Leo Constellation Meaning in Astrology

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Leo Constellation [Stellarium]

Constellation Leo the Lion is one of the 12 ecliptic constellations and lies between Cancer and Virgo. It also borders Coma Berenices, Ursa Major, Leo Minor, Hydra, Sextans and Crater.
Leo is one of the 48 constellations listed by Ptolemy in the 2nd century and remains one of the 88 modern constellations. It spans over 40 degrees of the zodiac in the Signs of Leo and Virgo.
Abbreviation: Leo
Genitive: Leonis

Leo Constellation Stars

2000	2050	Star	Name	Sp. Class	Mag.	Orb
15♌18	16♌00	κ Leo	Minkarasad	K2	4.47	1°10′
17♌53	18♌35	λ Leo	Alterf	K5	4.32	1°10′
20♌43	21♌25	ε Leo	Ras Elased Australis	G0	2.97	1°50′
21♌26	22♌08	μ Leo	Ras Elased Borealis	K2	3.88	1°30′
24♌15	24♌57	ο Leo	Subra	F8	3.52	1°40′
27♌34	28♌16	ζ Leo	Adhafera	F0	3.43	1°40′
27♌55	28♌37	η Leo	Al Jabhah	A0	3.48	1°40′
29♌37	00♍20	γ Leo	Algieba	K0	2.08	2°10′
29♌50	00♍32	α Leo	Regulus	B7	1.36	2°30′
00♍25	01♍07	31 Leo	Yunü	K4	4.39	1°10′
06♍24	07♍06	ρ Leo	Shaomin	B1	3.84	1°30′
10♍29	11♍11	72 Leo	Zubrah	M3	4.56	1°10′
11♍19	12♍02	δ Leo	Zosma	A4	2.56	2°00′
13♍26	14♍08	θ Leo	Coxa	A2	3.33	1°40′
14♍30	15♍13	χ Leo	Lingtai	F2	4.62	1°00′
16♍00	16♍42	HD100655	Formosa	G9	6.45	1°00′
16♍53	17♍35	92 Leo	Congguan	K1	5.26	1°00′
17♍34	18♍16	ι Leo	Xicijiang	F2	4.00	1°20′
18♍42	19♍25	σ Leo	Shangjiang	B9	4.05	1°20′
18♍58	19♍41	93 Leo	Taizi	G5	4.52	1°10′
21♍31	22♍13	τ Leo	Mingtang	G8	4.95	1°00′
21♍37	22♍19	β Leo	Denebola	A3	2.14	2°10′

Leo Star Names

α Leo is officially named Regulus, meaning “the (little) King.”

β Leo is officially named Denebola, meaning “the Lion’s Tail.”

γ Leo is officially named Algieba, from the Arabic al‑jabha, “the forehead [of the lion].” ^[1]
Smyth wrote of this that it
has been improperly called Algieba, from Al jeb‑bah, “the forehead;” for no representation of the Lion, which I have examined, will justify that position, —
a well-founded criticism, although as, after Regulus, it is the brightest member of the manzil Al Jabbah, it may have taken the latter’s title. The star, however, is on the Lion’s mane, the Latin word for which, Juba, distinctly appeared for γ with Bayer, Riccioli, and Flamsteed. Hence it is not at all unlikely that Algieba, — also written Algeiba, — is from the Latin, Arabicized either by error in transcription or by design. ^[2]
γ Leo belongs to the Chinese asterism Xuānyuán, “Xuanyuan,” the first name of the Yellow Emperor. It has the traditional names Xuānyuánshíèr, “12th star of Xuanyuan,” and Tiāncèxīběixīng, “Star in the northwest of Toilet constellation.” ^[3]

δ Leo is officially named Zosma, meaning “girdle, or loin cloth.”

ε Leo is traditionally named Ras Elased Australis, meaning “(the Southern [Part] of) the Lion’s Head.”

ζ Leo is officially named Adhafera, meaning “the Lock of Hair.”

η Leo is traditionally named Al Jabhah, meaning “the Forehead.”

θ Leo is officially named Chertan, meaning “the Two Small Ribs (at or near the breast).”

