As we navigate through the remainder of Leo season, I think it’s important to note Leo’s famous pride. Some people think of Leo’s pride as a benefit as something that gives them a warmth and confidence that sets them apart from the rest while there are others who consider Leo’s pride as a detriment that keeps them from being able to relate to others in a balanced manner. No matter what your perception is of Leo’s pride, it is important to note that pride is a significant part of Leo’s character.
Understanding what a pride is within the animal kingdom provides insight into why pride is important to Leo. Anyone that has experienced a Leo understands that while they are very confident, headstrong, and often focused on themselves, there is still a need to be adored and admired by others. So, for as much as Leo is confident and courageous, there still is this need to be acknowledged by others. This is represented by the “running with the pack” energy of the lion’s pride and the importance of pride in Leo’s self-expression.
Why Leo is So Proud
So, why is Leo so proud? Because Leo genuinely feels that they are the best! Whether it’s their beautiful, flowing manes to their profession, Leo wants to be the best of the best…, and they want others to think of them as being the best as well. Leo’s are confident that they have all that it takes to be the best at what they do, and they want others to be just as impressed with them as they are with themselves. Because they feel they are the best, Leos possess quite high standards for themselves, and they simply don’t see why anyone would not see them the way that they see themselves.
So, unless Leo is down on its luck or simply feeling unappreciative, most Leo’s will have a certain level of self-esteem and confidence within themselves which can make them appear to be very proud.
The Benefits of Leo’s Pride
While some people may think that pride is an issue, there are some benefits to Leo’s prideful ways. When Leo is operating from the heart space, they are some of the most warm-hearted, generous people ever. There’s this sparkle and shine to Leo courtesy of their planetary ruler, the Sun. Also, the Sun is the center of the solar system with all the planets revolving around it. Because of this, Leo has a self-focused perspective where it wants others to appreciate the light and warmth that it gives off.
Pride enables Leo to feel confident even if they don’t necessarily have experience, and it keeps them from dipping too far into the lows of sadness and depression. Possessing pride is not bad at all as long as it is held in moderation. Holding pride in oneself does not mean looking down on others, and as long as Leo is standing in a space where they shine their light and also allow others to shine bright as well, there’s not a problem! Thus, pride allows Leo to be firmly rooted in itself without the need to take away or diminish someone else’s brilliance.
When Leo’s Pride is Hurt
Now, because Leo is a very proud sign, they can feel some type of way when their pride is hurt. Leo doesn’t take too easily to being belittled and demeaned. Leo believes that they are of a certain caliber, and if someone knocks them down a peg or two, it could do quite a number on their self-perception. This is not to say that others should just tolerate Leo’s behavior if it is overboard or too much. It’s just important to note that Leo with all of his self-confidence and courageousness does really care a lot about what other people think of them. They love to be adored. They love to be admired. So, when this does not happen, Leo’s feelings can be very hurt.
Some would suggest that the best way to deal with Leo is to find a non-critical way to discuss Leo’s shortcomings without making them feel “less than.” Leo is a fixed fire sign, and they don’t take too well to being told what to do and/ or chastised for errors and wrongdoings. If this should happen, Leo may strike out with the roar of the lion as retribution for having their pride and ego damaged.
The Darkside of Leo’s Pride
Now, there’s a dark side to Leo’s pride just as there is a positive side. Because Leo wants to uphold a certain standard of itself, they can be very resistant to accepting any fault for their wrongdoings. Why is this? Well, because doing so would mean that Leo would have to accept that they can fall short of their perceived greatness. One of the things that Leo has to learn how to do is to be able to push pride aside and just admit their failures and wrongdoings so that they can actually learn valuable lessons. No one is perfect. Everyone has faults. Everyone falls short sometimes, including Leo.
Also, because Leo doesn’t want to appear as if it has shortcomings, this sign can fall prey to keeping up appearances so that they are perceived in the elevated light that they desire by others. To achieve this, Leo is not above manipulation to outright lying so that they can maintain a facade.
It is important that Leo understand how their pride can keep them from forming authentic connections with others. While Leo may think of itself as being quite regal and above the “peasants,” even Leo itself can make a mistake here and there and there’s nothing wrong with that. Leo can learn a lesson from its opposite sign Aquarius in seeing humanity in itself and others.
Overall, Leo’s pride is quite well-known famous. Whether it’s the type of pride that makes Leo brilliant and luminous or the type that makes people want to fall back and stay away, pride is an essential part of the Leo archetype. Ultimately, it is up to Leo to decide how they will use their pride to their benefit.
