The Ultimate Guide to Leo: What to Know About the Fixed Fire Zodiac Sign, According to an Astrologer

The warmest, sunniest days of the year, perfectly tailored to beach trips, backyard BBQs and staying up late to soak up awe-inspiringly clear views of starlight, understandably fall during Leo season. During this time, which falls annually from approximately July 22 to August 22, the sun revels in the fixed fire sign, which it also happens to rule. People whose sun sign and/or other birth chart placements (like their moon sign or rising sign) are in Leo are innately self-assured, driven and drawn to leadership roles and self-focused. Generous lovers of the spotlight and of all things theatrical, they also tend to be action-oriented and find it easier than most to adopt an optimistic point of view even in the midst of life’s toughest challenges. All of these themes go hand-in-hand with Leo’s ruler, the sun, which oversees self-image, core identity and confidence.

Whether you’re interested in learning more about yourself or a loved one as a person born with a Leo sun or other natal placements, read on for an in-depth guide to Leo traits. Hint: There is a case to be made that they’re the most charismatic, big-hearted and passionate sign of the zodiac.

Leo zodiac sign traits, fully explained

Because the sun’s trip through all 12 signs changes slightly from year to year, you’ll notice that sun sign dates do vary annually. However, if you or someone in your life was born between July 22 to 23 and August 22 to 23 , you can guess that they were born with their sun — which oversees identity, self-image, confidence and purpose — in Leo.

It does bear noting that the sun sign is just one piece of a complex, multi-faceted puzzle that is your astrological birth chart. All the celestial bodies move at different paces through the zodiac, so it’s possible to have been born when the sun is in, say, Cancer (which falls from approximately June 21-22 to July 22-23) and still have a Leo moon or rising. (To find out where Leo falls in your chart, you’ll do well to run your birth chart .)

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People who were born with their sun in the sign of the Lion are generally sunny, playful, self-expressive, ambitious, courageous, and boldly confident in how they move through the world. At their best, they bring a lively, glass-half-full, fun-loving, go-getter energy to their most casual interactions and closest bonds. Leos won’t hesitate to shower the people they cherish the most with endless warmth, affection and even lavish gifts and over-the-top gestures of adoration. Given that they themselves are lovers of luxury and anything that feels regal, they believe their dearest loved ones deserve nothing less than the absolute best, as well.

And as one of the fixed signs (the others are Taurus, Scorpio and Aquarius), Leos are resolute, committed, loyal and laser-focused on achieving whatever they’ve set their hearts and minds on. At their worst — generally when lacking self-awareness — Leos can be inflexible, greedy, narcissistic, domineering and even, at times, egomaniacal. They can’t help but want to run the show and be the center of attention, and that tendency can absolutely get out of control.

It can be helpful to bear in mind that Leo is ruled by the sun, which is, of course, the center of our solar system, and also the luminary in astrology that oversees the self. And this is a power that underlies the Lion’s greatest strengths and weaknesses. Given the influence of the sun, Leos are born to lead and show others what it means to love yourself and stand strong in your sense of self. They’re perhaps the zodiac’s greatest champions of self-care, nurturing your own well-being, being your own best advocate and caring for your mental and emotional health so that you can be as comfy as possible in your own skin. They’re role models and downright magnetic superstars in their families, communities, friend groups and workplaces. But the sun’s self-focus can also make it challenging for some Leos — generally those who’ve yet to do their self-work — to see outside of themselves, which can lead to selfish behavior and even dramatic temper tantrums when they don’t feel like they’re getting the attention they deserve.

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As a fire sign, Leos are happiest when they’re taking action, moving decisively and assertively toward a bold aspiration. And because Leo is associated with the Fifth House of Romance and Self-Expression, people born under the sign of Lion take great pride in owning their artistic voice, sharing how they feel through creative outlets (ideally one that leads to a warm round of applause!) and reveling in lighthearted, joyful, magical moments with friends and loved ones.

Zodiac signs Leo is most compatible with

When considering compatibility, it’s a must to remember that sun signs cannot tell you everything about how you’ll connect or clash. To get the most accurate, detailed, nuanced sense of compatibility, you’ll want to consider your own and another person’s birth chart. Bearing that in mind, in general, Leo is most compatible with their fellow fire signs: similar go-getter, playful Aries and wanderlust-possessing, jovial Sagittarius, as well as two of the three air signs: buzzy, curious Gemini and social, beauty-loving Libra.

Zodiac signs Leo is least compatible with

Those born under the sign of the Lion might clash with people who share Leo’s fixed quality: earthy, slow-paced Taurus, intimacy- and power-craving Scorpio and community-oriented, contrarian Aquarius.

What to know if you have other Leo placements in your zodiac chart

If you’ve learned that planets other than the sun happened to be moving through the mutable air sign when you were born or your rising sign/ascendant is in Leo, here’s what that means.

What Leo moon means

If you were born when the moon — which oversees intuition, emotions, and how you want to be nurtured — was in the sign of the Lion, you’re comfortable with expressing your emotions in a self-assured, direct, undaunted way. You show others you care through incredibly warm and loving displays of affection and appreciate the same in return.

What Leo rising sign means

Your rising sign or ascendant informs how people perceive you, at first blush, out in the world. If your rising is in Leo, you come off as cheerful, confident, proactive and capable of leading the charge. You might get complimented for your bright, buoyant energy, big smile and ability to endear yourself to just about anyone right off the bat.

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What Mercury in Leo means

Mercury, the planet of communication, rules how we communicate and think, so with your Mercury in Leo, you share your thoughts and ideas in a theatrical, individualistic and at times grandiose way. You’re entertaining and can easily command the spotlight, although, if you feel like you’re not being fully heard or appreciated for what you’re bringing to the table, you might seek out a more receptive audience.

What Venus in Leo means

Your Venus sign speaks to how you relate to others and to earning money, experiencing pleasure, and express ing yourself artistically. With the planet of relationships in Leo, you’re unabashedly passionate, generous and showy in how you relate to others. In other words, you’ll gladly dole out copious “I love you's," plan luxurious getaways or glamorous date nights or pour your heart out in a dramatic fashion. When it comes to how you express yourself through style and beauty, you enjoy curating a bright, warm colored wardrobe and collection of gasp-worthy, sparkly and likely yellow gold jewelry. And as the Lion, of course, your mane is also a main focus of your overall style!

What Mars in Leo means

If Mars — which oversees action, energy, and aggression — was moving through Leo when you were born, you are relentless when it comes to pursuing even the loftiest visions. You’ll think nothing of going after a goal that other people might not even dare dream of for themselves, and once you’re sure of what you want, you hit the gas with everything you have. Your hustle and follow-through are unparalleled. You can be fiery in how you approach your aspirations, colleagues and friends tend to be impressed with your assertive and commanding nature.

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