ι Leo has the traditional name Xicijiang, from the Chinese xī cì jiàng, “the second western general.” ^[4]
ι Leo belongs to the Chinese asterism Tàiwēiyòuyuán, “Right Wall,” and has the traditional names Tàiwēiyòuyuánsān, “3rd star of Right Wall,” Xīcìjiāng, “The Second Western General,” and Zhōnghuáxīmén, “Middle gate in the west.” ^[3]
Reeves mentioned this as Tsze Tseang, “the Second General.” ^[2]

κ Leo has the traditional name Minkarasad, from the Arabic al‑mankhirān al‑asad, “the nose of the lion.” ^[4]
This was designated by Ulug Beg as Al Minhar al Asad, “the Lion’s Nose,” still correct for it as laid down on the Heis Atlas, although now never used as a star-title. ^[2]
κ Leo belongs to the Chinese asterism Xuānyuán, “Xuanyuan,” the first name of the Yellow Emperor. It has the traditional name Xuānyuánqī, “7th star of Xuanyuan.” ^[3]
Stellarium labels κ Leo as Al Minlear al Asad (Minkarasad)

λ Leo is officially named Alterf, from the Arabic al‑ṭarf, “the eyes.” ^[1]
Applied in recent times from the indigenous Arabic munar mansion name al-ṭarf, “the Glance,” for ξ Cnc and λ Leo, associated with the indigenous Arabic asterism al-asad (see ε Gem), as if being located on that lion’s eyes. ^[5]
Alterf is from Al Tarf, the name for the 7th manzil, which it formed with ξ Cancri. The word has generally been rendered “the Glance,” i.e. of the Lion’s eye, although on modern maps the star lies in the open mouth, where Ptolemy located it. But it also had the secondary meaning of “the Extremity,” still more appropriate here, and so understood by Ideler. ^[2]
λ Leo belongs to the Chinese asterism Xuānyuán, “Xuanyuan,” the first name of the Yellow Emperor. It has the traditional name Xuānyuánbā, “8th star of Xuanyuan.” ^[3]

μ Leo is officially named Ras Elased Borealis, meaning “(the Northern [Part] of) the Lion’s Head.”

ο Leo is officially named Subra, from the Arabic al‑zubra, “the mane.” ^[1]
From the indigenous Arabic lunar mansion name al-zubra, “the Mane or Shoulder,” for δ and θ Leo, associated with the indigenous Arabic asterism al-asad (see ε Gem; al-zubra was an alternative name for al-kharātān given under θ Leo). “Subra” was wrongly applied as a star name to ο Leo in recent times. ^[5]
ο Leo belongs to the Chinese asterism Xuānyuán, “Xuanyuan,” the first name of the Yellow Emperor. It has the traditional names Xuānyuánshíwǔ, “15th star of Xuanyuan,” Xuānyuányòujiǎoxīng, “Star in the right-side of Xuanyuan,” Dàmín, “The great man,” and Tàimín, “The big man.” ^[3]

ρ Leo is officially named Shaomin, from the Chinese shào míng, “the less bright horn of the dragon.” ^[1]
ρ Leo belongs to the Chinese asterism Xuānyuán, “Xuanyuan,” the first name of the Yellow Emperor. It has three traditional names Xuānyuánshíliù, “16th star of Xuanyuan,” Xuānyuányòujiǎoxīng, “Star in the right top of Xuanyuan,” and Shǎomín, “The less-rank man.” ^[3]
Shaomin is defined as “young, ordinary people,” or, in ancient China, ethnic minorities who actively learned farming techniques in the hope of improving their families’ living conditions. ^[6]
The traditional name for ρ Leo is Shir. ^[7]
The Persians called it (Leo) Ser or Shīr, meaning “a Lion.” ^[2]
ρ, a 4th‑magnitude, marked the 16th ecliptic constellation of Babylonia, Maru-sha-arkat-Sharru, that Epping translated ”“the Fourth Son (or the Four-Year‑Old Son) behind the King. ^[2]

σ Leo has the traditional name Shangjiang, from the Chinese shàng jiàng, “the first western general.” ^[4]
σ Leo belongs to the Chinese asterism Tàiwēiyòuyuán, “Right Wall,” and has the traditional names Tàiwēiyòuyuánèr, “2nd star of Right Wall,” Xīshǎngjiāng, “The First Western General,” and Xītàiyángmén, “First gate in the west.” ^[3]
σ, 4.1, is the Chinese Shang Tseang, “the Higher General.” ^[2]
σ Leo has the traditional Japanese name Shishimai, which means “lion dance.” ^[8]

τ Leo has the traditional name Mingtang, from the Chinese míng táng, “the cosmological temple.” ^[4]
τ Leo belongs to the Chinese asterism Míngtáng, “The Hall of Glory,” representing the Places of Emperor Xuan Mingzheng’s early education. It has the traditional name Míngtángyī, “1st star of The Hall of Glory.” ^[3]

