Meet the Leo Spirit Animals & What They Mean

Written by Jennifer Gaeng
Updated: October 29, 2022
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After Cancer, Leo is the fifth modern zodiac sign. Leo, along with the signs of Aries and Sagittarius, is ruled by the element of Fire. It represents one of the six positive signs, with the Sun as its ruling planet, and originates from the constellation of the lion. Leo is one of the signs in the zodiac represented by an animal. So, based on western astrology, let’s dive into the details of Leo’s spirit animal guide and how it relates to those born under this western zodiac sign!

The Lion and Leo

Leo is one of the signs in the zodiac represented by an animal.

©iStock.com/Vladayoung

Leo Birthday: July 23 – August 22

Symbolically, the lion represents Leo, an earth sign that follows the summer and has already begun in Cancer when its new sign’s astrological year begins. It symbolizes a hot, bright summer that is both constant and unchanging, with a hint of the impending change of seasons. Symbolic of bravery, majesty, and success is the zodiac sign of Leo.

For as long as Leo doesn’t react out of fear, attack others, and end up getting affected easily by others, Leo carries the narrative of someone powerful, invincible, and brave. It won’t be much pleasure for Leo if they don’t have the bravery and righteousness to face the challenges of this lifetime.

Let’s look at Leo’s positive and negative characteristics to understand this fierce and fiery sign better!

Positive Leo Lion Traits

The Big Five

A pride can be up to 30 animals strong, depending on the food and water available.

©iStock.com/Shawn Levin

Optimistic & Generous

Those born under the zodiac sign of Leo radiate a contagious sense of optimism and generosity. They have a robust sense of self-worth and confidence. The characteristics of a Leo include a tendency to be sentimental, dramatic, and imaginative. When it comes to leadership, Leo is a sign that is born with a commanding presence that can’t be ignored. People are drawn to Leos because of their magnetic personality. As a result, they can easily acquire friends and gain a following.

Nurturing

Leos are known for their kind and nurturing natures, which many believe to be their most admirable qualities when it comes to their companions. They are the alpha in the pride, much like a lion. When creating art projects or memorable performances, they have a second-to-none vision. Because the Leo emblem is a lion, they are quick to protect and come to someone’s aid.

Family Oriented

For those of you who have a Leo in your life, you have a long-term companion and an excellent parent if they want to do so. When it comes to obstacles, a Leo is unstoppable. This happy, lighthearted sign also strives to provide warmth for those around them. There is nothing they won’t do for their families and loved ones, especially during hard times.

Famous Leo Lions include: Barack Obama, Jennifer Lopez, Mick Jagger, Sandra Bullock, and Helen Mirren.

Negative Leo Lion Traits

lion walking toward camera

It is common for Leos to show their rage by making snarky remarks, neglecting you, or staging passive-aggressive outbursts.

©iStock.com/Gunther Fraulob

Stubborn

The downside of being such a fixed sign is that you can be entirely immobile sometimes. For those born under the zodiac sign Leo, it is no surprise that they can be powerful and, at times, egocentric. No one can easily change Leo’s mind. As a result, Leo lions have a long history of being misunderstood.

Egocentric

Leos often have an inflated sense of their importance, which might cause them to become arrogant, showy, pompous, and completely unappealing. Because they are typically ignorant of these problems, they cannot be flexible when reaching an agreement. Temperament is well-known in astrology for all fire signs, including Leo. They commonly show their rage by making snarky remarks, neglecting you, or staging passive-aggressive outbursts until you are somehow left pleading for their forgiveness.

Flighty

Leos thrive on being the center of attention. The problem is that they’ll only desire to do what they’re in the mood to do. Leos prefer to take their time and go at a speed that suits them. This can give the impression of carelessness and cause them to be late on numerous occasions. If it is not important to them, you can’t convince them to hurry, regardless of the occasion’s significance.

