Leo

July 24-August 22

• Fixed Fire, symbolized by campfires, theaters, heroes, courage, warmth and heart.
• Music gifts for Leo: Queen • David Bowie • Roxy Music • T. Rex • KISS • Madonna
• Movie gifts for Leo: Superman • Star Wars • The Matrix • Lord of the Rings • The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert • Bride and Prejudice

By giving birth to the individual and planting the seeds of both security and expansion, the zodiac’s first four signs have prepared the individual for the core Leo experience: moving out of the matrix of the collective and into one’s own individual nature.

The zodiac can be divided into three: the first four signs (Aries, Taurus, Gemini and Cancer) focus on consolidating the self-as-self, without regard for larger society. The second four signs (Leo, Virgo, Libra and Scorpio) develop the self in relationship with other individuals. And the last four signs (Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces) concern themselves with the role of the individual in larger society.

So Leo is the first introduction to the ego-self – that is, the impulse to distinguish the self from the traditions and expectations of the family or group that have thus far, ideally, provided security, warmth and nourishment to the growing person. Suddenly, with Leo, it is no longer enough to be part of something; Leo wants a special or unique role; he wants to be a leader or in some other way noticeable, respected and powerful among others.

And this is the right way to be, in terms of developmental psychology: While it is important to establish a secure and self-referential base early in life, we cannot remain in that space without significant cost to the ego. So it is a mistake to simply write off Leo as “arrogant” or “self-centered” without looking at the deeper reasons for this urge. (To be sure, some Leo types get stuck in their own self-absorption, but this is an imbalance of Leo energy, not a healthy form of it.)

Carl Jung was the pioneer of analytical psychology, at the center of which is the idea, or goal, of individuation. He was also – not incidentally – a Leo. In Jung’s view, individuation is “the process by which individual beings are formed and differentiated; in particular, it is the development of the psychological individual as a being distinct from the general, collective psychology.” (C.G. Jung. Psychological Types. Collected Works Vol.6., par. 757.)

To make a physical comparison, at conception we are wholly subsumed in the body of another – the mother – which provides complete nourishment, sustenance and security for the growing being. After birth, we remain figuratively, but quite strongly, subsumed not only by the physical environment of the parents and family but also by its psychological, emotional and spiritual imperatives. It is only after many years of being steeped in this “matrix” that we have enough self-experience and, hopefully, self-awareness, to be able to differentiate what of that matrix we can accept and what of ourselves we must assert in order to become more fully and wholly individual: a word that, importantly, means “undivided.” This process of separating from the collective in order to become more whole unto oneself is at the core of the Leo archetype. It is also depicted in many movies, books and mythologies and called by Joseph Campbell “the hero’s journey.” Campbell describes it in mystical terms as follows:

A hero ventures forth from the world of common day into a region of supernatural wonder: fabulous forces are there encountered and a decisive victory is won: the hero comes back from this mysterious adventure with the power to bestow boons on his fellow man. (Source)

Though most of us – even most Leos – don’t feel this mythic heroism in everyday life, Campbell’s description does capture the essence of the Leo quest: to become heroic in a way that both differentiates oneself and benefits others.

And others are indeed deeply relevant to the Leo archetype. Recognition and admiration are essential to this sign which, as naturally extraverted, needs outside affirmation and encouragement. This is an important feature to recognize as well: Much as it might seem to some, Leo’s need for compliments and kudos is not merely an egotistical power play or attention-seeking device. It is a true, deep thirst for recognition of the self. For Leo, as the first outwardly-focused sign, still has one foot in the collective, still needs affirmation from the place and the people with which he has spent his life. He is like the child who hits a home run for the first time: If there is nobody nearby to cheer, his motivation slumps.

Other people are also relevant to the Leo archetype because they provide a yardstick by which to measure one’s accomplishments: First, how have I distinguished myself from the collective? Am I different enough, pretty enough, smart enough, accomplished enough? If not, how can I be more so? What special gifts do I have within myself that are not yet being utilized? How can I bring them out and make the best of them?

Second – and just as critical – Leo looks to others to understand what gifts he brings back to the collective to share. This is not true of all the goal-oriented signs of the zodiac, and it reflects Leo’s connection to its opposite sign, Aquarius, which is deeply focused on social conditions. As self-centered as an imbalanced Leo might seem, in its balanced and healthy state the sign does what it does so that he may share the spoils of war with others. Indeed, this behavior is reflected in the sign’s totem animal, the lion, which often goes off to hunt by himself or herself, but does so on behalf of the entire pride, with whom the hunter shares the kill.

All these qualities and drives in Leo types make for naturally strong leaders, for Leo possesses a strong sense of ambition and vision – as well as the benevolence, strength, courage and staying power to get there. Well balanced, the sign can be like a magnet or campfire to which people are drawn and which people will naturally follow. But the sign is not mere charisma; well developed, Leo types are wise and intuitive, with the ability to scent out its next steps.

Friends, lovers and followers need to know, however, that when Leo’s position is threatened, fear and jealousy lurk just below the surface. Part of that is just pure reaction – Leo wants to be number-one in your heart, wants top billing at the show, wants the board chairmanship. But part of it, too, is that he’s worked so hard and so faithfully to win your heart or the role or the leadership position, that being displaced just feels terribly disappointing. As a fixed sign, too, it’s hard for Leo to give up a situation, ambition or ideal very easily. They will recover and begin their journey again, eventually, but if you’re planning to dump or otherwise disappoint a Leo, be prepared for a long process of letting go.

“I am not afraid of an army of lions led by a sheep; I am afraid of an army of sheep led by a lion. –Alexander the Great

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Leo energy is best balanced by its opposite sign, Aquarius. Read the description of that sign to understand what “shadow” traits you might need to integrate. Contact us at (310) 592-0435 or kathy@depthastrology.net for a detailed chart reading that reveals the entire scope of your personality, gifts and challenges.

Image: Kjunstorm