χ Leo has the traditional name Lingtai, from the Chinese líng tái, “the astronomical observatory.” ^[4]
χ Leo belongs to the Chinese asterism Língtái, “Astronomical Observatory,” and has the traditional name Língtáiyī, “1st star of Astronomical Observatory.” ^[3]
χ, a 5th‑magnitude, with c and d, was Ling Tae, “a Wonderful Tower.” ^[2]

31 Leo is officially named Yunü, from the Chinese yunü, “the concubine of the emperor” in Chinese. ^[1]
31 Leo belongs to the Chinese asterism Xuānyuán, “Xuanyuan,” the Yellow Emperor’s first name. It has the traditional names Xuānyuánshíqī, “17th star of Xuanyuan,” and Shēnsùzhōngxīnxīdìyīxīng “Star in the heart and in the west of Three Stars constellation.”
31 Leo is also the only star in the Chinese asterism Yùnǚ, “Maids-In-Waiting,” with the traditional name Yùnǚ. ^[3]

72 Leo has the traditional name Huben, from the Chinese hŭ bēn, “the emperor’s bodyguard.” ^[4]
72 Leo is the only star in the Chinese asterism Hǔbēn, “Emperor’s Bodyguard,” representing the Palace garrison commanders. It has the traditional name Hǔbēn. ^[3]
Stellarium labels 72 Leo as Zubrah, and it is located above δ and θ Leo on the back of the Lion. According to Allen:
δ and θ, on the hind quarter, constituted the 9th manzil, Al Zubrah, “the Mane,” and itself bears this name as Zubra, — strange titles for star and station so far away from that feature of the animal. ^[2]

92 Leo has the traditional name Congguan, from the Chinese cóng guān, “the retinue.” ^[4]
92 Leo is the only star in the Chinese asterism Cóngguān, “Retinue,” representing the emperor’s attendants. It has the traditional names Cóngguān and Zǐxīxīng, “Star of Zixi.” ^[3]

93 Leo has the traditional name Taizi, from the Chinese tài zĭ, “the crown prince.” ^[4]
93 Leo is the only star in the Chinese asterism Tàizǐ, “Crown Prince,” and has the traditional name Tàizǐ. ^[3]

HD 100655 is officially named Formosa, a Latin word for the historical name for Taiwan. ^[1]

Leo Minor Constellation [Urania’s Mirror]

Leo Constellation Astrology

Manilius (@ 35 AD)

What Inclinations Leo’s Rays dispense
Is quickly known, ’tis plain to Common Sense,
He gives his Own; for he the Woods infests
The mighty Terror of the meaner Beasts:
He lives on Rapine, ranges all the Day,
And sullenly at Night groans o’re his Prey.
Hence he inclines Mens Minds to Hunt, and fills
Our Nobles spacious Halls with grinning spoyls;
There Skins and Horns do spread a dismal grace,
And stand as certain Heralds of their Race;
This Beast was mine, and that my Father’s game,
They cry, these are the Annals of their Fame:
That generous Youth which France and Spain did fear
Now prove the Humble Terror of a Deer.
Nay some in Towns pursue this wild delight.
Their barbarous grow, and breed up Beasts to fight;
Then bring them out for fight in Theaters,
And feast their Luxury with Bruitish Wars;
Cruel in Sport: Their Posts are grac’t with Spoyl,
And they get shameful Honour without Toyl:
He makes Men Warm, their Passions quickly rais’d,
Like Boys soon angry, and as soon appeas’d:
But Plain and Honest all their Thoughts sincere;
Pure as the Sun, and like the Water clear. ^[9]

Who can doubt the nature of the monstrous Lion, and the pursuits he prescribes for those born beneath his sign? The lion ever devises fresh fights and fresh warfare on animals, and lives on spoil and pillaging of flocks. The sons of the Lion are filled with the urge to adorn their proud portals with pelts and to hang up on the walls the captured prey, to bring the peace of terror to the woods, and to live upon plunder. There are those whose like bent is not checked by the city-gates, but they swagger about in the heart of the capital with droves of beasts; they display mangled limbs at the shop-front, slaughter to meet the demands of luxury, and count it gain to kill. Their temper is equally prone to fitful wrath and ready withdrawal, and guileless are the sentiments of their honest hearts. ^[10]

ASCENDING

But when the Lion shews his ravenous Jaws
Prepared for Rapine, and unsheaths his Paws,
A Spendthrift’s born, who minds himself alone,
He wrongs his Father, and he cheats his Son:
His Race in vain with expectation wait,
For in himself he buries his Estate;
So fast his Gluttony, his Lust so wild
That he devours himself, yet is not fill’d:
And whilst his Appetite proceeds to crave
He eats his Funeral, and he spends his Grave. ^[9]

