LEO

​Self-confidence / Impact / Enthusiasm / Nobility / Straight-forwardness / Optimism 
I am who I am

Leo’s ruler, the sun, dominates our awareness. Not timid, discriminating, or hidden, it is what it is and enables other things to be what they are – giving the warmth of life to everything, without diminishing itself. Each of us could, and Leo does, access that quality – of absolute self-confidence, beaming self-proclamation and benign bestowal. Solar strength is a primary power that is healing, light-bringing, direct, exuberant and strong, and speaks to us of sovereignty, splendour, and joie de vivre. Restraints are foreign to this sign; it is dramatic, excessive and warm, yet can be very self-absorbed. As with all fire signs, there is spontaneity, quick intuitive responses, vivacity, passion, drama, an appetite for attention and infectious ways of relating.

Leo is the centre – the nucleus that guides, manages and composes. Command falls to captain, boss, leader or king as one to admire and respect – one who embodies legitimacy, dignity and vigour with a tolerant, animated and noble nature. The lion is the hero in myths, whose courage creates an invincible manner, and the gift of uncensored will to rise above the commonplace; wherever mind triumphs over matter, there is capacity to do the impossible – through connecting with the heart and giving full reign to the creative force.

We each have an effect upon whatever we touch, and so contribute to the unfolding story of humanity. It is not a right, nor even a duty – it is an inescapable aspect of being alive that we have impact. So it is appropriate that we should be able to exert this influence consciously, optimistically and joyfully. Nature wants it, so it is in our nature to do it – and Leo, more than most, feels how energising it is to exhibit power of influence.

The lion cannot engage half-heartedly with anything – because that is not engagement. Involvement is full-blooded, rich, committed and incontrovertible. When it contributes something – then that’s what it is doing – nothing else. Life’s mysteries can only be penetrated with this level of passionate commitment – because the essence-nature of life is passion. To be fully realised, dormant qualities need to be awakened, and recognised, through integration within a community and engaging full-on with the situations at hand. Enthusiasm impels Leo fully to express uniqueness to the final degree of its vitality.

Notwithstanding this ardent self-expression, self-control is the greater achievement, particularly when the noble lion holds back its desire-impulse to attend to the needs of someone with lesser ability and strength. Courtesy is raised to the level of chivalry, confidence to the level of courage. When the matter is one of honour, then a high degree of spiritual maturity and wisdom is made known through knightly behaviour. Any prideful demonstrations of self-love can be interpreted as imperfect attempts to call up hidden resources – in order to sense and express the highest version of self – for the benefit of all.

Social stewardship is well conducted by these types, whose self-esteem is wholesome, and who are also responsive to community feedback. They not only display wisdom and integrity – they also have an irrefutable trust in the foundation principle of success and happiness – which is optimism. Through optimism we optimize – all benefit from it, it is self-sustaining and sustains others; no other life strategy brings such joyful happiness.