If the desires of a Leo partner in a relationship can’t be fulfilled, they may look for an alternative. However, you shouldn’t be too concerned about this because Leos often only act in this manner if they feel neglected. By that point, they will have, in most cases, signaled their displeasure through the tempering nature they often display.

How To Be The Best Leo Lion

lion mane

Leos are most compatible with Libra, Gemini, and Aquarius whenever it comes to romantic relationships.

©iStock.com/Beshoy Arian

Career

Self-reflection is aided by an awareness of your astrologically-identified skills and hidden abilities. This method can be a lifesaver when it comes to dating, finding a job, and everything else in between. For example, Leo’s have an aura that makes them natural performers, and many can turn that into a career. As a result, careers in acting, management, education, design, motivational speaking, politics, and public relations tend to do exceptionally well for them. And their desire to do things their way also makes good business owners. 

Love

Leos are most compatible with Libra, Gemini, and Aquarius whenever it comes to romantic relationships. Those born under these air signs tend to be good at stoking the fires of this fiery sign. Fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) can also make excellent partners for Leos in friendships and romantic relationships. This is because they share a similar level of ardor and zeal. Virgo, Cancer, and Capricorn are considered to be the least suitable signs for Leos.

Life

To be successful in life, Leo lions need to keep their eyes open for new opportunities, which can come in unexpected ways. When you have a personality like yours, it’s crucial to give others a chance to shine every now and then. Make sure you listen to others’ thoughts and feelings with an open heart and mind. Leos have a passion for life and a generous spirit. To secure your success, embrace your brilliant spirit and remain self-aware.

Why Is the Leo Sign The Lion?

How Long Do Lions Live - old lion

The Latin word for lion is Leo, and this zodiac emblem has many legends surrounding it.

©Peter Betts/Shutterstock.com

The Latin word “Lion” is “Leo.” Leo was one of the first constellations in Mesopotamia to be noticed and chronicled. They dubbed it UR.GU.LA, which means “the huge lion” in Babylonian. During each flooding of the Nile River, ancient Egyptians held high regard for the constellation Leo, which was visible in front of the Sun during this period.

It’s not a coincidence that Leo is linked to Hercules‘ first of twelve tasks, which required him to kill the Nemean Lion. Heracles then took the lion’s skin and wore it as a cloak of decoration and a symbol of his might. In addition, he wore it as a garment of protection, making him appear even more terrifying.

zodiac astrology

It’s not a coincidence that Leo is linked to Hercules’ first of twelve tasks, which required him to kill the Nemean Lion.

©Tanya Antusenok/Shutterstock.com

People born under the Leo zodiac sign are suitable for the following additional zodiacal spirit animals. These popular zodiac systems will be covered in greater detail in future posts.

Chinese Astrology

Zodiac signs and traits are assigned to each year of the twelve-year cycle per the ancient Chinese calendar. There is a belief that each Western zodiac sign has a twin in the Chinese zodiac, which is different from their birth year animal. The next section briefly explains Leo’s “twin” in the Chinese Zodiac!

Chinese Zodiac Twin for Leo: The Monkey

Monkey Teeth - Mandrill Teeth

Monkeys in the Chinese zodiac like competing as much as they enjoy living.

©Maciej Kopaniecki/Shutterstock.com

The monkey is one of the most well-known Chinese symbols for its spirit of humor and intelligence! In addition, Chinese Zodiac Monkeys have lightning-fast reflexes and instinctive learning abilities. Monkeys in the Chinese zodiac like competing as much as they enjoy living. Even if these leo spirit animals are verbally attacked, their self-assurance is so great that it just goes unnoticed.

Celtic Astrology

When it comes to astrology, Celtic beliefs share many parallels with Western astrology, and there are a few differences between their calendars. Therefore, to discover your Celtic spirit animal as a Leo, you need to know exactly where your birthday falls below!

1.            Celtic Zodiac Twin for Leo: The Horse (July 8 – August 4)

Biggest Horses

One of nature’s most majestic creatures, the horse, exemplifies all the virtues associated with independence and freedom.