The man to whom the ravenous Lion has displayed its countenance through the topmost waves as it scales with jaws agape the arc of heaven, that man, sinning against his father and his sons, will not pass on his inheritance but will swallow his patrimony in his body. Such devouring hunger and such a dreadful passion for food take hold of his spirit that he consumes his very self [his resources] without ever sating it and devotes to his table even his funeral expenses and the price of a tomb. ^[10]

Ptolemy (@150 AD)

Of those in Leo, the two in the head act in the same way as Saturn and, to a less degree, as Mars; the three in the throat, the same as Saturn and, to a less degree, as Mercury; the bright star upon the heart, called Regulus, the same as Mars and Jupiter; those in the hip and the bright star in the tail,⁠ the same as Saturn and Venus; and those in the thighs, the same as Venus and, to a less degree, Mercury. ^[11]

Maternus (@335 AD)

I.13. Ascendant in Leo. If the horoscope is found in Leo, the person who has such an hour will be involved in many labors and many dangers. But throughout his life he will be known to all, and will also be the property of one always innocent, having free power, and who [does not] exercise the poison of malice in all things; he will conceive vows of command and command, acquiring the faculty of substance by his own labors. But if Mars is found partially in this same place, or the Sun reflects him with square or diameter radiation, he will deny children in every way. But if Jupiter is found in a similar way, he will give one daughter.
14. If MC. is found in Taurus, he will have life in a public place or in a temple. But he will contract marriage with a woman who is a widow or raped by another or subjected and servile condition or an anu or who is publicly disgraced, and the greatest honor will be conferred on him by a very powerful man. But he will be knowledgeable in all things , and he will rejoice in the increase of prosperous fortune.
15. If it is set in Aquarius, his life will always have both increases and losses. He will be grateful, ***** but is approved in some things. If in Scorpio IMC. If Mars is found in this position, he will have leadership in certain matters. But if Mars looks at this place with any radiation, he will be in custody sometimes but free. But if Mars is found in this position in the morning rising, he will fight or be in charge of weapons, but he will die in foreign and strange places, being prostrated by a sudden or violent death.

III.18. Saturn in Leo. Whoever has Saturn in Leo at birth will be constantly tormented by envy. In the early years of life they will have strength. Sometimes they are destined for bright and glorious deeds, [and] from these deeds they will obtain the greatest insignia, and receive the greatest ornaments of happiness. Sometimes from these deeds they will be separated, and even from all administration empty. But they either receive nothing from their parents, or if they receive anything, they lose it. But in their prime and early youth they will be weak and dangerous, and will be involved in many occupations, they will also suffer certain bodily torments, and will be weary with pains in the extremities of their bodies. But they will have latent vices or latent pains.
19. Virgins, however, could never marry wives. If they have obtained them by force, they are separated from them in any way. But it will be beneficial for them to choose wives who have already borne children. But as long as Saturn has completed the first circle of his course, they will obtain neither marriage nor patrimony nor glory. For whatever they have obtained before this time, they lose. And Saturn, being placed in this sign, decrees the marriage of two wives; for even beyond this number, whatever they have known by some custom, they either always throw away or carry away.
20. But they will have sorrows from the cases of children, and if the Moon is either with him or is brought towards him, they will have difficulty in obtaining children. But whenever it enters a tropical sign, then it decrees inconveniences. But when it comes to Pisces and Gemini, it decrees the same as in the tropics. But in the other signs it will be of great benefit. For then it decrees the signs of glory. Indeed, in business and actions and in all life they are constantly changing, they will sail great rivers and seas, and they will travel through deserted places, and whatever their parents never dared to do.
21. They will also have many brothers, either from another father or from another mother, but they will be better than all relatives, elevated by the grace of the most powerful dignity. They will certainly be the most heartless enemies of foreigners, angry, good, benevolent, learned, and who will keep uncorrupted faith in all contracts, of good counsel, of an uncorrupted and uncorrupted mind, friends of many, and who will accomplish everything with the strongest strength. They will certainly have a scar on some part of their body, and they will constantly endure losses of dignity, so that they frequently fall from a high degree of dignity by some humiliation of humility, ***** has entered, in which we have said that he decides dangers.
22. They will certainly have substance bestowed upon them by the generosity of others, but such that they can relieve the distresses of others. They will be defenders of the free, always lending patronage to struggling men. But when they have attained all these, they will die long-lived, and their soul will pass to heaven, attached to the gods. For Saturn, placed in Leo, recalls the souls of those who have behaved thus on earth, freed from countless tribulations, to heaven and to the beginnings of their origin.

