Leo, The Lion
July 21st - August 21st
Mode: Fixed ~ Element: Fire ~ Ruler: Sun Mythic Archetypes: Hercules ~ Ishtar ~ Atalanta ~ Rhea ~ Lugh

The constellation Leo was known to the Babylonians as the Great Dog, and to the Egyptians as the Sickle. How it became the Lion is unclear. The Egyptians worshipped a lion-headed goddess called Sekhmet, who represented the scorching heat of the Sun at midday. It was the Egyptians who constructed the Sphinx, probably around 10,000 BC at the turn of the ages between Leo and Virgo. Some esotericists believed it represented a lion merging with a goddess. As the Sun was regarded as the king of the planets, so too, the lion is the king of beasts. Leo is reputed to be kingly and dominating. The planets circle around the Sun and Leo's correspondence in medical astrology is the heart, the center organ of life. Leo wishes to be the center of attraction and during his phase of human activity, he must find his place in, or make his mark upon, the society in which he lives. But he must also learn that the solar force of his ego or directed will must make compromises with the collective.

The Sun is the visible symbol of the life-force which animates all sentient beings, the vital power or energy at the core of our existence. It is the power and spirit that fuels our bodies. Without conscious direction, it can lead to rampant egotism and the urge to conquer or dominate. Many of our mythological associations with Leo refer to kings and queens, heroes and heroines, who preside over the wild beasts for the jungle and represent fearlessness and courage. Thus, the wisdom of Leo is tied first to one's ability to outwit the beast or enemy, and second, to protect its offspring or kingdom from such enemies. In ancient times kings and tribal leaders typically earned their position as rulers because they displayed such might, strength and mastery. Such is the case of Napoleon, a Leo, whose name literally means "The Lion".

Leo is associated with the fifth house in the chart symbolizing children, creativity, love affairs, speculation and amusement.