Everything You Need to Know about Leos

Want to get a better read on that Leo in your life? Or you’re a Leo yourself looking for a little self-enlightenment, you’ve come to the right place. There’s a lot to know, and while every Leo is different, there are some key traits you can count on. We’ll tell you more about a Leo’s strengths, weaknesses, likes, dislikes, their compatibility with other signs, some famous Leos, and a couple other handy facts about our loyal, affectionate astrological friends.

This article is based on an interview with our psychic astrologer, Stina Garbis, owner of Psychic Stina. Check out the full interview here.

Things You Should Know

Leos are affectionate, loyal, creative, and naturally charismatic.
Leos can sometimes be a bit vain or unmotivated, and are sometimes a bit too indulgent.
Leos love attention and sharing their interests, and hate being ignored or betrayed.
Leos pair well with Scorpios, Aquariuses, and Aries, but don’t mix so well with Geminis and Tauruses.

Section 1 of 8:

Leo in a Nutshell

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Symbol: The lion Leos are represented by the noble lion.^{[1]
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Research source} Leos are regal, and can be often found with their head high and chest forward. They move decisively, and act as an example for others. At their boldest, they roar loud and proud.
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Element: Fire Leos are at once volatile and nurturing, like a blazing flame. When controlled, they can offer comfort and inspiration to those around them. When out of control, they sometimes burn others, instead. In either case, they blaze bright.^{[2]
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Modality: Fixed Leos rest squarely in the summer, when the anticipation of spring has given way to celebration, and the anxiety of autumn hasn’t yet crept in. They’re often carefree and lighthearted, but can sometimes get a little carried away in the revelry.^{[3]
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Ruling planet: The Sun Just as the sun is the center of the solar system, Leos are often the center of attention. They bring warmth and light to any room, and have their own natural gravity that beckons other people closer.^{[4]
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Lucky colors: Scarlet, gold, yellow-brown, black, and purple These are the colors that signal fortune and good things for a Leo. Look for them in your daily life, incorporate them into your wardrobe, keep plants of these colors around your home. You don’t really have to do all that, but just know that spotting these signals good things.^{[5]
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Stones: Peridot, tiger’s eye, ruby, and onyx Peridot is the August birthstone, and their deep green hues are soothing and supportive. The golds and deep reds of tiger’s eye stabilizes and brings a Leo down to earth. Ruby is July’s birthstone, and its irresistible red helps Leos grasp wisdom and see the bigger picture. Finally, onyx’s black-and-white bands are bold and supportive in times of strife and uncertainty.^{[6]
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Section 2 of 8:

Strengths

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Affectionate Leos are quick to shower other people with love, firing off compliments and giving gifts left and right. They also love to give physical touch, and aren’t shy about showing it. They’ll lock you in a bear hug without a second thought. Dating a Leo is a constant torrent of love.
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Charismatic Batting eyelashes, sly winks, a slick compliment—it’s all par for the course for Leos. Leos could charm a raging bull, if they set their mind to it (though we don’t recommend they try).
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Creative It’s like that big personality just overflows their body, and they have to find an outlet for it.^{[7]
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Research source} A Leo might be artsy, or they might just have a wealth of genius ideas. Whichever form it comes in, count on a Leo to think outside the box.
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Loyal “Ride or die” is a Leo’s M.O. They find their people and they stick with their people, through thick and thin. Having a Leo by your side is like having the cuddliest, fiercest German Shepherd—supportive and protective in equal measure. A+ friend material.^{[8]
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Section 3 of 8:

Weaknesses

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Vain It’s only expected of someone who likes the spotlight as much as they do—sometimes they like it a little too much.^{[9]
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Research source} Leos can get a little carried away and full of themselves, especially when they don’t have other big personalities around to keep them in check.
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Indulgent It’s only the best for a Leo, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing.^{[10]
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Research source} The trouble comes when that need to pamper themselves overrides impulse control. Don’t trust a Leo with your wallet, is all we’re saying.
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Stubborn Sure, when it comes to doing things they love, Leos have energy to spare. But doing things they don’t so much love? It’s like trying to roll a boulder up a hill. A Leo would rather wallow in bed than turn in that history project. And honestly? We don’t blame them.^{[11]
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Section 4 of 8:

Likes

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Attention This one is no surprise to anyone who knows a Leo, especially Leos themselves. They thrive when people are watching them, and blossom when people dote and croon over them. Their natural habitat is on the stage or in front of a camera. They were born with a microphone in hand. They will crush you at karaoke (but, to their credit, they’ll cheer the loudest when it’s your turn to sing).^{[12]
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Relaxation Whether it’s taking vacations, lazing about on the couch, or marathoning their favorite 15-season reality TV show, Leos love to have fun. Anything that takes their mind off of work and responsibility is priority #1.^{[13]
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Compliments They’re never one to turn down praise or a positive comment. They enjoy the attention and the spotlight, not to mention the validation. Taking notice of things a Leo does well is a one-way ticket to their heart.

