Everything You Need to Know About the Leo Personality

“Your acoustic melody moved me to tears.”; "Did you bake these churros? They’re heavenly!”; “I’m bringing a photo of you to my hairstylist.” Leo soaks up words of affirmation like a parched houseplant. They’re nourished by affirming laughter and require a frequent sprinkling of applause. When they’re given the attention they need (ahem, deserve), Leo lights up a room. Just be careful not to neglect the fragile creatures (think: ignoring their texts), or they’ll wilt dramatically onto the floor. Learn more about your Leo loves and how to keep them thriving here.

Leo (July 23 - August 22)

Fire. Whether we’re lighting a pumpkin-scented candle or sitting in front of a raging bonfire, we can’t help but stare into the flames. Fire demands our attention, and the strong-willed signs born under this element—Aries, Leo and Sagittarius—are equally captivating. They’re quick to inspire and quick to act. They don’t just daydream about their next mural or spend weeks planning out color palettes. They grab a brush and start painting.

Fixed. Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius are planted firmly in the middle of each season. They’re steadfast in their to-do list approach to life and resist any sudden tweaks or write-ins. Fixed signs have the same best friend they did in 4th grade. They listen to albums in consecutive song order. And they can’t stand it when you switch up the restaurant ten minutes before your reservation (they already memorized that menu, damnit).

The sun. The celestial light-bearer represents the energy we radiate out into the world. It’s a big, hot fiery ball that’s forever expanding! No matter how much we load up on SPF, the sun makes its presence known, casting down its bright beams and wrapping us in its warmth. And like its cosmic ruler, Leo doesn’t go unnoticed. You can’t miss their booming laugh, purposeful gait and bold sense of style.

The lion. Slinking around their vast kingdom, the lion’s duty is to lead and protect their pride (yup, that’s the real word for a group of lions). Leo shares the stoic cat’s loyalty, bravery and if you’re not careful, their grand displays of aggression.

“I will.”

“You.” (Read every zodiac sign’s mantra here.)

Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, the drop-dead gorgeous Charlize Theron, Halle Berry, Jennifer Lawrence and Mila Kunis; pop stars Joe Jonas, Demi Lovato and Geri Halliwell (aka Ginger Spice); the incomparable Whitney Houston; the singular Madonna; art and fashion elites Andy Warhol, Louis Vuitton, Coco Chanel and Betsey Johnson; television scene stealers Peter Gallagher, Kim Cattrall, Matt LeBlanc and Lisa Kudrow; Academy-Award winners Helen Mirren, Antonio Banderas and Hilary Swank; the immensely talented Steve Martin and Michelle Yeoh; and of course, both members of the newly reunited Bennifer, Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck.

Spend five minutes thumbing through an astrology meme page and you’ll cast Leos as the raging egomaniacs of the zodiac. But in life outside of Instagram and TikTok (remember it?), Leo’s purpose goes beyond staring into a mirror. Instead, they’re fueled by generosity. The solar-ruled signs want to make others light up, and they’re equipped with creative gifts to make it happen. They’ll write a folk song that speaks to your soul, make you feel at home with a warm stack of pancakes, or deliver a speech that reshapes your political views. A fulfilled Leo is one who’s able to see their positive impact on people. No “thank you” necessary.

Strong and self-reliant, Leos prefer to pave their own way. They’re spearheading the charity bake sale, training for a 5K or starting their own dog-walking business. But the fire sign’s independence isn’t always a good thing. Leo finds asking for help shameful, as though their achievements won’t count if others have chipped in. And they’re not crazy about being told what to do either: A shard of constructive criticism is enough to puncture their thin skin and send them spiraling like a deflated balloon. But Leo can learn something from their opposite sign: the kooky, community-centric Aquarius. Their motto: Forget personal recognition, if we can’t come together to serve the common good, what’s the point?

Actors, artists, athletes, politicians, podcast hosts—Leos are the masters of self-expression. If they’re talented at something, you’ll know about it (think: volunteering first at karaoke or starting a blog to showcase their travel photography). If they can infuse these gifts into their careers, they’re thrilled. (If not, they’ll probably accidentally become a micro-influencer!). Leos are idealists determined to leave their tangible mark on the world. No matter the field, they’ll find a way to lead and inspire.

If you value honesty, bring a Leo friend into your circle. They’ll alert you to the piece of kale wedged between your teeth and, just as easily, tell you it’s time to cut ties with your insufferable girlfriend. And they’re looking for pals they can trust in return. Leo is the life of your house party, delighting the crowd with their stand-up comedy-level storytelling and effortless dance moves. But the loyal sign is also by your side cleaning up cocktail glasses and confetti after the guests have said their goodbyes. Supportive Leo is gifted in the art of motivating their friends. Expect motivational speeches on the reasons you deserve a raise, inspirational quotes flooding your inbox and plenty of heartfelt compliments.

Though Leos themselves are over the top, they’re often in search of a more low-key kind of lover. Yes, they enjoy basking in lavish surroundings and need to know they have your undivided attention. But Leos are ultimately seeking something stable and secure with a partner who is calm, confident and ambitious on their own terms. Nothing keeps the passion that Leos love so much alive like a bit of distance in a relationship. Leo loves the passion of a reunion so you often see them connecting with lovers long distance or in a slow burn romance that builds slowly over time.

Leo’s cubs are the center of their universe. The alphas have a strong instinct to spoil their kids, whether that’s with their world-famous hugs or a collection of the latest stuffed animals. Leo’s child-like enthusiasm drives them to join in on their kid’s playtime. They’ll help mix up a slime concoction or jump into a backyard volleyball game (though they might spend 45 minutes teaching everyone how to serve). Leo will boast about their children’s many achievements to anyone who will listen: neighbors, dentists, the cashier at Target. Family is Leo’s ultimate source of pride, and they’ll do anything to gain their kid’s admiration.

Leos put their famous acting skills to work when they pretend to be unaffected by life’s disappointments. They mask their embarrassment when they’re outvoted in student government. They laugh when a friend insults their new tattoo. Behind the mask, Leos are sensitive souls who care too much. But clueing you into their vulnerability would give you way too much power.

Leos are setting sail toward new adventures in 2023. Jupiter—planet of hope, faith and relief—spends the first few months of the year in their travel, education and spirituality sector meaning that Leos are mastering their headstands in yoga class and applying for their third grad degree in their spare time. Leos tend to be public intellectuals and rogue academic types, so this influence may also find them teaching or taking on mentorship roles outside of regular institutions.

Leos are also meant to reach new heights in their career this year, especially after Jupiter moves into their public image house on May 17th. After a couple years of shakeups and turmoil in both their public and private life, this influence is a welcome balm of stability. With their star comfortably on the rise (just how they like it), Leos can focus more on acquiring new skills, networking and developing smaller projects in both their personal and professional life.

As far as relationships go, Leos are coming out of a rocky period or dry spell in 2023. With rule planet Saturn now moving through their shared resources sector, some might even be going through a divorce! Extremist Pluto dips into their relationship house from March 23 through June 11 offering a preview of how their ideas about partnership will completely transform over the next 20 (!!) years. The shift may not be obvious at first but Leos should remain open to a new era whether that means exploring their sexuality, trying polyamory or committing to radical and honest communication like never before.