LEO

Vacation Guide for Leo

Leo expects luxury and is willing to spend whatever is necessary to create the most special, unique and most memorable trip possible, even if it means waiting a bit longer in order to save up to afford the trip. They don't see the point of going away if it's just more struggle and hassle! To a Leo, that would never be a restãit would be just like home! How boring!

Leo is a gregarious sign, so an isolated locale really isn't for you. Head for a big city that offers plenty to do, including museums, shops, first class dining and entertainment. Buy your tickets to the theatre, ballet, concert or opera or even a great circus or magic show before you leave home, so you don't risk a sell-out. Afterwards, stop into a hip jazz club or a quaint cafþ for a nightcap. Sit outside and watch the world go by, dear Leoãthat's one of your favorite pastimes!

Among the best cities for you to consider are New York City, San Francisco, London, Paris, Tokyo, Rome, Las Vegas or Sydney. You are ruled by the Sun, so if you do go to a resort, go to a warm, sunny locale rather than one that is cold and snowy, and make it a sophisticated choice, like a spa.

You are attracted to places populated by the so-called beautiful peopleãso add Monte Carlo, the French Rivera, St. Bart's, Beverly Hills and the Hamptons to your agenda. All of these destinations have plenty of opportunities to dress well. Be sure to pack cocktail wear, or an even a black tie outfit, just in case you get to go to a truly la-de-da event. Even an upscale cruise that stops at major port cities would be right for you. They often include spa treatments, good food and fancy-dress affairs to the package!

Your sign, dear Leo, also rules royalty, and you would love to soak up some of old, regal Europe. Drive along the Germanic Romantic Road to see all the castles dotted along the Rhine, or to visit a truly grand palace like Versailles in France. In America, you may get a kick out of seeing the Hearst Castle in San Simeon, California. One thing is certain: Leo knows how to enjoy life!

The Leo Man: July 23 - August 22
by Susan Miller

Ruled by the Sun, giver of life and strength, the Leo man is gregarious and warm-hearted. He is impossible not to notice. His powerful masculinity and commanding presence will be felt immediately, and his sense of showmanship and drama make him sexy and charismatic. He may work in the arts (especially the theater), or do some sort of creative work. He will probably head up a division of a company, if not the entire corporation. Leo men are leaders, not followers.

Your Challenge

Leos are a bit self-absorbed and their egos are huge. Yet they are so warmhearted and loving that these faults will look trivial in the grand overview. He is jealous and possessive, especially in the courting stage, so you will need to find ways to derail his wrath if you plan to date others simultaneously. One thing that Leo doesn't entertain, is the possibility of being Number Two. He'd rather walk.

How To Handle Him

Gaining the admiration and respect of others is the single most important aspect of the Leo personality for you to keep in mind. This is their driving force, winning out over money, fame and just about anything else. Another aspect of their nature is their love of children and their intolerance of criticism about them from others. Say something detracting about a Leo's child and you will get a glimpse of the mighty lion's temper. If he runs low on cash, he won't accept a loan from you, so don't be bewildered or get hurt feelings, if this happens. Leo prides himself in being self-sufficient.

Things To Do, Gifts To Buy

Since Leo likes the best of everything, have some cold champagne (with a good label) on ice nearby, some lightly toasted bread and a tiny jar of imported caviar on a silver tray with your best china and crystal. Your Leo lover likes luxury. Your bedding should be new and fresh -- never threadbare. Leo also appreciates flowers, but since he puts a premium on uniqueness, make them exotic or don't bother.

Leos have a strong sense of drama and presentation, so if you go to a restaurant, choose one which is hotly reviewed, frequented by beautiful people and offers four-star quality. (This is going to be hard on your wallet, I know!) Start the evening off by complementing him on something he did recently or how great he looks. Be sure you look great too--Leo wants someone fabulous on his arm. (You'll rarely hear a Leo scold his lady for spending too much on herself.) Don't bring up other beaux or talk about those of your past. Your lion is ruled by the Sun and wants to be the center of your universe. He won't tolerate competition--present, past or future!

This sign rules teaching, and no other sign can quite match Leo's ability here. Use this talent by begging him to show you new things to do together in bed. He likes to be in charge anyway, and this will only enhance his natural inclination. When you become intimately involved with him you will find the Leo male needs a great deal of attention and adoration. An exciting and accomplished lover, he will expect you to spend a considerable time on him. Yet his loyalty, devotion and extreme generosity to you will win you over, and soon you'll find yourself looking for ways to satisfy his every need.