Section 5 of 8:

Dislikes

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Being ignored It’s not that they can’t share the spotlight, it’s just that the spotlight better find them sooner rather than later. If a Leo feels like someone is neglecting or purposefully ignoring them, their skin starts to itch, they break out in hives, they foam at the mouth. Maybe not that dramatic, but you get the idea. A Leo needs love!^{[14]
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Being bossed around Never tell a Leo what to do. Or if you do, say it in as supportive and affirming a voice as you possibly can. Only a Leo can control what a Leo does, and everyone else is merely making polite suggestions. A bossy tone may be seen as a betrayal.^{[15]
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Feeling betrayed Leos are loyal, and they expect everyone else to be, too. When someone does something a Leo perceives as a slight, it can spell trouble. Leos have a code of honor, and you better not break it. Or at least, if you do, come back and apologize with chocolates and flowers.^{[16]
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Section 6 of 8:

Most Compatible Signs

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Scorpio Leos tend to mingle best with other fixed signs (signs that come in the middle of each season). Scorpios, which come at the height of autumn, gel with a Leo’s yearning for loyalty and intensity when it comes to romance. Both signs are all-or-nothing, yes-or-no when it comes to building relationships, and so they’re super compatible and tend to be on the same page.^{[17]
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Aquarius Another fixed sign, Aquariuses live in the magic of winter. Whereas Scorpios are great for Leos because of their similarity, Aquariuses are great because of their differences—Leos are attracted to Aquariuses’ leadership skills and ease in navigating social situations. Not only that, but Aquariuses help balance Leo’s volatility and consider the bigger picture.^{[18]
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Aries While not a fixed sign, Aries, like Leos, is a fire sign. Both have a knack for adventure, and can be extraordinarily optimistic. This means Aries and Leos tend to feed off each other’s energy, making them a pair to be reckoned with.^{[19]
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Section 7 of 8:

Least Compatible Signs

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Gemini These 2 don’t mesh, and ought to look elsewhere for better chances at bonding. Geminis tend to be wishy-washy about their wants, which can frustrate Leos, who are eager to settle with their perfect person. Geminis don’t give attention so easily, which can lead to a severely neglected Leo.^{[20]
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Taurus Taurus is the one fixed sign a Leo has trouble with. Both are bold, but they butt heads and become stubborn around each other. It’s a case of an unstoppable force vs an immovable object—things are bound to get explosive, and not in a good way.^{[21]
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Virgo Leos and Virgos both want the same thing: all-or-nothing with the perfect partner. That means that for a Leo and a Virgo to work, they have to be exactly perfect for each, and that’s about as likely as a lightning strike. They work better as intellectual collaborators, and not so much as close partners.^{[22]
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Section 8 of 8:

Famous Leos

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Jason Momoa Aquaman himself. The large, looming, beautiful, witty Jason Mamoa was born on August 21, 1979.^{[23]
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Research source} Plenty of famous and adored actors are Leos, which should surprise absolutely nobody.
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Coco Chanel Style icon and formidable businesswoman, Chanel was born on August 19, 1883.^{[24]
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Research source} She’s a perfect example of what happens when a Leo’s artistic ability synergizes with their industriousness.
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Usain Bolt Born August 14, 1986, the Jamaican sprinter is an emblem of a Leo’s determination and passion.^{[25]
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Research source} Sometimes creativity and fiery personality manifests in one very, very fast Leo.
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Kate Bush The English pop icon was born July 30, 1958, and is about as Leo as it gets. We all know “Running Up That Hill,” but dig a bit deeper into her discography and you’ll find the best of what happens when a Leo indulges their unbridled creativity.
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Barack Obama The 44th president was born August 4, 1961.^{[26]
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Research source} Persistent? Check. Motivated? Check. Thrives in the spotlight? Triple check. He’s a Leo, ladies and gentleman.

Expert Q&A

Question

Do Leos and Aries make a good couple?

Angel Eyedealism
Astrologer & Performance Artist
Angel Eyedealism is an Astrologer and Performance Artist based in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. With nearly three decades of astrology experience, Angel specializes in relocation astrology and astrocartography. Eyedealism has been featured in numerous media outlets such as Vogue, Cosmopolitan, The Atlantic, The Washington Post, Refinery29, NBC, MTV, Showtime, and Bravo. Angel aims to help others through a straightforward, kind, and humorous astrological lens, utilizing her entertainment and singing skills for performance art astrology readings.

Angel Eyedealism

Astrologer & Performance Artist

Expert Answer

Definitely! Aries is very strong and can deal with Leo's temperament. Also, Aries is a Cardinal Fire sign, so Leo would find that very uplifting.
Question

What is the love life of Aries and Sagittarius?

Angel Eyedealism
Astrologer & Performance Artist
Angel Eyedealism is an Astrologer and Performance Artist based in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. With nearly three decades of astrology experience, Angel specializes in relocation astrology and astrocartography. Eyedealism has been featured in numerous media outlets such as Vogue, Cosmopolitan, The Atlantic, The Washington Post, Refinery29, NBC, MTV, Showtime, and Bravo. Angel aims to help others through a straightforward, kind, and humorous astrological lens, utilizing her entertainment and singing skills for performance art astrology readings.

Angel Eyedealism

Astrologer & Performance Artist

Expert Answer

Aries and Sagittarius are definitely compatible together, as fire begets fire. Just keep in mind that Sagittarius is a mutable sign and Leo is a fixed sign—sometimes, mutable signs annoy fixed signs because they're all over the place, and fixed signs can be a bit too controlling or uptight for mutable signs.