Astrology @ Work — Leo, The Lion

by John Donald Squibb
(Born July 23 through August 22)

      When the sun is at its peak in summer, souls born during this sign have strong presences as does the sun, their ruling sign. They too, are noted for their warmth and personal power which they exude.

      These are people who are felt as well as seen. At their cores Leos are largely extroverted whether they exhibit that nature or not, and have a great zest for life and a capacity to love deeply. Leos—like the sun—come out and brighten everything. Leos regularly change the world around themselves as show people by living their lives to the fullest. It is often as if they command everyone in their presence to laugh, dance, and sing.

      Leo—The Lion—is the king of the jungle. Though they may not be “the kind of the jungle” they will appear in that role as if were an entitlement. The Leo’s conduct reflects such commanding authority they are certain to get noticed. Most are broad minded and just, and in many cases they display even a charismatic presence. Many are almost like children acting without much thought about tomorrow.

      To understand these people you must remember that the big human cats will pout at times if they do not get their way. Leos can also put on a major sulk when they feel they are being ignored. Fortunately those spells generally do not last long and will be forgotten by them quickly as they resume their radiating warmth and playful nature. Laughter is almost their stock in trade, and most people will be laughing with them often since these folks are such fun. Leos can quickly be the life of the party or any situation they find themselves in, uplifting all who are nearby.

      Leos are warm hearted and magnetic, drawing many into their respective audiences. When they are enthusiastic—which is most of the time—they change the environment for everyone around them. Most have the talent to give orders, speak frankly and criticize freely while still maintaining respect of those being addressed, thus reinforcing their ability to be leaders. In their homes they clearly intend to run the show and set the climate and the activities to their liking.

      Leos are deft at mapping out their lives so they are prominent in circles where they operate. Being a person in the background doesn’t describe most of these human lions. Most sense they have organizational power and ingenuity that needs to be expressed. Their hunger is to be seen and respected for whom they are, and that appetite is rarely ever satisfied. Leos will actively seek attention and recognition whatever their age and that need does not abate with maturity.

      Like the animal, Leos have a sort of majesty about them and project a sense of largeness regardless of their actual physical sizes. Self assurance and an aristocratic bearing is often projected and is a common trait. Both females and males will walk tall with their heads held high sensing somehow they are here to be rulers of their individual domains. Nobility seems to be in them regardless of their appearance.

      Leos like to be on top of situations as they feel that is their rightful place. Inside Leos feel they came to function somehow as contemporary monarchs though they may never say so as they exhibit a natural command of many situations. In keeping with that self understanding they may maintain a bit of aloofness which to them seems a dignified way to act even though they usually mix well with other people.

      Many think big and take big risks along the way yet most like the big jungle cats whom they represent, land on their feet somehow. Gambling is a natural expression and even an outlet for their temperament of attempting to win big with all the drama it would bring. Often the risks they take have roots in simply desiring to be in the limelight. Being noticed is something they strongly need whether openly admitting it or not. Most desire to be at the center of everything going on around them even if they are not the formal leader. Existing at the center of all the social action is coveted and even necessary, in most cases, for them to function at their optimum.

      Leos are endowed with much charm being very gregarious as a rule and can attract lots of admirers. They truly understand life is a stage. Therefore, with that personal clarity their efforts are to make sure they are lead performers wherever they are. Rarely will they function in lowly jobs or positions for any extended time as they yearn for more excitement, glamour and higher living at least by their personal standards.

      Most Leos do not function well in direct service to or for others. They usually refrain from choosing such situations as they desire to be where their efforts will be noticed by many, thus offering them a steady diet of major compliments and praise. This praise is actually needed for their mental health and personal fulfillment far more than most other major zodiac signs. Again, Leos feel continuous favorable response to them is their just desserts. They have a chronic need for recognition particularly from those whom they see as influential and powerful.

      With their great pride and an absolute yearning for respect from many, a career involving regular applause is very attractive to most Leos. Not only is the theatre a place to gain this response, but also in most forms of entertainment. Public recognition can be an integral part of whatever vocation they aspire to. This often appears early in their lives and even as youngsters, most exhibit an ability to put on a show and gain attention of others

      The arts are a natural outlet since one gets to sign a painting, have one’s name on a program or marquee for many to see. However, most Leos can perform very well also in non-entertainment situations given the slightest opportunity to do so. A meeting can be the setting for a quasi audience and that often is seized by Leos as their stage of sorts. Because of their charm, creativity and warmth they usually are given the latitude to be in the limelight, even if at times fleeting.

      Deep inside they usually want to run things. They often do their best when they are the sole authority, and are usually able to get others to do as they wish. In return Leos are usually quite kind toward those they are leading yet often can be quite firm when giving criticism.

      Being kind is Leos general nature. Their big hearts are revealed in their generosity. Helping others seems to be a way to reinforce their sense of being the one others admire although that is not the thought behind most of their generosity. They can be too generous for the own good. Outlays for luxuries are a norm for Leos, and the bigger, brighter, and more impressive the better as they are drawn to beauty, splendor and the display of them, but their extravagance can be in bad taste at times. 