IV.12. Jupiter in Leo. Whoever has Jupiter in Leo will be in many labors and toils, as long as Saturn, having left Pisces, has come to the sign of Aries. For when Jupiter, placed in Leo, is aspected by trine Saturn with radiation, then they attain power, then glory, then knowledge, then the protection of powerful friends, and those established in discipline receive the greatest fruits, then they come to all their actions, having been advanced by successful promotions. Then, having a favorable time, they will handle the duties of management.
13. But their first wives will not be of any use to them. But even virgins do not get wives, but those who have been raped by others. They will indeed be happy, having obtained the marks of happiness by themselves, after the paternal patrimony has been lost. Yet they will be strong in spirit, generous, and who desire the things of others with a wicked desire. ^[12]

Allen (1889)

Leo, the Lion,
Lies between Cancer and Virgo, the bright Denebola 5° north of the faint stars that mark the head of the latter constellation; but Ptolemy extended it to include among its ἀμόρφωτοι the group now Coma Berenices.
In Greek and Roman myth this was respectively Λέων and Leo, representing the Nemean Lion, originally from the moon, and, after his earthly stay, carried back to the heavens with his slayer Hercules. . . But the Romans commonly knew it as Leo, Ovid writing Herculeus Leo and Violentus Leo.
Bacchi Sidus was another of its titles, that god always being identified with this animal, and its shape the one usually adopted by him in his numerous transformations; while a lion’s skin was his frequent dress. But Manilius had it Jovis et Junonis Sidus, as being under the guardianship of these deities; and appropriately so, considering its regal character, and especially that of its lucida.
The Egyptian king Necepsos, and his philosopher Petosiris, taught that at the Creation the sun rose here near Denebola; and hence Leo was Domicilium Solis, the emblem of fire and heat, and, in astrology, the House of the Sun, governing the human heart, and reigning in modern days over Bohemia, France, Italy, and the cities of Bath, Bristol, and Taunton in England, and our Philadelphia. In ancient times Manilius wrote of it as ruling over Armenia, Bithynia, Cappadocia, Macedon, and Phrygia.⁠ It was a fortunate sign, with red and green as its colors; and, according to Ampelius [Lib. Mem. 4], was in charge of the wind Thrascias mentioned by Pliny [II.120], Seneca, and Vitruvius [I.6.10] as coming from the north by a third northwest. Ancient physicians thought that when the sun was in this sign medicine was a poison, and even a bath equally harmful (!); while the weather-wise said that thunder foretold sedition and deaths of great men. The adoption of this animal’s form for a zodiac sign has been fancifully attributed to the fact that when the sun was among its stars in midsummer the lions of the desert left their accustomed haunts for the banks of the Nile, where they could find relief from the heat in the waters of the inundation; and Pliny is authority for the statement that the Egyptians worshiped the stars of Leo because the rise of their great river was coincident with the sun’s entrance among them. For the same reason the great Androsphinx⁠ is said to have been sculptured with Leo’s body and the head of the adjacent Virgo; although Egyptologists maintain that this head represented one of the early kings, or the god Harmachis. Distinct reference is made to Leo in an inscription on the walls of the Ramesseum at Thebes, which, like the Nile temples generally, was adorned with the animal’s bristles; while on the planisphere of Denderah its figure is shown standing on an outstretched serpent. The Egyptian stellar Lion, however, comprised only a part of ours, and in the earliest records some of its stars were shown as a Knife, as they now are as a Sickle. Kircher gave its title there as Πιμεντεκέων, Cubitus Nili.
The Persians called it Ser or Shīr; the Turks, Artān; the Syrians, Aryō; the Jews, Aryē; and the Babylonians, Arū, — all meaning a Lion; the last title frequently being contracted to their letter equivalent to our A.
Its drawing has generally been in a standing position, but, in the Leyden Manuscript, in a springing attitude, with the characteristic Sickle fairly represented. Young astronomers know the constellation by this last feature in the fore parts of the figure, the bright Regulus marking the handle; its other stars successively being η, γ, ζ, μ, and ε. Nor is this a recent idea, for Pliny is thought to have given it separately from Leo in his list of the constellations; but not much could have been left of the Lion after this subtraction except his tail.
These same Sickle stars were a lunar asterism with the Akkadians as Gis-mes, “the Curved Weapon;” with the Khorasmians and Sogdians as Khamshish, “the Scimetar;” but with the Copts as Titefui, “the Forehead.” ^[2]

