An astrological approach to leo

Leo

The ruler of Leo is the Sun. The glyph is generally thought to represent the tail of the lion. It can also symbolize the heat or the creative energy of the Sun. On entering the sign Leo, the Sun is said to exemplify cosmic splendor. The meaning attached to this seems to be that both the good and bad characteristics associated with Leo are perpetual.
Through the ages, Leo has signified the coming of thebest growing season and thus reflects the abundant generosity of life. In this aspect Leo is seen as the ordained provider.

Origins in Mythology
To our ancestors, the qualities of the Lion were associated with rulership and divinity. For many cultures, the symbol of a lion served as a guardian. Lion figures stand fast against darkness and evil intent in the doorways of palaces, temples, and in the rituals of the Chinese New Year. It is not hard to recognize some of these same attributes in those born under the Sun sign of Leo.

In Greek mythology, the constellation of Leo is explained through the tale of Hercules and the Nemean lion. The creature had terrorized the countryside for years and all weapons were useless against it. Hercules was sent to kill the beast by Hera, who hated him as an illegitimate son of Zeus.
However, Hercules proved successful in defeating the Nemean Lion and even went so far as to make a cloak and helmut from the creature's hide. In honor of this great feat, Zeus set the form of the fearsome Lion in the night sky.

Personal Traits
The Leo is a dominant, spontaneous, creative and extroverted character. They possess grace, dignity and an expansive personality. The lion is king of the animal kingdom, and an appropriate symbol for Leo who tends to dominate his environment. Ambitious, courageous, strong willed, positive, independent, self-confident are all words that describe the Leo traits.

Leos were born to lead and are most effective when in a position of command. Leos are straightforward and uncomplicated individuals who know what they want and pursue it with enthusiasm and a creative spirit.

They are not easily daunted, and will persist through the most formidable of circumstances. They tend to be stubborn, and will hold onto a belief, or stick to a course of action through thick or thin.

Because of their positive nature, they tend to expect the best, and when things don't turn out as they had expected, they react immediately and badly. Although, they may suffer from short bouts of depression when life doesn't meet their expectations, they bounce back quickly and move on with their normal cheerful and demonstrative nature. Leos walks forward always, head held proudly and face turned towards the sun.

Positive Traits
Leos possess a strong positive nature and don't shrink from any adverse circumstances. Leos like to live on a grand scale. First class is the only way to go and luxury is comfort. In personal relationships, Leo is open, sincere, genuine, trusting and generous.

They are direct and to the point and lead with their emotions. Leos are proud people, with an idealistic and humane nature. They are basically outgoing, happy, kind and generous. Self expressive, intelligent and broad minded, they are philosophically inclined.

Main positive traits: Dignity, will-power, generosity, loyalty, confidence, ambitious.
Negative TraitsAlthough outgoing, spontaneous, warm- hearted and straight forward, a tragic flaw in Leo is gullibility. They are too trusting and generous to people they like and love. They are not good judges of character and are inclined to treat those close to them as if they were perfect beings incapable of wrongdoing. Because no one can possibly live up to this kind of expectation, Leos are often disappointed.

They do recover quickly however, and may have numerous love affairs. Their love of pleasure and beauty, and their expectation of perfection drives them from one attractive partner to another.Quick tempered, blunt and nasty when they have been affronted, they are deeply hurt by malice or hostility. Leos can be too sensitive to personal criticism, and when their dominance is threatened they can go into a sudden rage.

Main negative traits: Conceited, arrogant, laziness.
Profession

In professional life, they do well in a career where there is room at the top. In the political arena, they keep going until they reach a powerful position in government. In business, you can find Leos as President or Chairmans or on the Board of Directors. They always strive for a position of leadership. They are excellent organizers, managers and leaders.

Many of them go into business for themselves. They are ambitious by nature, and prefer to take charge and delegate. Leos possess a strong creative and dramatic bend, and you will find many in the theater and film industry. They become stars of stage or screen, talented musicians, or well known painters. Whatever they choose, they make sure they steal the limelight.
Lucky stone

PeridotThis gem is a variety of the mineral olivine. (A silicate formed with magnesium and iron) .It is found in lava rock/basalts. The crystal system is orthorhombic. The hardness of peridot is slightly less than quartz.