Leo - your character

Madonna (born 16 August 1958) is confident, enthusiastic and impatient

Friday, 20 June 2008

Element: Fire

Planetary ruler: the Sun

Symbol: the Lion

Lucky Stone: Ruby

Make or female, there’s something magnificent about a Leo. It’s not just the terrific head of thick hair or the faint bronze suntan even in the depths of winter – it’s more an indefinable air of confidence, power and enthusiasm.

Leo is a fire sign, ruled by the sun and there is no way people born under the symbol of the lion are going to fail to get themselves noticed. Shy and retiring they are not. In fact the place they’re happiest is centre stage, preferably with the spotlight full on them.

Leo doesn’t intend to be a show off but it’s an easy accusation to throw at them because they so adore an audience. People born under this sign are often drawn to the theatre and they do extremely well in most spheres of show business.

If they can’t actually make a career as a performer they’d settle for some other profession that brings them to public attention, such as politics, the law, teaching or running a large company.

The lion is king of the jungle of course and Miss and Mr Leo never lose that vaguely regal bearing. They expect to take charge and are not reticent about putting themselves forward when a leader is required.

This sometimes earns them a reputation for bossiness but the fact is, they make pretty good chiefs and they feel most comfortable out in front.

What’s more, their natural charisma has a way of winning people over, even when their demands are quite outrageous, so no-one really minds following where they lead.

Being one of the fire signs Leo can be impatient and quick to anger and when they’re cross everyone knows it because most Leos can summon up a terrifying lion roar.

Yet don’t be fooled. Beneath the raging exterior lies the softest of hearts. Once the tantrum is over Leo is usually sorry and eager to make amends. They’re also suckers for hard luck stories and lap up flattery like thirsty kittens.

Lions are immensely strong and proud but when there’s nothing much going on they’ll laze in the sun for hours and people born under the Leo share these feline characteristics. They’re the true sun worshippers of the zodiac and on holiday would much prefer to bask on a beach than join the air signs improving their minds on a cultural sight-seeing tour.

Leo in Love

There’s only one vital thing to remember if you want to win the heart of a Leo. That is, Leo has to be the star. Outshine your Leo partner at any social gathering early on in the relationship and you’ll probably never see them again. Try the same stunt when you’re an established twosome and you’ll have a grumpy sore head all the way home.

Leo can’t stand being ignored or sharing the limelight. Remember this golden rule however and you’ll have a loyal, kind and generous playmate who may even let you share a luxury lifestyle you could otherwise only have dreamed about.

Beneath the extrovert exterior lies an ego that is surprisingly fragile though Leos do their best to conceal this secret weakness. Nurture their delicate self esteem and you’ll have a grateful pussy-cat for life.