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LEO
July 23 to August 23
The Leader

Ruling planet: Sun
Element: Fire outgoing, enthusiastic, strong
Mode: Fixed determined, loyal, stubborn
Symbol: The Lion
Birthstone: Ruby
Color: Yellow, orange and gold

            Just as your sign ruler the Sun is at the center of the solar system, you too have a life where you are often at the center.  People notice when you walk into a room.  You have charisma, that special quality that attracts people’s attention.  This is true if you are the more outgoing, extroverted kind of Leo like Mick Jagger, Jennifer Lopez, and Madonna or a more reserved type of Leo like David Duchovny, Robert Redford, and Sean Penn.  The more reserved Leos have just as much presence and are just as noticeable as the more outgoing ones.
            Your symbol, the lion, is known as the king of the jungle and Leo the sign of leadership.  Leadership takes many different forms.  Some Leos like to run their own business such as Martha Stewart who virtually has a home and lifestyle empire.  Paul Taylor started his own dance company.  Movie star Arnold Schwarzenegger was appointed fitness tsar by former president George H.W. Bush to encourage people to exercise.  Many Leos become leaders in their profession such as Lucille Ball (comedy), Robert DeNiro (acting), and Beatrix Potter (children’s book author.)  Leos naturally gravitate towards being the one in charge.  You have the desire and the ability to be the leader of the pack.
            Strength and determination are two of your gifts and provide an excellent foundation for your leadership.  You can move mountains with your strength.  You naturally take charge of any situation in which you find yourself.  Usually others are happy to let you assume this role.  But, when others do not want to go along with your plans or take your advice, watch out for your tendency to be bossy.  Because you have such a strong sense of authority, you may think you know what is best for others.  Although you often give excellent advice, make sure it is requested.  Getting your own way is less important than you sometimes believe.
            You give your heart and soul to whatever you do.  You don’t like to do anything halfway: it’s all or nothing.  This trait helps you achieve your goals.  Others may want to reach the top of their class, sport, or profession, but you actually do the hard work that is necessary to get there.  There is a reason that Leos end up in leadership positions.  It is because they have demonstrated that they are capable of leading!
            Many Leos are high achievers and great organizers.  Working hard, doing your best, and setting high standards are some of your greatest strengths.  There is a perfectionist in every Leo.  If you prepare a dish to take to a party, you make sure it is the most original, incredible, best tasting dish that anyone has ever seen.  If you design leaflets for an event, you make sure they are a work of art.  You show off your creations proudly and wait for the applause to follow.  And, often you do get great feedback.  But, even though others’ appreciation is wonderful, it is important for you to be your own audience.  Feeling great about what you do is the best feeling.

For much more information about your sign, check out Amanda's book, Lucky Stars.
You can order it from your local bookstore or from  amazon.com

Drawing from the lives of current and historical people, Lucky Stars illustrates the themes and characteristics unique to each Sun sign. The gifts, talents, and strengths as well as the difficulties associated with each sign are outlined. Activities that promote confidence and strategies for overcoming behaviors that decrease confidence are provided. Lucky Stars addresses all of the important areas of life including friendships, home life, career, and spirituality. A relationship section contains a Compatibility Guide, which matches up each sign with every other sign delineating both the areas of ease and difficulty with every combination. Each sign’s chapter ends with 10 special tips for creating a successful life.