The Leonian
Evolved Type
It is said that no one can
stand before the Apollo Belvedere without instinctively
straightening his shoulders and drawing himself up to
his full stature. The fully developed Leonian has
something of the same effect upon his fellow men. His
faith and trust in humanity, his serene conviction that
those who are forking for him will do their best, and
that even those who fail him will be better in the
future, all combine to awaken a generous response in the
hearts of others. He gives to those around him fresh
courage, and sets them striving to fulfill his
expectations.
He is the ideal head of any large enterprise,
institution, or undertaking. Many-sided himself, he
understands and appreciates the qualities of all the
other types, and never wastes his energy by asking from
anyone what it is not in his or her power to give.
Therefore he is particularly successful in organizing
activities and distributing duties, giving to the
specialists facilities and opportunities for exercising
their various faculties. Commands, to be effective, must
be easily understood, and therefore his style is simple
and straightforward. Approval is definite and
unmistakable, and displeasure is intimated without
hesitation or circumlocution.
He holds the past in reverence, as the parent of the
present, and looks forward to the future as its child.
He encourages both science and art by his personal
interest and patronage, and takes measures for the
well-being of the sick and poverty-stricken. He
practices self-denial and shows constant consideration
for others by his punctuality, method, and forethought;
and though his own life is simple he can show regal
hospitality, shining as host, and delighting to give of
his best to the guest and stranger. It is characteristic
of the Leonian type of hospitality that it is always the
welcome that really crowns the feast nor the splendor of
the entertainment. In fact, both may leave something to
be desired, especially in humble homes, for the mastery
of detail is difficult for this type; but the harmony of
the gathering will be undisturbed and each guest will be
made to feel that he has in some way contributed to the
general enjoyment.
Love and Friendship
The emotions of this type
tend to be over-generous and too widespread, and the
characteristic faith in human nature frequently results
in misplaced affections and unwise friendships.
Heartaches, broken engagements, and unhappy marriages
are frequent; but on the other hand the inborn
magnanimity and power of forgiveness are such that in
many cases the sufferer can adjust himself or herself to
apparently impossible conditions, avert a tragedy, and
bring success out of failure by a sheer act of faith.
Religion
The type of religious
expression natural to the Leonian is the hymn of praise.
The temples of Apollo were specially designed for
ceremonial - "all beautiful, without and within"; and
the worshipers who met to do him honor in ancient Greece
and Rome passed in triumph through his courts and out
along the highways, crowned with garlands and chanting
his praises. The psalms of David, in the original,
probably form the most perfect examples of Leonian style
in existence, and even in translation have served as
models to many of our greatest writers. Among their
special characteristics we may note the constant
recurrence of the words "majesty" and "glory," and their
marvelous clearness and lucidity - a clearness attained
partly by simplicity of phrasing and partly by careful
repetition of important passages.
Curiously enough, moods of deep despondency are
characteristic of many Leonians. The forethoughtful
outlook naturally suggests forebodings; and the lack of
ability to deal with difficulties in detail leads, at
times, to a state of dejection that seems at first sight
to be incompatible with the normal bearing of the sign.
This condition is generally associated with inefficient
heart action, but it is also due partly to an entire
absence of resentment, rancor, and bitterness. These
feelings are vicious and objectionable in themselves,
but they are active; and by encouraging a fight, they
keep their victims from being crushed by sorrow, as the
Leonian is too apt to be. He simply waits with
resignation till faith, which never altogether fails
him, can gather strength enough to lift him out of his
despondency.
Primitive Type
Primitive Leonians are
generally afflicted with an unquenchable thirst for
personal glory, and ambition for positions of
responsibility and authority, which they are incapable
of filling with success. Many, especially those of the
commanding or masculine type, contrive to give
themselves the illusion of kingship by assuming airs of
self-importance and lording it over their inferiors and
juniors. The gentler or more feminine type seeks, above
all things, a comfortable throne - a well-cushioned one,
at that - and asserts her queenship by betraying a
marvelous skill in delegating disagreeable duties, a
total incapacity for serving either herself or anyone
else, together with a wondrous power of swallowing
flattery. The lion seen through a diminishing glass is
very much like the domestic cat - an animal attached to
its home and, as far as in it lies, to those who are
willing to stroke it the right way; but it is never much
inclined to put itself out for anybody.
A talent for reputing work is first cousin to the habit
of shirking it; and the state of muddle found in some
Leonian kingdoms is due to the fact that the monarch has
claimed the throne too soon, and is inclined either to
fidget in it or to snooze. At this early stage the
tolerant attitude is apt to suggest that nothing matters
very much; and the comprehensive intellect tries to
cover so large a field of activity that it loses the
ability to estimate relative values, and for lack of a
clear focus cannot distinguish mountains from molehills.
