Lead By Following, Leo

This is a surprising way to gain power…

The King of the Jungle is a natural leader. You love clawing your way to the top! But as the Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu said, if you want to lead people, you must be willing to follow them. Not every situation needs a top predator. Only by sharing the leadership role can a group make full use of the collective strength of its members.

Water signs know that life is fluid. Roles change. Sometimes you lead and sometimes you follow. The key is in learning how, as a fire sign. Practice following by focusing your attention on another. Ask questions or ask for clarification (this could mean admitting you’re wrong, which can be hard for Leo). And follow the advice you receive if your instincts tell you to.

Leo’s Ultimate Plan to Unwind

Leos work and play hard—how to have the best time off…

No second best for you, especially when it comes to vacations. You give your all to your job—until it’s time to relax! What could be better than a week at a luxury resort that offers gourmet dining, fun activities, and soothing spa treatments? France, Italy, Zanzibar, Madrid, Los Angeles, and Rome are associated with your sign, but any sunny climate will do. You could rent a large villa and take the whole family. Luxuriate in style with a hot stone massage, vitamin C facial, rosemary-mint body scrub, and volcanic mud wrap. Just think of all those people ready to coddle and pamper you!

Unknown Facts About Leo

This fact about Leos will shock you!

When the Lion roars, the ground trembles, and lesser beings flee. Everyone knows in no uncertain terms that Leos are brave and unconquerable. And sometimes it’s a lot of hooey. Bravado can hide inner sensitivity, and many people may not know that about you. You swagger confidently into any challenge, but an unkind remark can send you scurrying to nurse your wounded pride.

You need reassurance like fire needs oxygen. Secretly, you wonder if you’re really as good as you say you are. Your ego is more fragile than you’d like to admit. Try to put setbacks into perspective and move on!

Leo’s Source of Pride

The key determinant in a Leo’s confidence is…

Lions are the only cats that live in large social groups. Friends flock to you like sun-worshipers to the beach because you’re so much fun to be around! You live in the moment with childlike enthusiasm. The ultimate party animal, Leo’s an excellent host because you treat your guests like royalty. Everyone craves your invitations, but no whiners, bullies, and bores allowed!

Your true friends feel it’s an honor just to know you and don’t mind that you want to be at the center of things. Those who do won’t stay around for long—and won’t know what they’re missing.

Leos Are Positive Thinkers

Make sure your positive outlook doesn’t make you naïve…

You’re so forthright that it’s hard for you to lie or deceive anyone. Yet because of your desire for attention and praise, you can be vulnerable to swindlers. Since you can’t always tell if the admiration is sincere, you may keep falling for sweet-talkers who just want something from you.

If you recognize this as your Achilles’ heel, try to be more discerning, or have a close friend or partner who will tell you the cold, hard truth about those seemingly adoring fans. And don’t open any emails from Nigerian royalty asking for money!

Food for Lions

Add this powerful ingredient to your dinner tonight…

Garlic is associated with Leo, but there is so much more you can do with these pungent cloves than make spaghetti sauce! You’re adventurous, so try a few new flavor combinations. Combine red wine and garlic vinaigrette with roasted sliced beets, chopped walnuts, and goat cheese for a delicious salad. Or mash cooked beets, roasted garlic, chopped walnuts, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and a bit of cumin, salt, and pepper for a tasty dip with pita chips.

For a different spicy treat (you know how you love heat), try hot paprika-dusted sweet potato fries with a creamy dip of pureed avocado, silken tofu, lime juice, Cajun seasoning, and salt. Grreat!

Leos Are Creative Wonders

Leo’s innovative take on art makes them shine bright!

While some may think other signs, like Pisces, have a corner on creativity, you’re no slouch in that department! It’s just that yours takes a different slant. With your exuberance and cram-packed schedule, you may not have the time or patience to write a multi-volume fantasy novel or sculpt a modern-day “David.”

Your creative talents may tend more toward inventive ideas, cool projects, and fun activities. Of course, you’ll need help bringing your brainstorms to fruition, but the fresh, childlike perspective you add to any situation can motivate others to move mountains!

Leo’s Natural Eye for Beauty

Think Libra has the best eye for beauty? Think again!

Your aesthetic sense is impeccable. Since you like to spend money on beautiful things, you can certainly spot excellence when you see it! Louis Vuitton, Yves Saint Laurent, and Martha Stewart—all Leos—helped write the book on quality.

Sometimes your flamboyance can be mistaken for flashy fool’s gold instead of the real thing, but you truly are the gold standard. You want the best of everything and won’t settle for mediocre, but you don’t need to break the bank to satisfy your desires. Your unerring eye can turn the humblest abode into your palace

Love, Leo Style

What’s the one thing Leos need most in love?

Leo is one of the zodiac’s most affectionate signs. You love to be in love—you need to be in love. How else can you be the singular focus of another human being? You are romantic and passionately playful and creative. You can be uninhibited and even sometimes goofy.

The thing you can’t abide in a relationship is monotony (oh, and not being the center of attention). In return you demand a lot of affection and loyalty (and attention). But take care. Sometimes you could be asking more than someone is able to provide.

Leo’s Life Force

Who wouldn’t want you around?

Without the sun there would be no life on Earth, and you would like the same to be said about fiery, vibrant you! Leo is the epitome of energy and action. The grass doesn’t grow under your feet—in fact, it’s probably burned to a crisp! You’re a mover and a shaker, a sprinter, not a marathoner. Your boundless enthusiasm, optimism, and creativity spell fun with a capital F. On top of that, you’re honest, generous (to a fault), confident, and romantic. Isn’t it great to be you?