Leo is radiant energy. Leo is ruled by the Sun – the star that gives light to all the planets and the Moon. As such, Leo is referred to as the star of the zodiac. Leo energy is playful, illuminating and warm. It represents regality, leadership, positivity and appearances. Leo is physically and mentally active energy that is focused, driven and determined.

Leo energy exists to be seen. This is why it can sometimes come across as arrogance or self-absorption. While this is true of its shadow expression, at the heart of Leo energy is the need to shine. Like its ruler, the Sun, it can’t help but be visible; and like it or not, Leo energy brings life. There is no life without the Sun. Leo believes everyone is a star and strives to light up and shine on the best parts of those in its vicinity.

Leo is consistent, prideful, loyal and exuberant. And for as much as it gives, it requires in return. Attention, adornment, recognition are all fuel for Leo’s fire. And it can become overly consumed with image and performing to keep up the appearances it deems necessary to be noticed and exalted. Leo energy can be needy; but it gives just as good as it gets. It wears its heart on its sleeve and can be easily offended when its efforts are misunderstood or go unrecognized.

Leo is highly self-interested and can be egocentric and even tyrannical when it doesn’t get what it wants. On the flip side, it can simply withdraw so the coldness of its absence can be keenly felt and trigger a renewed appreciation for its warmth.

The house that Leo rules in your chart and the house the Sun sits in your chart can clue you into where you have the highest expression of these qualities or where you need to further develop them. The planets in Leo In your chart are being invited to embody these qualities. The Sun does well in Leo; however Saturn is greatly challenged here.