Give your Sun-ruled lover a gold pocket watch or sophisticated gold lighter, since Leo rules gold. Or, since this sign rules theater, tickets to the best Broadway show in town, or to the opera. He loves to dress in black tie (he is the ultimate sophisticate), so give him a good reason to dress up.

Since music is a high priority on his list, check out which new CD titles he would most like to own, but get him Ravel's Bolero too, if he doesn't have it. This is perfect for Leo because of the dramatic, throbbing beat. Later that night, show him what Bolero was made for: you, after your slow flamenco-styled strip-tease tango.

The Leo Woman: July 23 - August 22
by Susan Miller

A Leo woman is easy to spot. She's the one lighting up the room in her spectacular designer outfit--Leo women love to make an entrance. Her taste is superb and unfailing. Like chic French women (France is ruled by Leo), a lioness would rather have one dazzling outfit than 20 cheap ones. She has a deep and abiding need for respect from others and will work hard to being noticed and remembered. She is naturally extravagant--don't even try to tell her she spends too much on clothes (or on her kids either, who she loves to pamper). Yet she is warm, spontaneous and creative too, and you are sure to have fun with this vivacious lioness.

Your Challenge

In a nutshell, your challenge will be to afford this jewel of a woman. Her taste is superb and she won't settle for second best (which she translates as second rate). She will be demanding, so be prepared to lavish lots of attention on her instead of being preoccupied with your spreadsheets or waxing your car. If you are serious about her, bite the bullet and get some personal help. You will need to maximize your efficiency at home and the office to devote time to your lioness--at least until you win her heart.

How To Handle Her

In all probability she will be handling you, not the other way around! Leo women have a way of being in control, even if they let you think that is not the case. She's subtle, but strong. She resists any kind of confinement, so don't try to box her in. Throughout courtship, the Leo woman loves to tease her man, often playing cat-and-mouse games until you "catch" her. When wed, she will do anything in her power to keep things lively and fun, and will build up an entire wardrobe of imported lingerie to keep her man interested. The Leo woman loves to have her lover run his fingers through her mane. She will rarely go to bed without a touch of makeup, even if it's just a hint of blush or scented body creme. To increase her passion, whisper to her, "You are the most beautiful woman in the world!" . . . and mean it.

Things To Do, Gifts To Buy

This is one lady you are going to have to woo with gifts. She expects them, wants them, and enjoys them, so you might as well cave in and buy them for her. She looks stunning and regal in purple, so choose something in that color, whether it be a lace teddy, bra and panty set or drop-dead, killer nightie. She will also sparkle in gold--try getting her a classy knit sweater shot through with golden threads that shimmer in the evening light, then take her to a four star restaurant for dinner so she can wear it. Surprise her with an overnight stay at a rustic hotel with ornate wooden architecture and antique furniture. Make sure to reserve a room with a roaring fireplace. Or send her two dozen long-stemmed roses (don't even THINK of trying to get away with one dozen), a generous box of imported bittersweet chocolates or a bottle of fine champagne for you both to drink later. Buy her tickets to the opera in New York or Rome (orchestra seats, of course.) If buying her a ring or other jewelry, know that she adores sapphires, the gem ruling her sign. Start saving now! It's true, loving a Leo can be a second career in itself. But she'll adore you for your generosity and will insure you both will have a hell of a lot of fun. So what if the American Express bill is gigantic? Yours will be a life fully enjoyed and a love like no other you could imagine.

Your lioness likes to play games. So, try a serious game of strip poker. Or, if you know each other very well, do a variation on the movie Indecent Proposal. Remember when Demi Moore had to decide whether to take the cool million and bed Robert Redford or stay loyal to Woody Harrelson and give up their dream house? Near the end of the film there is a scene where she and Woody make love on a bed of hundred dollar (or higher) bills. In your own private remake, you are the millionaire, but you don't have to share her with anyone. For fun, strew her bed with lots of crisp, new crumpled dollar bills (if it's ones, not fifties or hundreds, who cares?). Leo women have fertile imaginations and a fabulous sense of drama. She'll adore your little make-believe and beg you to think of more!

Leo Man

Give the Leo man a fine bottle of French champagne and two crystal champagne flutes so you can enjoy it together. Or buy a gold pocket watch on which you can engrave an inscription. Luxury is key with Leo. Buy him a lavish quantity of fresh caviar for his upcoming New Year's Eve fete. Surprise him with dinner in a four-star restaurant and hire a limo to be on call for the full five hours you'll be together. Or, thrill him with a helicopter ride.

