Leo is the fifth of the 12 signs of the zodiac, which begins its cycle mid-summer every year during Leo season—which falls around July 23-August 22. it's important to understand the energy of this sign, as various planets travel (or "transit") through Leo all year long, activating this sign's fiery energy for everyone, regardless of your Sun sign.

Symbol: The Lion
Element: Fire
Ruling Planet: The Sun
Body Part: Heart, upper back, spine
Good Day: Courageous, kind, generous, loyal, protective, nakedly honest, entertaining
Bad Day: Arrogant, wasteful, sloppy, cold-hearted, jealous, aggressive
Favorite Things: Theaters, cameras, DVDs, rich desserts, red roses, exchanging gifts, singing, affection, compliments, great clothes
What You Hate: Being ignored, silver medals (instead of gold), bland food, being alone, goodbyes
Secret Wish: To rule the world
How to Spot Them: Distinctive mane of hair, regal posture
Where You'll Find Them: Producing, directing and starring in their own independent films, swept away in a romantic escapade, running for President
Keywords: Passion, Romance, Expression, Drama, Playfulness, Courageous, Loyal

Leo: The Lion

Ruled by the proud and fierce Lion, Leo energy is expressive and flamboyant in nature. It makes us fiercely protective of our passion projects and our loved ones. Leo inspires us to lead from the heart and wear our emotions on our sleeves. Under a Leo planetary transit, we can get swept away in our personal theatrics and romantic affairs, fully opening ourselves to the splendor of our desires and self-expression. The essence of Leo energy is courageous, kind, generous, loyal, protective, nakedly honest and entertaining. Negative manifestations of Leo energy can be arrogant, greedy, sloppy, coldhearted, jealous, aggressive and vain. Leo energy can cause us to upstage those around us, forgetting that each and every person is a valuable member to a team. Yet, we can direct the Leo flair for powerful leadership and let everyone have their spot in the sunshine. Used properly, Leo energy leaves others awakened and revitalized in an empowering way.

Leo Element: Fire

Leo is one of the three zodiac signs ruled under the fire . The other two fire signs are and . Since Leo is the second fire element in the zodiac, it turns the flame into a roaring fire with the intensity of its heat felt by all. Many Leo people are magnetic performers and natural born leaders. Under the influence of a Leo planetary cycle, we'll all feel the burning desire to steal the spotlight and shine, shine, shine! At the same time, we may step on some toes and get a little overzealous, even pissing people off with our bossy demeanor.

Leo Ruling Planet: The Sun

Leo is ruled by the great ball of fire that is the center of our universe, the Sun. Typically, the Sun represents the ego and the masculine life force energy found in humans. In Ancient Greek and Roman Mythology, Apollo was the Sun god who drove his chariot of flaming horses around the Earth during the day time, setting the skies afire with bright light. It's no wonder that Leo has such fierce and fiery fervency!

Leo: A Fixed Sign

The zodiac signs are grouped into three or "triplicities": cardinal, mutable and fixed signs. There are four fixed signs—, Leo, and . These signs fall in the middle of every season. They're the stabilizers—the ones who set up a solid goal or foundation, then start building. Fixed signs can take the enthusiastic ideas that cardinal signs spark, and craft them into something real. They pick up the ball when the cardinal sign passes it, and run the distance to the goal. Fixed signs are the trustworthy types who like "to-do" lists and fancy titles. If a cardinal signs says, "Let's go on vacation!" the fixed sign will call the travel agency, book the tickets and hotel, and send everyone a list of what to pack.

Leo People: What They're Like

Leos are entertainers at heart: they know how to spin a story, belt a tune and to get others hyped up around them. Warm-hearted and authentic, Leos can offer great strength and heroism in the face of adversity, pouncing upon obstacles with their prowess and determination to be Number One. You can often find them going to the theater—or starring in a production themselves!—and taking endless photos and videos. Wooing them romantically means pulling out all the stops. Treat Leo to luxe but meaningful gifts, oversized roses, lavish dates, and they might just decide to pounce on YOU! Sometimes their energy can be too dramatic or overbearing. But if you're willing to adore your Leo—paws, flaws, and all—you'll be rewarded richly with their worshipful devotion and affection. That said, some Leos can fall more into the "ice queen/king" realm of their royal family. These haughty and aloof Lions who can be self-centered and even elitist. They must work to open their hearts, giving rather than just taking. Sure having all the toys feels good for a moment. But they may learn the hard way that it can be lonely at the top!