What are the Leo dates?

Leo runs from roughly July 23 - August 22. Birthdays at either end fall on a cusp, where the Sun may have changed sign - the only way to be certain is to calculate the chart for the exact date, time and place of birth.

Leo is a Fire sign, along with Aries and Sagittarius. energy, action, enthusiasm, and inspiration

What planet rules Leo?

Leo is ruled by Sun. The ruling planet colours how the sign expresses itself, and in a birth chart the position of Sun says a great deal about how someone's Leo side actually operates.

Is Leo cardinal, fixed, or mutable?

Leo is a Fixed sign. stabilizing, persisting, and maintaining

Which signs are most compatible with Leo?

Traditionally Aries and Sagittarius and Gemini and Libra and Aquarius. That is a starting point rather than an answer, though - real compatibility depends on the Moon, Venus, Mars and the aspects between two whole charts, not on Sun signs alone.

What are the three Leo decans?

The first decan (July 23 - August 1) is sub-ruled by Sun and emphasises self-expression. The second decan (August 2 - August 12) is sub-ruled by Jupiter and emphasises expansion. The third decan (August 13 - August 22) is sub-ruled by Mars and emphasises creativity.

July 23 - August 22 · Fire · Fixed · The Lion

Leo

Leo embodies the archetype of the Sovereign and Creator—the radiant, noble force that inspires through authentic self-expression and warm-hearted leadership. As a fire sign ruled by the Sun, Leo represents the principle of vitality, generosity, and the creative spark that brings joy and meaning to life. Leo possesses natural charisma, dramatic flair, and a childlike enthusiasm that naturally draws others into their sphere of influence. While sometimes prideful or attention-seeking, Leo's greatest gifts lie in their ability to inspire loyalty, celebrate life's grand moments, and awaken creative potential through their genuine warmth, courage, and magnanimous spirit.

At a glance

Dates: July 23 - August 22
Element: Fire
Modality: Fixed
Ruling planet: Sun
Symbol: The Lion (Masculine)
Opposite sign: Aquarius
Focus: Creative self-expression, recognition, and heart-centered leadership
Best trait: Exuberance

Leo as a Sun sign

Leo is the sign of creative self-expression, the sign of the performer and the natural leader. You have a strong need to express yourself and to be recognized for your unique talents and abilities. You are proud and dignified, with a natural sense of drama and showmanship. You have a generous heart and a warm, sunny disposition. You are also somewhat egocentric and may have difficulty seeing things from others' perspectives. You need attention and appreciation, and you can become quite hurt if you feel ignored or unappreciated. You have a natural flair for drama and may have artistic talents. You are also a natural leader with the ability to inspire others with your enthusiasm and confidence.

Leo by life area

general: creative and confident
career: leadership and performance
relationships: romance and drama
health: vitality and heart
spirituality: divine creativity
personal growth: self-expression

The three Leo decans

Every sign spans thirty degrees, and those thirty are traditionally read as three ten-degree decans, each sub-ruled by a different planet. Two people born three weeks apart under the same sign can be describing genuinely different versions of it.

First decan (July 23 - August 1): Self-Expression, sub-ruled by Sun.

Second decan (August 2 - August 12): Expansion, sub-ruled by Jupiter.

Third decan (August 13 - August 22): Creativity, sub-ruled by Mars.

Leo Moon and Leo Rising

The same sign reads differently depending on which point occupies it. As a Moon sign it describes emotional need rather than conscious identity; on the Ascendant it describes how a person comes across before anyone knows them.

Leo Moon

You have a strong need for recognition and appreciation. Your emotions are dramatic and intense, and you express them with flair. You need to feel special and important in your emotional relationships. You have a generous heart and give freely of your love and affection. You may have difficulty handling criticism or rejection, as your pride is easily wounded.

Leo Rising

You project an image of confidence and dignity. Others see you as someone who is proud and somewhat dramatic. You have a natural presence that draws attention to you. You move with grace and authority, and you speak with conviction. You may have a tendency to be somewhat theatrical in your self-expression. You have a warm, generous manner that others find attractive.

Correspondences

Birthstone: Ruby. Lucky day: Sunday. Keywords: radiant, generous, expressive, dignified, charismatic, playful.

Common questions

What are the Leo dates?: Leo runs from roughly July 23 - August 22. Birthdays at either end fall on a cusp, where the Sun may have changed sign - the only way to be certain is to calculate the chart for the exact date, time and place of birth.
What element is Leo?: Leo is a Fire sign, along with Aries and Sagittarius. energy, action, enthusiasm, and inspiration
What planet rules Leo?: Leo is ruled by Sun. The ruling planet colours how the sign expresses itself, and in a birth chart the position of Sun says a great deal about how someone's Leo side actually operates.
Is Leo cardinal, fixed, or mutable?: Leo is a Fixed sign. stabilizing, persisting, and maintaining
Which signs are most compatible with Leo?: Traditionally Aries and Sagittarius and Gemini and Libra and Aquarius. That is a starting point rather than an answer, though - real compatibility depends on the Moon, Venus, Mars and the aspects between two whole charts, not on Sun signs alone.
What are the three Leo decans?: The first decan (July 23 - August 1) is sub-ruled by Sun and emphasises self-expression. The second decan (August 2 - August 12) is sub-ruled by Jupiter and emphasises expansion. The third decan (August 13 - August 22) is sub-ruled by Mars and emphasises creativity.

Element: Fire
Modality: Fixed
Opposite sign: Aquarius
Shares its element: Aries, Sagittarius
Shares its modality: Taurus, Scorpio
Traditionally compatible with: Gemini, Libra