Leo traits: the essentials
| Dates | July 23 – August 22 | Symbol | ♌︎ the Lion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Element | Fire | Modality | Fixed |
| Ruling planet | the Sun | Opposite sign | Aquarius |
| Lucky day | Sunday | Colours | gold and orange |
| Tarot card | Strength | Body (traditional) | heart and upper back |
Leo is the performer and the heart of the zodiac. Ruled by the Sun, it radiates warmth, creativity and confidence, and it wants life to feel like a celebration. Leo leads with generosity and loves to see others shine too.
As a fixed fire sign, Leo is loyal, proud and steady in its affections. People with strong Leo placements are natural entertainers and leaders with big hearts — they need appreciation as much as they give it.
Fire signs act on instinct and enthusiasm, and fixed signs sustain, deepen and persevere — so Leo combines fire energy with a fixed style.
Leo strengths and challenges
Strengths
- Warm and generous
- Confident and charismatic
- Creative and expressive
- Loyal and protective
- Natural leader
Challenges
- Need for attention and praise
- Pride and stubbornness
- Dramatic reactions
- Sensitivity to criticism
Leo in love
In love, Leo is romantic, loyal and gloriously affectionate. They want to adore and be adored — grand gestures, public pride and lots of play. Feeling ignored or taken for granted is the fastest way to dim their light.
Best matches: Aries, Sagittarius, Gemini, Libra. Most challenging: Taurus, Scorpio. Your opposite sign, Aquarius, often brings strong attraction. Remember that Sun signs are only the start — Moon, Venus and Mars contacts matter more. Compare two full charts with our compatibility calculator.
Leo compatibility with every sign
| Sign | Relationship | Score | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| ♈︎ Aries | Trine | 90% | Natural harmony — the same element and an effortless flow. |
| ♉︎ Taurus | Square | 50% | Spark and friction — strong attraction, frequent clashes; growth through compromise. |
| ♊︎ Gemini | Sextile | 80% | Friendly and easy — compatible elements and lots of mutual support. |
| ♋︎ Cancer | Neighbours | 55% | Different styles that can teach each other; it takes effort. |
| ♌︎ Leo | Same sign | 75% | Mirror match — instant understanding, but you share the same blind spots. |
| ♍︎ Virgo | Neighbours | 55% | Different styles that can teach each other; it takes effort. |
| ♎︎ Libra | Sextile | 80% | Friendly and easy — compatible elements and lots of mutual support. |
| ♏︎ Scorpio | Square | 50% | Spark and friction — strong attraction, frequent clashes; growth through compromise. |
| ♐︎ Sagittarius | Trine | 90% | Natural harmony — the same element and an effortless flow. |
| ♑︎ Capricorn | Quincunx | 45% | Mismatched rhythms — needs constant adjustment, but can be fascinating. |
| ♒︎ Aquarius | Opposites | 70% | Magnetic opposites — you complete each other if you meet in the middle. |
| ♓︎ Pisces | Quincunx | 45% | Mismatched rhythms — needs constant adjustment, but can be fascinating. |
Scores describe the geometric relationship between Sun signs and are for entertainment only.
Leo at work and in career
At work Leo wants to be visible and to lead. They bring energy and vision to a team and excel in creative or public-facing roles where their contribution is recognised.
Careers that often suit Leo:
- Performing arts and entertainment
- Leadership and management
- Brand and creative direction
- Event planning
- Teaching and coaching
Your Midheaven matters even more than your Sun sign for career — check it with our career chart calculator.
How to get along with a Leo
- Offer sincere compliments
- Celebrate their wins
- Make time for fun and romance
- Criticise privately and kindly
Leo horoscope today, this week and this month
Read the Leo horoscope today on PsychicBook, plus the weekly and monthly horoscopes. A Sun-sign horoscope is written for everyone born July 23 – August 22; for a forecast built on your own chart, try a forecast reading or talk to an astrologer on PsychicBook.
Frequently asked questions
What are the dates for Leo?
Leo runs from July 23 – August 22. Exact dates shift by a day in some years — use the cusp checker above to confirm.
What are Leo's main traits?
Warm and generous, confident and charismatic and creative and expressive; challenges include need for attention and praise and pride and stubbornness.
Who is Leo most compatible with?
Traditionally Aries, Sagittarius, Gemini, Libra — signs of the same or a complementary element.
What is Leo's ruling planet?
The Sun.
What element is Leo?
Leo is a fixed fire sign.
What tarot card is Leo?
Strength, in the Golden Dawn tradition.