Of a sunny disposition, the pure Leo nevertheless has a commanding personality and always stands out from the crowd. He or she either dominates or, if resisted, endeavours to dominate, not being afraid to try a little bullying. A Leo is the pure extrovert, outgoing, sociable and determined to be the life and soul of the party. If there isn't a party, or the party wants to go its own way and avoid being bossed about by the Leo who wants to take it over, that Leo will either become bad-tempered or withdraw into a sulk. Once they are in a dominating position pure Leos find it difficult to step out of the limelight. They are the politicians who cling on to office long after their day is done, the industrialists who refuse to hand over to younger successors, even though their companies suffer as a result, and the ageing actors who still insist on playing the juvenile lead. In his or her heyday, however, a strongly Leonine type lives in a blaze of glory, leading others and illuminating their dull existence. Leos and Leonine types have included Louis XIV (the Sun King), the Emperor Napoleon; Bismarck; Robert Bums, Scotland's national poet; the dancer Isadora Duncan and the opera singer Maria Callas; and the novelist Aldous Huxley.

Sexuality and the Emotions
It is rare for two Leos to establish a really satisfactory relationship with one another, unless they come to some sort of demarcation agreement by which they map out their respective areas of authority. If they don't do this, they spend much of their time disputing which of them should be the decision-maker. Usually, Leos make loving and loyal partners, particularly if they are allowed to make all the important decisions. In general, the Leo likes to be the 'sun' of any emotional relationship, with the partner being the moon, reflecting the Leonine light.

General Character
It is difficult for a Leo not to take command or, at least, to endeavour to take command, for he/she is genuinely convinced that hislher capabilities are superior to those of almost everybody else. If you know someone who tastes a dish which you cook superbly and immediately tells you how much it would be improved by the addition of some particular herb, or someone who when given a lift rewards you by pointing out what an unsuitable route you have chosen, you are almost always dealing with a pure Leo. The infuriating thing is that more often than not they are right: the casserole is improved by the herb that has been suggested; the alternative route does save time and is scenically more attractive. The p!ain fact is that Leos are not only convinced that they should make the decisions, but that they are also very good at it.

Even when they have made decisions which seem to have been manifestly incorrect, the extraordinary good fortune of the typical Leo - Leo is perhaps the luckiest of all the signs - transforms the situation, and disaster is turned to triumph. As they are so good at commanding and directing others, it is not surprising that Leos regard it as almost perverse for others to attempt to command them. They resent such attempts and, if the attempt persists for long, can become extremely angry (and regally Leonine).

Normally this is the only occasion when a Leo will lose hislher temper. Usually they take a generous view of the faults and oddities of others and can be quite remarkably forgiving. This capacity for forgiveness allied with a warm and affectionate nature makes the average Leo a very pleasant person to know - provided, of course, you allow him/her always to stand in the limelight.

Life-Style
Leos have ambitious and energetic natures. On occasion, however, they will wish to relax and, like great cats, bask in the warm sunshine of life. If they don't get the opportunities to relax when they want to, they become irritable, apt to unsheathe their claws and scratch those nearest and dearest to them. So the ideal occupation for the Leo is one in which great energy is called for, but in which there are intervals for rest and recuperation. If such a job also allows a Leo to be the permanent centre of attention, then this is all to the good - acting, teaching and professional sports are all archetypal Leo occupations. Leos need the same sort of environment for their home lives: an admiring circle of friends and relatives