Leo Constellation [Bullinger]

Bullinger (1893)

The Sign LEO (The Lion).
Here we come to the end of the circle. We began with VIRGO, and we end with LEO. No one who has followed our interpretation can doubt that we have here the solving of the Riddle of the Sphinx. For its Head is VIRGO and its Tail is LEO! In LEO we reach the end of the Revelation as inspired in the Word of God; and it is the end as written in the heavens. BAILLY (Astronomy) says, “the Zodiac must have been first divided when the sun at the summer solstice was in 1^o Virgo, where the woman’s head joins the Lion’s tail.”
As to its antiquity there can be no doubt. JAMIESON says, “the Lion does not seem to have been placed among the Zodiacal symbols, because Hercules was fabled to have slain the Nemean Lion. It would seem, on the contrary, that Hercules, who represented the Sun, was said to have slain the Nemean Lion, because Leo, was already a Zodiacal sign. Hercules flourished 3,000 years ago, and consequently posterior to the period when the summer solstice accorded with Leo” (Celestial Atlas, p. 40).
There is no confusion with this sign. In the ancient Zodiacs of Egypt (Denderah, Esneh) and India we find the Lion. The same occurs on the Mithraic monuments, where Leo is passant, as he is in Moor’s Hindu, and Sir William Jones’s Oriental Zodiacs. In Kircher’s Zodiacs he is courrant (running); in the Egyptian Zodiacs he is couchant (lying down). In the Denderah Zodiac he is treading upon a serpent, as shown in Mr Edward Cooper’s Egyptian Scenery. Its Egyptian name is Pi Mentekeon, which means the pouring out. This is no pouring out or inundation of the Nile, but it is the pouring out of the cup of Divine wrath on that Old Serpent.
This is the one great truth of the closing chapter of this last Book. It is THE LION OF THE TRIBE OF JUDAH AROUSED FOR THE RENDING OF THE PREY. His feet are over the head of Hydra, the great Serpent, and just about to descend upon it and crush it. The three constellations of the Sign complete this final picture:

Hydra, the old Serpent destroyed.
Crater, the Cup of Divine wrath poured out upon him.
Corvus, the Bird of prey devouring him.

The Denderah picture exhibits all four in one. The Lion is presented treading down the Serpent. The Bird of prey is also perched upon it, while below is a plumed female figure holding out two cups, answering to Crater, the cup of wrath. The hieroglyphics read Knem, and are placed underneath. Knem means who conquers, or is conquered, referring to the victory over the serpent. The woman’s name is Her-ua, great enemy, referring to the great enemy for which her two cups are prepared and intended. The Syriac name is Aryo, the rending Lion, and the Arabic is Al Asad; both mean a lion coming vehemently, leaping forth as a flame!
It is a beautiful constellation of 95 stars, two of which are of the 1st magnitude, two of the 2nd, six of the 3rd, thirteen of the 4th. The brightest star, α (on the Ecliptic), marks the heart of the Lion (hence sometimes called by the moderns, Cor Leonis, the heart of the Lion). Its ancient name is Regulus, which means treading under foot. The next star, β, also of the 1st magnitude (in the tip of the tail), is named Denebola, the Judge or Lord who cometh. The star γ (in the mane) is called Al Giebha (Arabic), the exaltation. The star δ (on the hinder part of the back) is called Zosma, shining forth.
Other stars are named Sarcam (Hebrew), the joining; intimating that here is the point where the two ends of the Zodiacal circle have their joining. Another star has the name of Minchir al Asad (Arabic), the punishing or tearing of the Lion. Another is Deneb Aleced, the judge cometh who seizes. And another is Al Dafera (Arabic), the enemy put down. ^[13]

Robson (1923)

LEO. The Lion.
Legend. This constellation represents the Nemean Lion, originally from the Moon, that was slain by Hercules.
Influence. Ptolemy makes the following observations: “Of the stars in Leo, two in the head are like Saturn and partly like Mars. The three in the neck are like Saturn, and in some degree like Mercury. . . . Those in the loins . . . Saturn and Venus: those in the thighs resemble Venus, and, in some degree, Mercury.” It is said that the stars in the neck, back and wing all bring trouble, disgrace and sickness affecting the part of the body ruled by the sign, especially if they happen to be in conjunction with the Moon. By the Kabalists, Leo is associated with the Hebrew letter Kaph and the 11th Tarot Trump “Strength.” ^[14]

Rigor (1979)

LEO: Symbolized by the Lion.