Tickets to a Broadway play with orchestra seats would be a popular choice. Or, get tickets to a magic show--Leo loves drama and flourish. New audio equipment for his car or study would also be a sure-fire hit. Give him a box of imported cigars if he likes them, and a solid gold lighter to go with them. Or buy him a silver case for his business cards from a posh retailer, and, again, engrave them. He loves anything highly unique, which is why any kind of artwork would appeal to him. Have a white dress shirt engraved with his initials. Go together to buy a dashing new trenchcoat from Burberry's.

Has he wished he could belong to a private club? Save up and give him a membership. Finally, there is still the kid in him, so for his recreation room, buy him the new Ninentendo 64, which is nearly 3D, Game Boy, or a large, Advent TV!

Leo Woman

Whatever you get her, make it sophisticated and the best you can afford. Buy her a chic, little black dress or a sparkling gold knit evening top and matching sweater. Silk lingerie, by a luxurious design house like La Perla, would also make a big hit. Get her two tickets to a black-tie benefit or a weekend of pampering at a celebrity spa. Send her two dozen red American Beauty roses. Charm her with a beautifully-wrapped box of imported bittersweet chocolates, or make up a basket of gourmet jams, jellies, nuts, olives, cheese, crackers, fruits, teas and shortbread cookies.

Leo has star quality, so pay for a pair of designer sunglasses she chooses herself. Furs? She loves them and has no problem wearing them, unlike her Aquarius sister who would never don a fur coat. Make the lioness's fur Blackgama mink. Find a beautiful silk scarf for her by a designer, preferably Hermes or Chanel. Give her a solid gold compact for her face powder or a beautiful crystal flask for her perfume, or an imported fountain pen to write her love letters. Buy her a bookshelf stereo unit for her office--she likes music while she works.

In jewelry, she would like a beautiful "Y" necklace and matching earrings from Barney's or Saks, or go all the way to Cartier and get her a tennis bracelet of diamonds. But for her favorite gem, you will have to rob a bank--rubies are her hands-down favorites.

Leo: Kick Up Your Heels

When Leo is blue, they should be with friends, not shut up in isolation. Fire sign Leo burns brightly in the company of others. A ticket to a play would refresh you, or a walk through a museum. Go dancing at a club. Treat yourself to a good meal at a restaurant (make it an elegant, well-reviewed place--Leo is depressed by shabby surroundings). Eating out always cheers up a Leo. While you're down or worried, wear something new, clothing that is well designed in a becoming color. The complements you receive will surely give you a lift! Since you are a bit competitive, stay away from those people who make you feel deficient in any way, whether in looks, status, or achievement.

Leo is a gregarious, big-hearted sign which needs plenty of affection. Don't discount this now! The more love and support you feel from your significant other and from friends, the faster you will recover from whatever has rocked you. Leo is a larger-than-life, dramatic sign but you could be prone to over-dramatizing your plight. If so, you could be unnecessarily increasing your panic level. Take a moment to ask yourself. Find out!

Sometimes you are a contradiction unto yourself. While your fire element loves action, your fixed nature tends to stop you from instituting the innovative steps you should take. As a Leo, you loathe being told what to do, even when it's excellent and well-meaning advice, criticism or points you may have overlooked. Be careful of the Not-Invented-Here mindset. What does that mean? When those around you urge you to consider a certain point, if you usually say to yourself "Hell, if I didn't come up with that idea, it couldn't possibly be any good..." and wave it off automatically, that's a bad sign!

In the meantime, plan a brunch so that everyone special in your life can surround you. Bask in the good feelings your friends provide and listen to their words of advice. Be sure to order in food--don't cook. Leo doesn't like to fuss. Or make it a supper where everyone brings their specialty and you provide the beverages.

If you can travel to someplace warm, so much the better--Leo is ruled by the Sun, and rarely happy in cold or rainy weather. While bronzing on a beautiful beach, new solutions will come to you. No cash? Warmth may still be only a step away. Get to a health club and relax in a steamy sauna, step into a warm Jacuzzi, or swim in a heated Olympic-sized pool.