      Leos must be careful for they can easily slide into an attitude of arrogance until they learn that though they are enthusiastic, being too full of themselves will actually drive admirers away. To be effective on top where they feel they belong requires that each recognize the skills and talents of others. Too much bossing can lose friendships and even loyalty of associates in a work or team work situation. Leos who become highly dominant may find that true friends are not really one’s lot in life.

      One serious trap not frequently seen in Leos is  inate distrust. They often feel they can not trust others, processes or promises. In fact they will create drama about how things will not possibly turn out as desired, and then they do not have to account for the outcomes. It can be quite difficult to get a straight story or line on their thinking.

      Furthermore, the pursuit of faith is a very difficult process to achieve and establish for many Leos in their adult lives. Most are fundamentally consumed by the seeming necessity of establishing themselves to deserve recognition and then respect. How can something else be allowed to prevail and orient one’s life to it? To have faith the Leo has to deal with the real possibility that if they trust, their individual position will perhaps not lead to what they hunger for—being noticed and hopefully praised.

HOW TO SUPPORT A LEO: Sincere compliments will help their spirits, attitude, and boost their creativity. And, remember repeating compliments is almost a necessity for their overall well being. The likelihood you might “overdo” is remote since Leo’s need for applause is constant—even if in the form of words. In many cases clapping would be inappropriate anyway.

      Help Leos to work vocationally in environments where arguing and discussions occur, but there is little ability to pin them down. Examples are the legal profession, politics, preaching to congregations and groups, teaching in classrooms where they are the authority figure managing the discussion, and in the arts where there is no final expression. Comparisons there are difficult as there are very few clear standards for assessment. Opinions are offered but are just that, thus they will then be very free to express themselves.

TIPS ON WORKING WITH A LEO: The monarch has subjects whether you recognize yourself as one or not. Just know that you are associated with a very competitive person and the Leo feels you must ultimately respect and  need them for your own success.

      Leo’s are usually quite authoritative and often outspoken. Expect to argue with them as they do not want to take responsibility for what happens unless the outcomes are outstanding successes. If you can genuinely express praise for something he / she has accomplished with a favorable outcome, be sure and share it. You will not get to share the throne, but you can hang out with royalty.

      Leos are known to shine in social gatherings and even those that occur in the workplace. Look for their playful natures as all are big kids at heart, and you can be really entertained when in their company. They can almost effortlessly put fun into life around them which feels good for you both.

HEALTH MATTERS FOR A LEO: These people do everything they can on a large scale. This can lead to excesses which can eventually be quite detrimental to them individually. They push themselves to achieve and be the most prominent on their own terms. Often they will incur great stress by taking on responsibilities beyond their capacities. That drive can put a lot of strain on their bodies and particularly their hearts and their spines. A balanced life is rarely considered by most as the way to gain the recognition these people have yearned for since childhood. When close to lions, life will hardly be dull.

      Their desire for the good life on their terms usually comes at a very high price. The more you can remind them that it can be a long fascinating journey if you take care of yourself along the way, the more that truth might finally dawn on them. However, they will likely still debate you about it.

      Still the chance to overeat, over do, and ignore the basics like the need for adequate nutritional support, consistent exercise with no thought of winning, and adequate rest will likely be present. Any discipline can be seen as an abandonment of the way they feel they should live for their own fulfillment with their chosen approaches. Since they are rather fixed in their opinions, often they hold stubbornly to them no matter what you might have to offer to support their well being.

      If a Leo finally does seek your guidance in health matters it will likely only to come when there has been a malfunction of sorts or severe crisis. Since the matter of trust is so hard for Leos, they will probably argue with you extensively about whatever you offer. With the feeling they have that things will probably not turn out as they desire, then they have you to blame as their advisor, counselor, physician or other healthcare professional. A continued relationship or any referrals will be unusual in lots of situations.

      They will be telling you way in advance by their debating that though you were sought for help, they don’t have confidence in what you are recommending by their conduct. It is their handicap they do not trust, and often that sets up an outcome they do not want. Subsequently they are able to resoundingly announce what you have provided did not work. At that point they feel superior, i.e., ruler in a situation that has not enhanced their well being. Be alert they are generally very challenging to serve with their opinions and approaches to life.

      Leos have been darlings of the public forever. The number in the ranks of major entertainers is immense. They live to shine like the sun before others and the more they can make them feel whatever is presented the better. They sense the need of people for dramatic leaders and fulfill that wherever they are. You can become young again and playful in their company so they will always be welcome in many areas of life.

      These people exude vitality. They have lots of ambition, pride and usually are quite sure of themselves. Usually they like to delegate work yet frequently still manage to inspire lots of those around them. They for the most part are aggressive and persevering. After all, the recognition they desire requires they be active and reach regularly to gain places of power. Along the way they are quite good natured, often very charming, and can be very affectionate toward all they choose to be. Leos can be the backbone of an organization or their country with their keen sense of stability and preservation and willingness to take on the burdens and consequences of leadership.


                                                                                      —30—

Don Squibb writes a continuing article in The New Era Times called Astrology @ Work.