The vice of kings is favoritism; Leonians are apt to
select those who can make themselves useful, or who
flatter them by showing a certain amount of dependence
on their favor. Their love affairs develop along the
same lines, and are apt to be numerous and unfortunate.
They very often marry beneath them - possible from a
desire to make sure of at least one "subject" - and not
infrequently find that their judgment has been at fault,
and that the submissive and devoted fiancée shows a
tendency, after marriage, to usurp the throne.
Physical Characteristics
This sign is most
easily recognized by its commanding presence,
stateliness of bearing, and deliberation in speech and
movement. It is not easy to pass over a Leonian in a
crowd, and even when he is small he generally makes his
presence felt. The body is symmetrical, the limbs well
proportioned, the step firm yet light, the stride longer
than average. Many of them excel in dancing. The
features are marked, and in some case rather heavy -
either "Roman" or somewhat feline in type - and
generally show decided character. Astrological tradition
declares that Italy, especially its capital, and also a
large part of France are much under the influence of
Leo; and certainly the dignity of the typical Roman, and
the importance of this native city as an organizing
center, accord well with such a theory. The feminine
edition of the Leonian has less solidity of build and
more grace, and even when short in stature she can play
the queen in society and reign over her own circle in
fitting style.
In Fiction
A couple of quaint
caricatures of this type are to be found in Through the
Looking-Glass, where, in the Red and White Queens, Lewis
Carroll has given excellent sketches of the fussy
Leonian and her more helpless sister. The Red Queen is a
stickler for etiquette and always knows exactly what
other people ought to do; is always ready with advice,
order, and reprimand, disdains circumlocution, and is
inclined to flat contradiction in conservation. The
White Queen is gentle and helpless, is afflicted with
dark forebodings - as when she is about to prick her
finger - and is so absolutely without resource that she
can only bewail her fate and await it, while after the
accident she depends entirely upon Alice to adjust her
shawl and fasten her brooch.
Literary Style
Alexandre Dumas pčre was
born with both the Sun and rising sign in Leo, so is
doubly Leonian, and shows the influence strongly, both
in his choice of a field for his literary activity and
in his method of treatment. Like Sir Walter Scott - also
born with the Sun in Leo - he was extraordinarily
prolific in the production of historical romances of
considerable length, dealing largely with the fortunes
of royal and princely personages, or with questions of
chivalry, of honor and of glory. Both told their tales
in a straightforward style, and both neglected the
useful art of pruning.
Health
In the matter of health
Leo rarely does things by halves, and is generally
either exceptionally strong - radiating vitality around
him- or always on the sick list. The dangers to health
are discordant and inharmonious surroundings, and the
sorrow that springs from misplaced or unrequited
affection, wounded vanity or lack of praise.
SUN IN LEO
The Sun in Leo gives a good moral nature. It makes the
individuality sincere and ardent in all matters of
affection; firm, self-reliant, magnanimous, sometimes
austere, and determined. Many experiences will be in
connection with love affairs.
Sun in Leo and Moon in Aries
There is a love of philosophy, and a tendency towards
religious thought. Determination and love of leadership
are marked. The combination gives a persistent,
dominant, enthusiastic, and energetic nature, along with
combativeness, but there is a necessity for restraint
where feeling is concerned. It gives success in life,
for the native is independent and can make his own way.
He is self-reliant, firm, positive, yet generous and
good-humored. He will form his own opinions and not be
led by others.
Sun in Leo and Moon in Taurus
This combination gives a determined nature with an
inclination to put hear into physical things. It
strengthens business intuitions, making the native of a
good banker or stockbroker. The character is strong,
firm, at times obstinate. The native is likely to be
popular and to become a public figure. He is sociable,
companionable, good natured, agreeable and is fond of
pleasure, sensation, and emotion.
Sun in Leo and Moon in Gemini
This gives energy to the personal nature, with much
determination behind it. It inclines the native toward
music, drama, and the arts, and gives him ability for
writing and poetry. The hands are ever ready to express
her heart. The combination makes gifted, enthusiastic,
and lovable people whose abilities may amount to genius.
The mind is broad, comprehensive, and fertile. There is
a good family influence in early life, and many
acquaintances and friends.
