Please keep in mind, that NONE of the information included in Foundational Astrology is comprehensive or complete.
Leo:
Symbol: The Lion
Glyph: A Lion’s Mane
Element: Fire
Polarity: Yang
Modality: Fixed
Orientation: Interpersonal
Wills/Rays: 5, 2, 2, and 2 (The Constellation Leo distributes Ray 5
and Ray 2.)
Relates to the Sun, Pallas Athena and the 5th House
The Rulers of the Sign of Leo are Sun, (exoteric), Oceana, [previously Neptune], (Esoteric), and Uranus, (Hierarchical).
Core Meaning: “I Radiate [I Show]”
Key Phrase: “My need to creatively express myself and be appreciated by others.” Or “I identify myself through what I create.”
Key Concepts:
Pride, dignity and courage are the hallmarks of Leo’s creative energy. The Lion is Leo’s symbol, showing us the power of authority that demonstrates when born under this influence. Leo’s link with kingship lies in its heroic efforts to choose between noble intentions and selfish desires. Leo acts out for us the Light and Dark sides of human nature … dignity and courage are needed to choose the Lighted way.
Leo’s natives are born entertainers and they utilize this Sign’s electric and magnetic energy … others gravitate towards Leo’s exuberant energy … they have a flair for drama and attention which can border on flamboyant theatrics. Self-assurance surrounds the Leo personality, they can feel as if they were born to do something really big in life … where others may be resigned to accepting 2nd best in life, this is not a Leo … nothing is too good for them and they are the most lavish spenders in the Zodiac.
Leo is the sign of the Father … it is through this sign that the true personality of Man can be expressed. Leo can call forth the courageous and masterly Lord of the Jungle or the cowardly lion in the Wizard of Oz. Leo embodies the fixity of the element of fire. This means Leo symbolizes the eternal flame and individuals with faint hearts, both figuratively and literally, can never shine consistently like a Leo.
A typical Leo is generous, kind and open-hearted towards others, bringing life-enhancing vitality to everyone around them. The Lion, Leo’s symbol, shows strength and dignity merged with instinctual power helping those born under this Sign to learn mastery of their emotional selves. Leos have strong hearts physically, but weak ones emotionally. Leo is easily hurt by neglect and an absence of love. The latter will cause him physical ailments. Misplaced affection can often act like a plague.
Leo’s glyph is often interpreted in connection with the heart. It is the heart, the central pulse of one’s being, which is the part of the body ruled by the fifth sign. If we examine the glyph, we see the first open circle represents the vein leading to the main coronary chamber, (the large semicircle), while the second open circle is the artery which takes the newly pumped blood from the heart so that it may be distributed by the circulatory system, (ruled by Aquarius, Leo’s polar opposite), throughout the body. Thus Leo is the center, the vortex to which all energy must flow and from which all life-force emanates.
The nature of his flames will depend upon the fuel which stimulates him. The lesser lion burns with the force of his own ego, resulting in a very conceited individual. In the lower evolved Leo type, the instinct to rule can manifest in a dictatorial manner. All too often this species of feline will give the commands well enough but in forgetting to consult Divine Will before taking action, he inevitably brings about his own downfall.
The more highly developed Leo is ignited by the fire of the Father – Sun will glow with Divine inspiration. When we view the symbol of Leo from this perspective, we will see the more esoteric meaning of the sign. In this case, the first small open circle represents the link between Divine Will and Man, (the larger semicircle), who repolarizes this heaven-inspired energy so that it can be used on Earth. The second small open sphere is the power emanating through Man to his surroundings. Thus, the highest attribute of Leo is rulership by Divine Right.
Planets in Leo will glow with steadiness and could be focused on individuality … Pluto in this Sign could show illumination of the individual self that needs to undergo death and rebirth … Mars in Leo could heighten personal will power and passions. Planets in Leo may highlight self esteem issues or heighten the search for personal identity.
Land Areas ruled by Leo:
Cities:
Plants ruled by Leo:
France, Italy, Sicily, Romania, Bohemia, and the Alps
Rome, Prague, Damascus, Bombay, Bristol, Bath, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles
Anise, camomile, daffodil, eyebright, fennel, lavender, yellow lily, poppy, marigold, mistletoe, and parsley
Stones and Gems ruled by Leo:
Parts of the Body Ruled by Leo:
Leo on the Wheel:
Ruby, diamond, cat’s eye, gold, hyacinth, chrysolite, and all soft yellow minerals.
Heart, upper back, spleen, spinal cord and aorta
Ordinary: And the Word said: “Let other forms exist, I rule.”
Reversed: “I am That, and That am I.”
Leo ~ on the Path:
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Leo from an Occult Standpoint:
The Light of the Soul: “I know myself to be the One. I rule by Law.”
Unskillful Qualities:
dramatic, flamboyant, proud, self-centered, selfish, vain, self-seeking, falsely modest, lustful, hedonistic, dictatorial, extravagant, braggart, show-off, egotistical, bombastic, conceited, stubborn, domineering, haughty, arrogant, pompous, patronizing, grandiose, snobbish, superiority complex, childish, fearful, demands attention, spendthrift, tease, flirtatious
Skillful Qualities:
Self-assured, confident, dynamic, powerful, authoritative, radiant, commanding, impressive, majestic, honorable, regal, royal, leader, loyal, creative, magnanimous, big-hearted, playful, progressive, warm, sincere, affectionate, protective, noble, cultivated, refined, artistic, expressive, dignified, stately, generous, courageous, kindness, consistency of character