If you've got a good stereo system, use it now, for like Taurus, Libra, and Pisces, your sign is highly sensitive to music. Put on your earphones and turn up the volume. Bond with your music. Drink it in. Later, take a walk over to the music store and stock up on a few new CDs you've wanted to buy. Stereo on the fritz? Buy a ticket to a concert. Or see a dazzling opera, even if you have to be in the standing room section. Leo adores rich spectacle. The point is that you should find ways to pamper yourself. Remind yourself that you are king of the jungle.

Generally, Leo isn't very sports-oriented, unless it is a social sport like tennis. Solitary sports don't interest you. Your sign rules the heart, so your circulation could suffer in times of anxiety. You may find yourself cold, and huddled under blankets. Taking an aerobics class to fine-tune your circulatory system would be a great idea, and at the gym you are likely to run into people you know--all the better!

Leo tends to be more creative than physical, for your sign needs regular expression of feelings. Try your hand at writing a screenplay, short story or learn to paint. A fabulous idea would be to join an amateur theater club--you may discover you have real talent! Any emotion you are feeling now can be poured into your role. Leos make the best actors of all the signs, for the sign rules the natural 5th house.

The 5th house also rules children, so get out of your self-absorption (one of Leo's pitfalls) and do something for a children's charity, perhaps by volunteering for children's literacy, or if you have your own children, doing something special for them. Kids are as important to Leo as they are to Cancer. Children keep you smiling, refreshed, and distracted long enough to let you unwind.

Finally, remember that confidence is the key to your personality, and if it is shaken, you won't be able to move forward as smoothly as you might wish. Being a fixed sign, change is hard for you to adjust to, at least initially. Surround yourself with only your most supportive friends. Reminisce over your biggest victories. Find the common thread in all your successes, no matter how small, to discover your personal formula for success. Keeping your faith in yourself and feeling pride in your accomplishments is the single most important factor in turning around your situation. Continue to reward yourself with small treats as you take steps which are hard for your fixed nature to do. You'll be well on the way to your old jovial self--and holding court!

Fitness for Leo

Your Ruling Planet: The Sun, the giver of life, which gives you strength, vitality and confidence.

The Part Of The Body Your Sign Rules: Leo rules the heart, back and spine.

Your Metabolism: Medium to high.

Your Health Profile:

A fire sign, Leo is known to be happy and warmhearted. Keep your heart healthy and fit with good nutrition and frequent aerobic exercise. You're happiest in a social setting, so don't work out alone. Join a health club or exercise class to get the best results. Leo loves music too, so you probably would like to work out to lively music. Lionesses especially love to move to music, so try going out dancing, maybe to a techno rave or a salsa club. Male Leos like macho, commanding sports, so if you're king of the beasts get in touch with your animal nature by learning how to kickbox!

You will love the attentions of your own personal trainer, and be insured of great results! Anything tailored just to your needs and tastes will give you support and confidence--and a chance to achieve your personal best. Note this also applies to coaches: for sports like tennis and golf.

Leo needs exercise that strengthens his or her spine and back. Leo also needs to maintain agility. Power walking could be useful on both counts as well as Pilates, Yoga or calisthenics classes. Since your sign adores fun and games, hit the park for strenuous athletic fun, such as basketball, or organize a softball team. Sign up to compete on a regular basis--it won't feel like a regimen this way. Leo doesn't like to be in a routine rut. When you travel, pick warm climates. Leos as a rule don't like to feel cold or clammy.

In terms of eating, you don't like to fuss too much, unless you're putting on a lavish spread for company. Your favorite way of handling dinner is to order out or go to a restaurant to eat, because you enjoy being served. Collect takeout menus of places that have healthful, low-fat meals. This will help you avoid falling into the fast-food trap. All those tacos will create havoc with your sleek, muscular, leonine form! Like Libra, Leo likes to party, but too much alcohol and frequent late hours will drag you down quickly. Learn when you need to say when.

Your Biggest Asset:

Looking good. Face it: vanity is your most powerful motivation.

What Drives You Crazy:

Working out anywhere that's too cold is not good (after all, you are ruled by the Sun!), whether it is indoors or out. Forget skiing (snow is not usually your "thing"), hockey or figure skating. Instead go rollerblading, biking, or horseback riding out on the open range! Also, sitting in a windowless cubicle for too long without a break will make you out of sorts. Especially in winter, be sure you get your daily dose of sunshine to combat the blues.

Health Risks:

Your enthusiasm peaks quickly and sometimes cannot be sustained. Avoid burnout by commiting to a varied program of cross-training to insure you're always doing something you like.