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Everything You Need To Know About Leos: Personality Traits, Compatibility & More

Sarah Regan
Author:
Updated on May 30, 2023
Sarah Regan
mbg Spirituality & Relationships Editor
By Sarah Regan
mbg Spirituality & Relationships Editor
Sarah Regan is a Spirituality & Relationships Editor, and a registered yoga instructor. She received her bachelor's in broadcasting and mass communication from SUNY Oswego, and lives in Buffalo, New York.
Image by mbg creative X Lucas Ottone / Stocksy
May 30, 2023

Leo (July 22 to August 23)

Leo is the fifth sign of the zodiac (July 22 to August 23), and it's represented by the lion. A fixed fire sign ruled by the sun, Leo (called Simha in Vedic astrology) has energy that is glamorous, courageous, and bold. Here, we'll dive into the personality traits of Leo and explore how this sign approaches life, love, career, and more.

Leo personality traits

  • Bold
  • Confident
  • Courageous
  • Creative
  • Fierce
  • Generous
  • Regal
  • Ambitious
  • Restless
  • Dominant

Leos tend to be full of primal, creative energy. This is a sign that embodies the fire that lives within us all.

Leo's ruler, the sun, teaches us all we need to know about this bright sign: In astrology, the sun symbolizes the fuel, energy, and vital life force that powers all the other planets. Whereas the moon illuminates only some things, the sun shines upon everything—giving us life and light in the process.

The sign of Leo wants to see and be seen, just like the sun that rules it, which is why Leo is associated with visibility, attention, courage, generosity, and creative impulses.

Leo's symbol, the lion, is equally telling: Lions are the kings of the jungle, known for their fierce courage and natural regality. It's all about attention—the giving and receiving of light and energy—for this zodiac sign.

Learn more about what 2023 has in store for Leo in our annual astrology forecast.

Challenges and opportunities for growth

There is, of course, a shadow side to all of this energy and light.

As with most fire signs, Leos are susceptible to burnout after long days basking in the limelight. Leos would do well to make sure they're resting, relaxing, and recharging as needed.

Additionally, Leos are often perceived as being self-centered; the sun sits at the center of the sky, after all. Taking time to help others and remember that the world doesn't revolve around them (even if they want it to) is a good idea for this sign.

Finally, Leos can be easily offended if they feel they're not getting enough attention. In those moments, they should remind themselves that they have a wealth of inner light and life that they can pull from. The sun shines on everyone generously, and Leos, at their best, do the same. If a Leo is feeling "unseen," they should shine their light on others and they'll get it right back in return.

Summary

Leos are full of primal, creative energy and are associated with visibility, attention, courage, generosity, and creative impulses. Their symbol is the lion, which symbolizes their fierce courage and natural regality. However, Leos are susceptible to burnout and should take time to help others and remember that the world doesn't revolve around them.

Leo in love & sex

The lion needs to feel famous in love. They want to be the center of their partner's world—but the attention doesn't have to go just one way. The typical Leo will also center their partner as a result, leaving everyone in the relationship feeling seen.

As with all fire signs, Leos need relationships to feel hot, passionate, and exciting. Keeping things spicy in the bedroom is nonnegotiable.

Even though they may be known for public displays of love and attention, Leos also possess tenderness and loyalty behind the scenes. So above all, lions are loyal, courageous, and generous partners.

Leo in friendship

Typically, Leos are the life of the party, and they need a huge friend group that feels more like an audience.

Leo rules the heart, and a great gift of this sign is being able to light up a room—uplifting everyone in it. There is an element of worship in everything Leo does. Lions are able to find the elements of people that are worth holding in high esteem and making them feel special and unique. Leos need this same kind of attention in return, so be sure to let your Leo friends know how special they are.

Leo in career & money

It will come as no surprise that many Leos either strive to become, or do become, famous. They tend to live as if life is their stage—so it's only fitting that many of them make it to an actual stage one day. A typical Leo is well-suited for a career in acting, singing, or any of the performing arts.

Leos' natural charisma also makes them great with people. They belong out and about, not toiling away behind the scenes. A public-facing career in PR, advertising, or media would also suit them well.

No matter their profession, Leos will want to be recognized for the work they do. Remember: Leo is a fixed fire sign. Their fixed nature means that they crave consistency. So, they will usually pick one career and stick with it. Once they land in a role they enjoy, they're often reliable, loyal, and generous colleagues.

Summary

Leos are well-suited for a career in acting, singing, public-facing PR, advertising, or media. They are a fixed fire sign who crave consistency and are reliable, loyal, and generous colleagues.

Leo compatibility

There are no absolutes when it comes to astrological compatibility, but Leos tend to gravitate toward folks who can make them feel seen and heard. Here are their most compatible and incompatible signs in friendship and love.

Compatible signs

Generally, the most compatible signs for Leo friendships and romantic relationships are fellow fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) as they'll match their passion and heat. Air signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) also have dynamic, fast-paced energy and could work well for a Leo.

Incompatible signs

Water signs (Cancer, Pisces, Scorpio) and earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) might be more difficult for this sign to relate to, as their down-to-earth nature doesn't lend itself to the glitz and drama Leos crave.

The takeaway

Leo is the bright and bold fixed fire sign of the zodiac. As such, those born under this sign can teach us to be our most emboldened, regal, and confident selves.

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Sarah Regan author page.
Sarah Regan
mbg Spirituality & Relationships Editor

Sarah Regan is a Spirituality & Relationships Editor, a registered yoga instructor, and an avid astrologer and tarot reader. She received her bachelor's in broadcasting and mass communication from State University of New York at Oswego, and lives in Buffalo, New York.