Leo horoscope

Myth and constellation

The constellation of Leo is among the easiest to recognise in the sky. In the northern hemisphere, it is seen mainly in spring, in the evening, fairly high towards the south. Its head and mane form a sort of reversed question mark, known as "the Sickle", at the foot of which shines Regulus, its brightest star, lying almost exactly on the ecliptic. At the other end of the figure, the star Denebola marks the animal's tail.

Greek mythology sees in it the Nemean lion, a beast with invulnerable skin that terrorised the region of Argos. Defeating it was the first of Heracles' twelve labours: as weapons could not harm it, the hero strangled it with his bare hands, then clothed himself in its skin as armour. According to the most widespread account, Hera then placed the lion among the stars. In many ancient cultures, the lion was also an emblem of kingship and strength.

Element, modality and planet

Astrology makes Leo the fixed sign of fire. Here fire takes the form of a sustained flame rather than a spark: a steady warmth that lasts and brings people together. The fixed mode lends it constancy and the will to see through what it has begun. Its ruler, the Sun, is the only body to govern a single sign; tradition reads in it the centre, self-awareness and the need to express oneself through what one creates.

The fifth sign of the cycle, Leo comes after Cancer, the sign of home and origins: astrology sees it as the moment when one steps out of oneself to play, show and invent. It corresponds to the height of summer in the northern hemisphere, when light and warmth reach their fullness. Tradition associates it with the heart and the back, in particular the spine, an image of a sign that stands tall.

The three decans

From around 23 July to 1 August, the first decan is, according to the modern triplicity system, ruled by the Sun itself, the sign's ruler. Tradition sees Leo here in its purest state: a marked need to assert itself, to create in its own image and to be recognised for its uniqueness. Pride is keen here, and generosity no less so.

From around 2 to 11 August, the second decan comes under the influence of Jupiter, ruler of Sagittarius. Astrology credits it with a radiance more turned towards the world: a taste for broad ideas, travel and passing on knowledge. Leo's confidence is matched here by a certain sense of justice and an infectious enthusiasm, readily put at the service of a cause.

From around 12 to 22 August, the third decan is associated with Mars, ruler of Aries. Tradition describes a more combative and direct Leo here, quick to act and take the initiative. Energy is high, and impatience sometimes too, but this decan is renowned for its courage and its ability to defend what matters to it.

In friendship and family

In friendship, tradition describes Leo as a loyal and protective friend, who likes to bring people together and create fine moments to share. Leo is often there in hard times, ready to stand up for those they care about. In return, they expect sincerity and recognition of what they give: indifference hurts them more than a disagreement openly expressed.

In the family, the Leo parent is described as warm and proud of their children, keen to encourage their talents and give them self-confidence. The Leo child is said to need attention, encouragement and room to express themselves, play and create. Among siblings, they are readily given the role of leader or protector, with a sense of the clan that leads them to gather their family together on big occasions.

The rising sign

The ascendant is the zodiac sign that was rising on the eastern horizon at the precise moment of birth. It changes on average every two hours, which is why calculating it requires the time and place of birth. Astrology sees in it the way you approach the world and the first impression you give. A Leo ascendant is said to lend a noticeable presence, a confident bearing and spontaneous warmth in contact with others. Tradition also associates it with a taste for presenting oneself at one's best and a natural way of taking one's place in a group.