Everything You Wanted to Know About the Leo Zodiac Sign

The Leo zodiac season is officially upon us, and we don't know about you, but it's making us all feel more confident, outgoing and ready to take on the world.

That's a sharp contrast from the more introspective and sensitive Cancer zodiac energy that precedes it, as well as the detail-oriented and hard-working Virgo vibes to come. Leos themselves are known for their undeniable charisma and vitality and for always being the life of the party, and if you're curious about what makes them tick, we've got you covered. Below, find a full breakdown of the sign and what Leo is all about.

Leo Dates

Leo season arrives each year when the sun is in Leo, typically from July 23 to Aug. 22. It's the fifth sign of the zodiac, nestled between water sign Cancer and earth sign Virgo, and is celebrated at the peak of summer in the Northern Hemisphere.

 

Leo's Element

Leo is one of the fire signs, alongside Aries and Sagittarius. These signs are notable for their intensity, brilliance and passion.  They tend to be action-oriented explorers of the world who are full of energetic, and while they can occasionally be impulsive and cocky, they're equally fun-loving, extroverted and outgoing. They love attention and making sure people are having a good time, and their positivity captivates everyone around them.

 

Leo's Symbol

Leo's zodiac symbol is the lion, which couldn't be a more perfect match for regal and captivating Leos. They tend to be prideful, with just a touch of ego, and they have a noble confidence that's hard to shake. They're also powerful and sometimes fearsome, but their bark is much worse than their bite. Like the lion, Leos truly are the kings of the jungle.

Shutterstock: African lion looking up on stars at night. Proud dreaming fantasy leo on dark dramatic deep starry sky background, abstract ghostly profile portrait of majestic animal.

(via Shutterstock)

 

Leo's Modality

Leo is a sign with a fixed modality, sharing this quality with signs Taurus, Scorpio and Aquarius.  The modality represents qualities such as ambition, dedication and self-assurance, as these signs set lofty goals for themselves while also putting the plans in place to make them a reality. Rather than thinkers or planners, they're doers. However, their fixed mindsets can be a double-edged sword, as they'll often stick with plans even once things start falling apart.

 

Also read about: Your Guide to Flirting With a Fire Sign

 

Leo's Ruling 'Planet'

While most of the signs of the zodiac are governed by an actual planet in our solar system, Leo is said to be ruled be the sun itself. Perhaps that's why it can feel like everything revolves around Leo. The sun is a life-giver, creating the light that nurtures and warms the earth, and this can also give the sign a sense of vanity and unbridled confidence—but Leos tend to earn it. They're brave, full of energy and have a lust for life that's further energized by time outdoors and out in the world.

Unsplash: Photo of sun in space by NASA

(via Unsplash)

 

Leo's Ruling House

Leo's ruling house is the Fifth House, which appropriately rules over everything concerned with self-expression. This pertains to the urge to make a name for yourself, how you showcase what you're about to the world and also your sense of creativity and aesthetics. It's an aspirational and optimistic house that will make you dream big and optimistically believe that anything is possible—even if that's not always the case.

 

Also read about: 8 Bold and Thoughtful Types of Gifts Any Leo Will Love

 

Leo Strengths

As the bold and fearless lions of the zodiac, Leos are best known for their abundant strengths. They're intelligent, charming and full of energy, and like to be friends with as many people as possible. They're extroverted and warm, with a desire to make others feel at home, and they thrive in group settings—especially when a party is involved. They love to be the center of attention whenever possible, and with their confidence and charisma, they make this happen easily.

Unsplash: Friends dancing against sunset by Levi Guzman

(via Unsplash)

 

Leo Weaknesses

On the other hand, there's a dark side to every Leo. Their need to be seen can make them vain and shallow, and they're happy to be fake and put on a facade in order to impress others and curry favor. Their confidence can manifest as arrogance, with their pride getting to their heads, and they'll hide insecurities behind brash and overzealous behavior. Leos can also be selfish, prone to putting their own wants and needs above the desires of the group. They have a strong perspective and can struggle to put themselves in others shoes, assuming everyone wants what they want, when nothing could be further from the truth.

 

Leo in Love

When Leos fall in love, they fall in love completely, so expect them to channel the same fiery passion they have for life into the relationship. Prepare to be swept off your feet and to feel like suddenly you, too, are part of the show, because Leos love to show off their partners and need them to be just as glamorous and outgoing as they are. They're romantic and eager to please, but you may also have to work with Leo to set some realistic expectations and let them know that real relationships aren't quite what Hollywood would have you believe.

Typically, Leos have high compatibility with their fellow fire signs Aries and Sagittarius, plus the equally sociable and outgoing Gemini. They're less compatible with the moody and emotional water signs Cancer and Pisces, as well as the stable and grounding Taurus.

 

Also read about: The 8 Best Celebratory Messages to Send to Leo for Their Birthday

 

Leo Season Energy

Even if you don't have Leo placements in your astrological chart, you're bound to feel the bold and unrestrained energy of the Leo season from July 23 to Aug. 22. You might feel suddenly inspired to practice self-expression, whether that's in the way you speak to others, dress yourself or create or perform, and you should follow that urge. Follow that newfound sense of confidence and allow yourself to take on chances you might otherwise ignore. Just don't go overboard and pretend you're completely unstoppable, because we all have our limits.

Unsplash: Woman pointing confidently by Thomas Kilbride

(via Unsplash)

 

Leo Stars

Leos are the celebrities of the zodiac, known for their charisma, talent and love of the spotlight. Naturally, many of our favorite stars are Leos themselves:

  • Daniel Radcliffe- July 23
  • Jennifer Lopez – July 24
  • Kristin Chenoweth- July 24
  • Meg Donnelly – July 25
  • Liz Gillies – July 26
  • Sandra Bullock – July 26
  • GloRilla – July 28
  • Joey King – July 30
  • Arnold Schwarzenegger – July 30
  • Finneas – July 30
  • Jason Momoa – Aug. 1
  • Charli xcx – Aug. 2
  • Tom Brady Aug. 3
  • Cole Sprouse – Aug. 4
  • Dylan Sprouse – Aug. 4
  • Nessa Barrett – Aug. 6
  • Shawn Mendes – Aug. 8
  • Anna Kendrick – Aug. 9
  • Bill Skarsgård – Aug. 9
  • Kylie Jenner- Aug. 10
  • Chris Hemsworth – Aug. 11
  • Sebastian Stan – Aug. 13
  • Doechii- Aug. 14
  • Mila Kunis – Aug. 14
  • Jennifer Lawrence – Aug. 15
  • Joe Jonas – Aug. 15
  • Ben Affleck – Aug. 15
  • Madonna – Aug. 16
  • Steve Carell – Aug. 16
  • Angela Bassett – Aug. 16
  • Arden Cho – Aug. 16
  • The Kid LAROI – Aug. 17
  • Madelaine Petsch – Aug. 18
  • Andy Samberg – Aug. 18
  • Demi Lovato – Aug. 20
  • Andrew Garfield – Aug. 20
  • Dua Lipa – Aug. 22

 

If you're eager to make the most of the next month, click HERE to check out every item on our Leo season bucket list.