MYTHOLOGY: The lion infested the forests of Nemaea. He was slain by Hercules in his first labor, and placed by Jupiter amongst the stars, in commemoration of the noted conflict. Hercules, personifying the Sun, as well as the spiritual side of man. His combat with the lion symbolizes the heart and the emotional nature. Hercules, controlling his emotions, reclined on the skin of the lion while he waited his doom on the funeral pyre. All the while he was being tested and tried by fire, and at no time did he lose control. So it is with man, it is necessary for man to bring under submission his will, the heart and emotional nature before he is able to attain self-mastery.

LEO is the strongest sign of the life-giving Sun. One born under Leo should receive many benefits, being endowed with physical as well as spiritual force. Leo’s do not submit to limitations or bend to one’s will. They have the ability to organize and direct. They need to practice self-control. Leo’s strong love for children and a desire to protect the weak, for frailty in others, calls forth Leo’s stronger side. Leo is imbued with gambling spirit, be it life itself or monetarily. Leo’s gain more through mental than physical exercise. Generally, Leo’s are born with pleasing personalities and a keen appreciation of ‘things’. Whoever tries to dominate Leo, finds Leo soon becomes rebellious. Leo is centered on home life, but there may also be much dissatisfaction and inharmony. Leo’s who become despondent impedes their recovery from illness.
Negatively; Leo’s are often arrogant and overbearing, blusterers, pompous, self-centered with blatant displays of generosity and outwardly they may appear genial and democratic, in practice they are just the opposite and develop a patronizing attitude towards others.

KEYWORDS for the Leo constellation:

(+) Positive: Courage, leadership ability, dignity, prideful, generosity, regal personality, independent, optimistic.

(–) Negative: Dictatorial, impatient, stubbornness, destructive, great extremes.

SUN IN LEO (+) Endows its natives with the desire to rule, the native has a commanding dignity,’ an inclination for organization and supervision, one who is generous, one who has a gallant independent personality, one who is ambitious and determined, a courageous person, a good ‘showman’. A constructive elevating personality, the ability to direct, one who is broadminded, disposed to be generous, has good vitality, is positive in thought and action.

SUN IN LEO (–) The native tends to be arrogant, hastily forms opinions, has too many likes and dislikes, a dogmatic person, a tendency to shirk duties, obligations. Sometimes quick-tempered, one who is snobbish, of a pompous nature, a blusterer, a self-centered showoff. One who seeks power and authority. Native presents blatant displays of generosity, is patronizing, abuses powers of leadership, seeks praise of efforts by others.

MOON IN LEO (+) Endows its native with pride, a dramatic type personality, faithfulness and sincerity, a love for leadership. One who is farsighted, ambitious, self-confident, and self-reliant. One who is honorable, magnanimous, candid and of a persevering nature. A tendency to lead, not follow. One who is fond of dress, home and orderliness. One who is free-hearted by nature and has a love of pleasure.

MOON IN LEO (–) The native is conceited, jealous, entertains selfish motives. Has an overbearing manner, is a social climber, may be unfaithful, develops into a ‘pushy’ arrogant person. A gambler with life or whatever. Is fond of too much pleasure, entertainment and social affairs. Develops a disregard for facts. May be boastful. An insincere person, one of an insensitive nature. A tendency to ‘bull’ their way through any situation. Ostentatiousness.

MERCURY IN LEO (+) Endows its natives with an impressionable and optimistic nature, one who is persistent, ambitious and appreciative. The native has a tendency to ‘lead and direct’. One with determination and plenty of self-confidence. The native has a strong positive, persevering intellect, can be blunt and outspoken. Has high ideals and may become a good organizer. One who can be witty, entertaining and dramatically eloquent. A strong-minded, dogmatic pleasure-loving person.

MERCURY IN LEO (–) Native develops a tendency to brag, be too abrupt, rude and crude, prejudiced. Blunt in speech, overbearing in attitude. Too demanding and tactless. One who is officious, arrogant and fickle. Of a low sensual nature. Inconstant in affections.

VENUS IN LEO (+) Endows its natives with an appreciative, companionable nature. One who is chivalrous, tends to be graceful and attractive, diplomatic and sociable. A fondness for pleasure and travel. The native is warm-hearted and loyal. Has the ability to turn their desires on and off at will. Open-minded and sensible.

VENUS IN LEO (–) The native may develop an insensitive nature, become extravagant and somewhat of a spendthrift. There will be a tendency to be cold and selfish. A tendency to misdirect dramatic inclinations. The native can almost at will become sensual or reverse themselves and be cold and selfish. An insincere nature.