Sun in Leo and Moon in Cancer
This causes great sensitiveness, and often sorrow in
love affairs, and gives a tendency to go to extremes. It
is a good combination for the mind, the brain being
receptive to influences from the heart. It stimulates
the emotions and makes the feelings keen and sensitive.
The sexual nature is strong. The native is sociable,
affectionate, loving companionship and the family
circle. He is fond of children, of pleasure and
sensation, and of living in fine surroundings. The
combination gives financial success, especially when
associated with other members of the family.
Sun in Leo and Moon in Leo
This combination gives an independent nature. Those born
under it are often rather self-centered and proud, yet
can be kind-hearted and generous. They are capable of
holding their own under great difficulties, but are apt
to take extreme measures. There is often reserve, yet a
strong desire for affection, and usually some fondness
for show in position of appearance. The combination
gives much intuition, vitality, energy, and
resourcefulness. The native has plenty of friends, by
whom he may benefit. He is a person of some note in his
sphere, will rise in life, or will make the acquaintance
of those in superior positions.
Sun in Leo and Moon in Virgo
The Moon is in the first sign from the Sun. This gives
resourcefulness and good business instincts. The native
has high ideals, yet has a tendency to be critical,
restless and anxious. There is ability for music,
literature, or any subject where the ideal and practical
are blended. It is a combination that achieves success,
yet is sometimes lacking in enterprise. These people may
succeed better through others than when working on their
own account. They are apt to think their work somewhat
beneath them, and that they are fitted for better
positions than they occupy. At best they are good
practical workers, can accomplish much, and they
fraternize readily with others.
Sun in Leo and Moon in Libra
This harmonious and successful polarity strengthens the
affections, gives compassion and a desire to do public
good. There is a love of poetry, music, and art, and the
native may have considerable ability in one of the
these. His mind is strong and active, he associates
readily with other people, in friendly, companionable
and dislikes loneliness.
Sun in Leo and Moon in Scorpio
This combination gives some austerity, there is an
inclination to be rather hard, proud, and arrogant, with
much love to show. Persons born under this influences
often have their internal Leo nature quite hidden under
this hard exterior. The native is much attracted by the
senses which may take a high or low form, passional,
emotional, or mental, according to the general condition
of the horoscope. In love affairs he often goes to
excess. He has an ardent, fixed nature, and inclines to
be worldly.
Sun in Leo and Moon in Sagittarius
The Moon is in the fifth sign from the Sun, and
therefore in perfect harmony with it. It produces
restlessness, yet this is a hopeful and successful
combination. The native has a benevolent and
good-hearted disposition, but sometimes lacks caution
and self-restraint. He has active sympathies, intuitive
foresight, and is good at philanthropic work and sports.
There is much hope and joy in the nature, and a great
love of pleasure.
Sun in Leo and Moon in Capricorn
This combination tends to harden the inner nature. The
personality is inclined to be rather selfish and
worldly, but the heart is always pulling away from
externals. This combination gives a love of power and
leadership, and ability to organize and govern, and is
good for either a business or political career. The
ambitions are keen and determined, and the native is
likely to occupy a prominent or responsible position in
his sphere. Generally speaking, it is good for length of
life and for money or property.
Sun in Leo and Moon in Aquarius
This combination, equivalent to the Moon's being in
opposition to the Sun, gives intuition and ability to
judge human nature quickly, together with some very
marked occult tendencies, refinement, much determination
and will-power. The native is independent, good-natured,
sociable, but with some exterior reserve.
Sun in Leo and Moon in Pisces
In this combination there is often discontent and
dissatisfaction. The native is inclined to be dreamy and
passive. Nevertheless, with a good horoscope, he will be
kind and generous, and will benefit from these qualities
in others.
FAMOUS PEOPLE BORN WITH THE SUN
IN LEO
Napoleon: August 15, 1769
Sir Walter Scott: August 15, 1771
Alexandre Dumas: July 24, 1802
George Bernard Shaw: July 26, 1856
Henry Ford: July 30, 1863
Orville Wright: August 19, 1871
Herbert Hoover: August 10, 1874
C. G. Jung: July 26, 1875
T. E. Lawrence: August 15, 1888
Mae West: August 17, 1892
Dorothy Parker: August 22, 1893
Aldous Huxley: July 26, 1894
Henry Moore: July 30, 1898
Alfred Hitchcock: August 13, 1899
Ogden Nash: August 19, 1902
Dag Hammarskjöld: July 29, 1905
Julia Child: August 15, 1912
Fidel Castro: August 13, 1927
Jacqueline Kennedy: July 28, 1929
Princess Margaret: August 21, 1930
Princess Anne: August 15, 1950
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