The Enchanted Tarot

Astrology

Enchantments

Alchemy

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Astrological Symbol: A threshing scythe July 24 to August 23

The heat of the Sun during the time of Leo is so intense that we are all inclined to act like the 'King of the Jungle' and just play, eat and catnap the day away in royal splendor. The threshing scythe symbol for the sign of Leo is a reminder that it took the noble heart, commanding presence and organizational skill of a king to motivate the population to stop having fun in the Sun and prepare to for the harvest. It also requires acting skill to convince everyone that to stop having fun and work is what you really want to do when it's only what you want others to be doing. Does this sound like any 'rulers' you know?

Associations
Leo rules 'ruling' itself. It also rules pleasure; romance; self-expression; pride; sports; acting; entertainment; and the putting off of unpleasant work. The parts of the body ruled by Leo are the heart (the noble heart of a king) and lower back (that holds them proudly erect and bends to no one). People born during the time of Leo function best when they are proud of what they are doing and respected for it as well.

The Challenge of Being a Leo
Leo is the sign of the creative organizers of the zodiac. Practically no one is as good as they are at recognizing the solution to a problem and organizing the means to solve it. It is this ability that gives rise to Leo's reputation as a great leader. Like all leaders, Leos feel more comfortable when they are telling others what has to be done rather than taking care of the routine details themselves. They get annoyed with themselves for this trait, but not for long, because Leos like themselves a lot. They put themselves where there is much that needs to be done, and they associate themselves with the right group of people so that their creative input is always welcome, even if they do not always jump in and get their hands dirty.

The symbol for Leo is the strong and proud male lion, a most appropriate symbol. Not only is a group of lions referred to as a "pride" of lions, but also the importance of personal pride to those born during the time of Leo cannot be overstated. They would not want to be connected to anyone or anything that they did not feel was up to their high personal standards. This inclines Leos to provide those born under the other signs of the zodiac with a good example.

Showing us all how things are done is a special gift possessed by Leos. This is why they have such a knack for drama. It can be acting, the arts and music, or any form of display. Their generosity requires them to create situations and objects that will benefit and entertain them and those they consider worthy to be connected with them.

The lesson for Leos to learn is that there is an important reason why they are not as proud, powerful, and as good leaders as they wish they were. They have come into the world when the Sun was in the astrological sign Leo because they want to learn the best way possible to become the kind of powerful leaders they can be proud to be. Sometimes, even the best of leaders must put on an act to get the job done.

Of course, when Leos are creating things for others to look at, their audience's feedback becomes very important to them. If their dramatic gestures are not acknowledged sufficiently, their pride will be hurt. Then they might forget their responsibilities to others and maybe even try to use their power to influence others in a dictatorial fashion.

Leos are legendary for their ability to help and protect those who acknowledge them as special people. They gain a sense of their own self-worth by giving what they think others need from them. However, it is important that they remember that they, too, need help and protection. Leos would usually be too prideful to ask for help.

Leos' reputation for having large egos comes from this inability to ask for help. When they put such obvious value on being helpful to others, yet don't ask for help, it is easy for others to think that Leos think they are either too good to ask for help, or that they don't think anyone has the ability to help someone as great, strong, and talented as a Leo.

Many Leos do mistakenly believe that anyone who needs help is weak and incapable of being a leader on his or her own; however, we all need help. Like the lion and other kings, Leos should get used to letting those who care about their welfare help them and bring them gifts for a change. No one knows how to live as royally as Leos do. When they learn how to accept help and to delegate their authority, then they can show the world how to really live the good life.

Cancer The Crab		Virgo The Virgin