Leo
is the Fifth sign of the Zodiac. Its name may derive from the
Latin leo or the Greek leon, both of which mean "lion."
However, the name is likely Semitic in origin...from the Hebrew
word, labi. Leo is known as the "royal sign," symbolic
of exuberance and leadership, and individuals who fall within
its jurisdiction place courage and personal honesty above all
else. Others may not necessarily fulfill the expectations of
a Leo native and thus, the life of a Leo is often rife with
disappointments. There is a radiant warmth associated with this
Zodiac Sign which emanates from the Leo personality to touch
the hearts of friends and admirers. This fortunate personality
trait is apt to open many doors in life and the individual ruled
by Leo welcomes both authority and responsibility. The fiery
temperament of a Leo subject is typical of the Zodiac's fire
group...fire being the element which rules this sign. There
are few people who fail to be attracted to the Leos of this
world since they are indeed likeable individuals, being frank,
open, honest and endearing. Of all the Zodiac Signs, it is Leo
which is most known for dedication to an ideal. There is a tendency
here toward a drowning in egocentricity and materialism, coupled
with a lack of both the desire and the capacity for spiritual
development. Thus, those born under the Sign of Leo should strive
to avoid the type of exaggeration that can debase their many
inherent gifts.
The
symbol...or glyph...of Leo has, since ancient times, been likened
to the mane of a lion, or even its tail. However, it has also
been thought to represent the two valves of the heart...the
area of the body which Leo rules. Yet other interpretations
of the glyph are that it is representative of the "serpent
power" or creative force of the body in its coiled or dormant
form, or that it symbolizes the heat or creative energy of the
Sun, the celestial body which governs this Zodiac Sign. In Vedic
Astrology, this glyph represents creativity and childbirth,
likened to a sperm cell which is the creative power of life
and heralds its beginning.