Leo 2014. Dadhichi Toth

you handpick your friends according to certain standards and ideals, and anything less is unacceptable. To you, nothing assumes greater significance than integrity and loyalty, and you may find yourself enormously wounded by betrayal, especially since your intuition is usually spot-on.

      Even if your formative years may be marred by struggle or misfortune, your grit and astuteness will allow you to carve out a promising future for yourself and your family. People who exhibit similar strength and ambition earn your respect, and you are attracted to those who are as powerful as you.

LEO CHILD

      From an early age, Leo children are blessed with keen intuitiveness and self-confidence. They are fiercely independent and resist the idea of being helped. As a parent, you may liken your little wonder to a small lion cub that needs keen intervention and management.

      The Leo child thrives best in an independent, open-air environment where they can cultivate their skills and capacities. They retreat into solitude if they are forcefully prodded, but they respond favourably to gentle and careful directives. If you expect your young Leo to engage in menial tasks, a mighty surprise awaits you. Unskilled, boring tasks demean their intelligence and confidence, and they are quick to wander off to attempt something far more exciting.

      In terms of personality, Leo kids are a bundle of warm, loving joy. They are cheerful, energetic, cheeky and somewhat boisterous, and they totally steal your heart. Their innate effervescence compels you to overlook the blemishes in their character.

      The Leo child basks in the limelight at school, and they often take a lead role. Puberty can be a bit of a challenge as their emotions become turbulent and dramatic and they want the freedom to grow on their own terms. Leo girls are happiest in the sun, and they will be naturally drawn to sports or active outdoor hobbies.

      Your Leo child craves love, affection and attention, and by showering them with it, you will foster a bond that will last a lifetime. At the same time, be judicious as the young lion needs his or her own undisturbed space.

      Since they are enormously energetic, Leos desire their own retreat or ‘cave’ to revive their lost adrenaline. They race through life at a pace that would leave most people gasping for breath, and they refuse to slow down, regardless of the circumstance. They are leaders who are born to succeed in life.

      CHASTISE GENTLY

       Leo children react well to constructive rather than discouraging criticism. They detest a public display of disapproval, especially in front of their peers. Be sensitive when you chastise them, or you may end up scarring them for life.

      Ruled by the Sun, Leo children are most active in the warmth and open-air. They love to play, frolic and share their antics and dramatic mannerisms. Their colossal self-confidence may prevent them from attempting things that are slightly out of their league, but with some gentle persuasion you can steer them in the right direction.

      Young Leos are competitive and they will be naturally drawn to sports such as football, basketball and swimming—all outdoor, high-energy sports. They may even choose to pursue this skill at a professional level later in life. This would not only guarantee personal fulfilment, but also the opportunity to rake in a considerable amount of money.

LEO LOVER

      “ OPEN YOUR EYES, LOOK WITHIN. ARE YOU SATISFIED WITH THE LIFE YOU’RE LIVING? ”

      BOB MARLEY

      Leo loves to indulge and has a penchant for love affairs, pleasure and entertainment. As the fifth zone of the Zodiac, it is the indisputable sign of romance and inventiveness, and a fervent and enthusiastic social life is intrinsic to their personality.

      Because your personality is welcoming, optimistic and affable, you are someone who attracts love without even trying. You can bond effortlessly and are comfortable in the company of the opposite sex. Whether you are male or female, the thrill of conquest is an instinctive urge in the Lion. However, finding your ideal soul mate may be a difficult task. Your ambitiousness comes into play, which makes you excruciatingly hard to please, and you believe that you deserve a lot more than what you usually get.

      You never make a commitment in haste. You’re easy-going and open to life and the diversity that it has to offer. Because you regard sex as a form of creative expression, sexuality becomes a vital part of your ideology, particularly if you’re a Leo male.

      Being lion-like at heart, you tend to dominate social circles. While your peers may accept this as part of your personality, strangers may find it controlling, especially when love is at stake. This may not be the most ideal situation, so employ wisdom and care.

      In my observations, Leos experience a multitude of friendships and affairs before settling down with their chosen partner. This is why contentment may elude you until midlife. Another factor is the influence of Saturn and Uranus ruling the marriage sector of your zodiac. While Saturn is an older planet, Uranus is deemed progressive. A combination of the two can often create friction and delays, which may impact on your love life.

      When you finally connect with your soul mate, you do so with considerable commitment. Since Leo is a fixed sign of the zodiac, you’re blessed with the fortitude to remain dedicated at all times. You love and care intensely and, true to your totem, you are also territorial towards your loved ones. Make sure you don’t let possessiveness stifle your marriage or long-term relationships as this can rupture the trust and devotion you share.

       Patience is a Virtue

      You can be uncompromising and set high standards for your significant other, oblivious to the fact that they may not be as intense or as demanding as you. Let go of your demands and practise patience instead.

      You’re a harsh judge in relationships, and you tend to label your partner as either an asset or a liability. Your lover is not a commodity, but at the same time they must socially and professionally enhance your status in the eyes of others. If you’re with someone who doesn’t make you feel proud, you are likely to find someone more appropriate.

      When you finally unite with someone on a soul level, you remain unfazed and optimistic about plunging into the sacred vows of matrimony. Marriage is a lifetime commitment and you will give it your best shot. Love will complete you in ways you can’t even imagine, Leo.

LEO FRIEND

      Because of your self-important disposition, you are often perceived as self-centred. Of course, there is no denying that you love to bask in attention and boast or exaggerate to keep your audience engaged. You find yourself at peace in the spotlight. After all, a lion would never huddle in a remote corner, would it?

      Once people get past this superficial façade, they will find an enormously faithful and generous friend, even though you have zero tolerance for betrayal and dishonesty. Deceit is the shortest route to ending a friendship with Leo. At the same time, friends of Leo-born individuals may regret not having invested in a pair of ear plugs, as Leos like to go on about their feats and accomplishments.

      When your friendship is finally on firm ground, your sincerity and affection is incomparable and you are devoted to fostering the friendship for life. People always look forward to your company due to your easy-going disposition, and you can be relied on to contribute to an event. At the same time, there may be people with low self-confidence who may not be as receptive to your cheerful and demonstrative ways.

      Your big-heartedness, affection and friendliness come with a huge price tag, as you expect your friends to express an equivalent degree of gratitude.