Leo

Cancer has its negative points, too, as do all the signs. This overriding need for emotional security is so great they do their best to provide it for others, and often their children will bear the brunt of this overprotective attitude. Problems come when the children want to fly the nest because Cancerians take it harder than most to adjust to no longer being needed. Also, because of their sensitive emotional nature, they often take umbrage at slights no one else would notice. This can make others feel they are having to walk on eggshells in an effort to avoid hurting Cancer, whom they may perceive as overly emotional, overly protective, and too needy.

To remember how Cancer acts, just recollect that they are a cardinal water sign and their symbol is the crab.

Leo 5

Motivation and Element: Fixed fire Symbol: The lion Sun Sign Dates: July 23 to August 22 Positive Keywords: Warm, loyal, commanding, confident, generous, able Negative Keywords: Stubborn, opinionated, conceited, needs constant praise

Need someone to organise an event? Find a Leo. Being a fire sign, they are full of energy and drive. Not only that, but they are fantastic organisers and planners and know just the right people to approach to get things done. You won’t see them rolling up their own sleeves, but they have a way of effortlessly getting others to do their bidding. Maybe it’s their renowned charm and that glow in their eyes that other people simply cannot resist! They do not boss, they command, and all others can do is obey.

These are the people in charge of troops on the front line, the heads of charitable organisations, the ones directing those who fight forest fires, or the person organising everyone when there has been a road accident. In whatever life-and-death situation they are called on to face, Leos calmly and capably sort everything out. They have courage and confidence, and people listen and follow their instructions. What, then, is a word of praise in such circumstances?

Praise? Yes, praise. It’s their be-all and end-all, the motivation behind all their efforts. Despite all that confident charm, Leos cannot function at their best unless they are admired, respected, and deferred to. They have a natural dignity that just can’t accept failure or criticism. Criticism, particularly, affects them deeply, but they are too proud to show they care. Leos really do need to be number one and to have that lofty position recognised by their adoring public. To that end, Leos will literally exhaust themselves trying to succeed.

Honest praise brings out the very best in them, and the very best of Leo is wonderful. Leos are ruled by the sun itself and glow with animal magnetism and personal charisma. Leo is the sign of royalty. Its symbol is the lion, the king of the jungle. Have you ever seen royalty doing the mundane tasks? Being ruled by the sun, they exude warmth, love, affection, and loyalty, given the right atmosphere. A word of praise is all they ask, and in return you can bask in their exciting good humour, joy, utter loyalty, and willingness to sacrifice everything for those who adore them. Leos give a great deal in return for a simple thank you.

Negatives? Being a fixed sign means Leos can be stubborn and opinionated. Sometimes their commanding manner may just feel bossy. They are especially bossy with their family. Leos will endeavour to organise things in a way that shows themselves off because a Leo’s life is all about showiness. They are an actor, and the world is their stage. Consequently, they are always aware of how they look and present themselves, and this extends to their family. This can get tiring for loved ones. Equally annoying is their need for constant praise. For a commanding, loyal, and fearless sign, they are remarkably insecure. But if you give them too much praise, they can get conceited! It is a fine line but when the balance is found, no one will protect, love, and shelter their family more than a Leo.

Because Leo is a fixed sign, they are also stubborn. Their innate pride makes it impossible for them to apologise or admit they were in the wrong. It will always be up to others to smooth the waters, but Leo accepts their forgiveness immediately. Fire signs do not hold grudges and they enjoy being happy and carefree, which is why they dislike negative, emotional, grudge-holding people and avoid them as much as they can.