might otherwise be. Healthy self-esteem is a trait Leos admire in others.

If Leo Only Knew...

If Leo only knew that even the greatest ruler has to listen to the advice of others. An unrestrained ego can do more damage to Leo and her creations than any enemy. Leos need to realize that they cannot always be the star of the show and that there are times when it is better for them to follow the example of others rather than always having to lead the way. They should know that it is not only their masterful personality but also their sunniness, kind disposition, and fair-minded approach to life that attracts the admiration and love of the people around them.

Marriage

Leos and their partners should create projects together that have a life of their own, such as business enterprises, or works of art, such as tapestries, plays, sculpture, novels, clothing, movies, music, and other similar things. One of the most creative things people can produce is a child, and Leos love children. Just being connected with children and things related to them brings Leos much joy. Add to that the previously mentioned businesses and artistic enterprises, and even material benefits can result.

No matter how busy a Leo is, she must make time for romantic interludes. A relationship where there is no romance is in danger of ending.