What you need to know about this star sign.
Leo, The Luminary, July 23 - August 22
Welcome to the vibrant world of Leo, the fifth sign of the zodiac! Leo’s are known for their regal presence, confidence, and magnetic personality. Symbolised by the Lion, these fire signs possess a radiant energy that lights up any room they enter.
Ruled by the Sun, the centre of our solar system, Leo’s radiate warmth, enthusiasm, and vitality. They possess a natural flair for the dramatic and often have a commanding presence. They exude confidence and inspire others through their charisma and natural leadership abilities.
One of the key characteristics of Leo is their unwavering self-assurance. They have a strong sense of self and embrace their uniqueness. Leo’s are natural-born leaders who thrive in the spotlight and are not afraid to take charge. Their enthusiasm and optimism make them natural motivators and they excel at bringing out the best in others.
In relationships, Leo’s are generous and passionate partners. They bring a lot of love and warmth to their connections and enjoy being at the heart of things. They value loyalty and devotion in their relationships and have a natural ability to make their loved ones feel special and cherished.
Leo thrives in professions that allow them to showcase their creative flair and leadership skills. They excel in careers such as acting, public speaking, entrepreneurship, or any field that puts them in the spotlight. However, Leo’s should be mindful of their ego and learn to balance their need for recognition with humility and the ability to collaborate effectively.
The Pursuit for Leo: To embrace their natural leadership qualities and shine in their chosen field, inspiring others through their passion, creativity, and confident presence.
Famous Leos: Jennifer Lopez, Sandra Bullock, Mick Jagger, Jason Mamoa, Halle Berry, Madonna, Dua Lipa
LEO IN THE SPOTLIGHT, MARION PIPER
Leo Sun, Pisces Moon, Sagittarius Ascendant
What inspired you to venture into your current industry/profession, and what drives your passion for it?
I've always been an artist and a writer, for as long as I can remember. My career has very much reflected this too as I've worked in art galleries, creative summer camps and creative agencies all around the world. I'm driven by a passion to find meaning in this world and champion the power of self-expression. Creativity is the antidote to so many things and there's nothing it can't fix, empower or heal. It's what led me to explore Creativity Coaching as a modality and to create self-care tools for people of all ages.
Could you share a remarkable achievement or milestone in your career or personal life that you're particularly proud of? How did you overcome challenges to accomplish it?
Definitely finishing my PhD. It was a hard slog, especially because my research was so personal. It took me 4.5 years to finish, which is relatively quick compared to others, but it was such a huge journey. I experienced so much grief and loss in the process but what got me through it was living and breathing my research by leaning all the way in. I didn't shy away from the vulnerability required to birth the work and I had the support of some amazing people along the way. Creativity is a relational practice between people, places and things, and it took everything I had to get that project over the line. My mindset was the biggest challenge but practices like meditation and yoga were game changers.
In what ways do you believe your star sign influences your approach to life and business? Are there any specific traits or characteristics associated with your sign/natal chart that you identify with?
Without a DOUBT. I'm a Leo Sun, Pisces Moon and Sagittarius Rising. A truly interesting combo. My biggest challenge is that Pisces Moon that always wants to escape (enabled by my Sag Rising, ha), and while I yearn for the spotlight it often trips me up (and equally keeps me in check). My Mercury is in Leo too, meaning I'm a natural leader and influential speaker, something I've been leaning into the last few years by podcasting and talking at events. In life, as in business, I'm a true Leo: loyal, generous, stubborn and love attention! When I lean into the more 'high vibe' traits, my whole world expands, and when I find myself circling the drain in a 'low vibe' state, it's as harsh as you can imagine, ha!
What strategies or practices do you rely on to maintain a healthy work-life balance? How do you prioritise self-care and personal well-being amidst your professional endeavours?
Journaling has always been an anchor practice for me. It's how I start and continue a conversation with myself. So much so that it was a huge part of my PhD research and I even designed a deck of journal prompt cards, called The Expression Deck. I've been through enough in life to know that self-care isn't just the good and nourishing things you do for yourself either. It's just as important to set and maintain kind boundaries, pivot when something isn't working and let go of toxic people and situations that aren't serving you.
Can you offer any advice or words of wisdom to aspiring individuals in your industry who look up to you as a role model? What key lessons or experiences have shaped your journey and contributed to your success?
You never "arrive", therefore it's so important to focus your attention and energy on the process and journey of what you're doing. My fave mantra for this is: hold the vision, trust the process. The more you express who you are and what you're thinking about/exploring, the faster you'll magnetise the right opportunities. All you need to do is keep going and don't quit.