MARS IN LEO (+) Endows its natives with a venturesome, active, industrious nature. One who is fearless and independent in all their dealings. Native has a keen sense of honor and responsibility. Native is enthusiastic, enterprising and outspoken, even to the point of creating embarrassment. One who is strong, forceful and determined in argument. A sincere companion, far sighted, open-minded and some tendency to be idealistic. The native can be forceful in carrying out assignments and has good organizing ability. Native is ardent in their admiration for the opposite sex. One who is venturesome and often takes pride in their ability to take risks.

MARS IN LEO (–) Imparts to its natives a bombastic, overly enthusiastic manner. One who has a fiery temper, subject to foolhardiness, recklessness. A danger of inordinate affection. Native is overbearing- and of a suspicious attitude. One who is insincere and inconsiderate. Subject to unbridled passions. ^[15]

Noonan (1984)

In Greek and Roman mythology, Leo the lion represented the Nemean Lion, originally from the Moon, and, after his earthly stay was carried back to the heavens with his slayer, Hercules, where he became the poet’s “Nemeasus.” The Egyptian King Necepsos, and his philosopher Petosiris, taught that at the Creation the sun rose near Denebola; and hence Leo was “Domincillium Solis”: the emblem of fire and heat. Throughout antiquity the lion and Leo have always been identified with the Sun and great dynamism, even appearing on the royal arms of England. But the lion is also the tribal sign of Judah as recorded in Genesis lclix:9:
“Judah is the Lion’s whelp . . . resting thou has couched as a lion, and as a lioness, who shall rous him.” And this was confirmed in the Apocalypse of St. John, v:5: “. . . Weep not; behold the lion of the tribe of Judah, the root of David. . . .”
The lion is a most fortunate sign. Those born under it will be valiant and irascuble. They will be educated and clever individuals, relying on themselves in cases of danger or of major problems. In the horoscopes of women Leo prognosticates modesty. Ibn-Ezra states that native of Leo have a nature of that of wolves, very gluttonous and fond of food. Ancient physicians thought that when the Sun was in the sign medicine was a poison, and even a bath could be harmful. In the Middle Ages, it was said that thunder when the Sun was in Leo, foretold of sedition and the deaths of great men. As to children, Leo indicates sterility.
The Leonian person will be of fine appearance. He will be of full height, with a broad face and grey eyes. a large nose and a wide mouth. He will have slender thighs, and his hips will be on the large side. His hair will be of chestnut color, his fingers thick, and he will have a prominent belly. Modernists add that he will have a strong, well formed back, and that his lips will be of good color. The Leonian will have a dignified pose, and his manner and walk can be described as quick.
In personality those born under the sign of Leo are kingly, formidable, sharp-tongued, hard-hearted, litigious, knavish, forgetful, and bold. They tend to be powerful by nature, and al-Biruni asserts that they are sinners and have many troubles. Those born in the first decanate will be well known among men, and Ibn Ezra adds that they will be modest while associating with kings; on the second decanate they will be magnanimous and honored by their people; and those born in the third decanate of Leo will have many friends and enemies, and ibn Ezra says that they will also be powerful, fond of women, and have abundant ailments.
Modern astrologers add that the Leonian person is creative, courageous, joyful, impulsive, egotistical, just, altruistic, conceited, and forgiving.
The Classicists say that the professions of those born under the sign of Leo include horsemen, joiners, and falconers. Modern astrologers addactors, goldsmiths, jewelers, managers, monarchs, professional athletes, and film stars. ^[16]

Noonan (1990)

The Constellation of the Lion
In classical times this constellation contained the stars that today are included in the constellations of Leo and Coma Berenices (Com). Tetrabiblos states that the two stars in the head have the same nature as Saturn and, to a lesser degree, of Mars; the three stars in the Lion’s main have the natures of Saturn and Mercury; those in the hip of the Lion and at the ti[ of his tail the same as Saturn and Venus; and those in the thighs the same as venus and Mercury. The star Regulus is given the double nature of the planets Mars and Jupiter. Both the sign and the constellation are considered very fortunate regarding agriculture and Pliny asserts that the ancient Egyptians worshipped the stars of Leo because the rise of the Nile was coincuident with the Sun’s entrance among them. However, ancient physicians thought that when the Sun was in the sign medicine was a poison, and even a bath could be harmful. It was also said that thunder from this constellation foretold sedition and the deaths of great men. ^[17]

In mundane astrology Leo Constellation is associated with royal events especially the ascension or death of kings and queens, the election or death of heads of state, assassinations uprisings and massacres, currency and the stock exchange, the Vatican and European Union.