©Anaite/Shutterstock.com

If you are a Leo whose birthday falls within the dates above, then your Celtic spirit animal is the horse! The horse symbolizes freedom above all. One of nature’s most majestic creatures, the horse, exemplifies all the virtues associated with independence and freedom. These leo spirit animals have great character traits like endurance, self-belief, courage, and victory. Its emblem represents power, bravery, and independence.

2.            Celtic Zodiac Twin for Leo: The Fish / Salmon (August 5 – September 1)

An Atlantic salmon leaps upstream to reach its spawning grounds

Fish spirit guides are known to be deep thinkers.

©Kevin Wells Photography/Shutterstock.com

This fish / Salmon is your Celtic spirit animal if you are a Leo born between the dates listed above. In Celtic astrology, fish (typically salmon) represents a guiding light. Inspiring, intelligent, and forward-looking fish people make extraordinary artists in any medium. It’s amazing what gems fish may unearth when they delve deep into their emotions. Fish spirit guides are known to be deep thinkers. It is said that those born under the sign of this leo spirit animal are full of enthusiasm and zest for life. They know how to make the most of each day and surround themselves with the individuals and things they cherish most.

Native American Astrology

The dates for each sign in Native American and Western astrology are identical. In contrast to western zodiac traditions, Native American beliefs feature different spirit animals. To discover your native American spirit animal as a Leo, look below!

Native American Leo Twin (Northern Hemisphere): The Salmon (July 22 – August 21)

keta salmon head sticking up out of the water

The Salmon people are said by Native Americans to live and breathe passion for everything!

©The Old Major/Shutterstock.com

If you are a Leo whose birthday falls within the dates above, and you were born in the Northern hemisphere, then your Native American spirit animal is the salmon! This means you may have this animal as your spirit animal in more than one tradition as a Leo. The Salmon people are said by Native Americans to live and breathe passion for everything! Since their intuition offers them a successful advantage, everyone desires to participate in salmon’s initiative. Native Americans believe that salmon are driven creatures who will happily provide stability and love with the proper partner.

What Are Leo’s Birthstones?

We’ve looked at the spirit animals of a Leo, but another thing tied to zodiac signs is precious gems. Two stones that are synonymous with the Leo sign are rubies and peridots. The ruby represents Leos born at the end of July, while those born in August can claim the peridot.

Ruby Meaning

Red Ruby. Precious Red Gemstone

©Levon Avagyan/Shutterstock.com

Rubies represent several different things: prosperity, love, and luck. Wearing a ruby invites wealth and abundance into one’s life, conjures passionate love, and welcomes good fortune.

Peridot Meaning

Closup of raw Peridot gemstone, attached to original volcanic host rock. Smaller specimens surrounding. From Hawaii.

©David G Hayes/Shutterstock.com

In contrast, the peridot symbolizes harmony, glamour, and likeability. A Leo who sports a peridot welcomes harmony and protection from nightmares. The peridot also promotes a spirit of glamour as well as charm–Leos are everybody’s favorite people!

In Conclusion

Among the animals that could be regarded as Leo zodiac sign spirit animals include the lion, monkey, horse, and fish (salmon)! It is important to realize that these aren’t literal depictions of your personality. Rather, they are a synthesis of common astrological notions and decades of psychological research.

Other animals in your afterlife may represent characteristics of your character or your life story that are particular to you. Many people have lucid dreams about or unexpected encounters with specific animals regularly. It doesn’t matter how you discovered your zodiac sign’s spirit animal or species; we hope you had fun learning about them!

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Blue Slate Films/Shutterstock.com


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About the Author

Jennifer Gaeng is a writer at A-Z-Animals focused on animals, lakes, and fishing. With over 15 years of collective experience in writing and researching, Jennifer has honed her skills in various niches, including nature, animals, family care, and self-care. Hailing from Missouri, Jennifer finds inspiration in spending quality time with her loved ones. Her creative spirit extends beyond her writing endeavors, as she finds joy in the art of drawing and immersing herself in the beauty of nature.

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