Lions Stand Alone

Lions stand alone. Sheep huddle together.

My whole life I knew I was a Leo. I do not remember the first time someone said to me, “You are a Leo.” I just know that there was a definitive moment when it was brought to my attention and I knew it defined me.

Most horoscopes define Leos as confident, theatrical, and loyal. We can draw people in, we have a huge capacity for love, and we give off the air of a dominant ruler. We almost appear as if we fear nothing. But the truth is, Leos are afraid of everything.

I have always enjoyed the stage. From piano recitals to stage productions, from Cosplay Conventions to Fashion Shows. From Burlesque Dancing to being in Bands I have never shied away from the spotlight. So many people believe it is because a Leo relishes being the center of attention, but the truth is, a Leo often thrives off a sense of accomplishment. We NEED to feel like we are getting things done. We are natural leaders not because we want to be in charge, but because we do not like to see anyone else left behind. Once we make our minds up to accomplish a goal, we want to make sure that anyone else who is moving in the same direction can thrive also. We never mean to push everyone else out of the way and just run to the front of the line. Most of the time we simply want to make sure the way is safe, and the path is clear. And the best way to do that is by taking the lead.

Another attribute of a Leo that is often misrepresented is pride. Pride in our appearance, pride in our achievements, pride in our ability to outlast our competitors. But again, this often stems from fear of failure and not from the confidence that we will just automatically achieve our goals. I love to learn. I love to read. I love to seek out education on all levels. Everything from hands-on experiences like traveling, to learning from a teacher sitting in a college classroom. Leos often quietly seek out ways to broaden their minds and it frequently gives them a sense of automatic knowing when they go into a new or challenging situation. They always appear to have a magic touch, but underneath their well-groomed presentation, they have spent hours, days, if not years preparing to stand straight in whatever spotlight is shown on them. Again, often driven by a sense of failure and NOT the self-confident label they are often given.

I feel like my own Leo trait that is often mistaken is Love. The desire to be loved is very different from the desire to love. Leos love hard, and we are loyal till the end. From art, to children, to family, to sexual partners, to culture, to the sun people assume that Leo’s core value of love comes from what they are receiving. But the truth is, it comes from what they are giving. Every day Leos find joy in being aroused by love as well as being let down by love. We use the pain and the pleasure of the heart to show compassion for others. We use the joys of love in our jobs and our hobbies. Making things as big, over the top, and as bright as possible. We love to see the people around us smile and laugh. It warms our hearts to be over-generous and entertaining. The act of love as a language is often mastered by Leos and that is often misinterpreted by others who believe that Leos can only be self-centered and manipulative. When in truth, they are only looking out for the people they love the best way they know how, by taking the lead and clearing the path to whatever happiness they can secure for themselves. And in return protect the ones they love.