Excerpt from In Search of Destiny: Biography, History & Culture As Told Through Vedic Astrology  © 2012

Introduction

Leo is Simha (the lion) in Sanskrit.  After Aries, it is the second Dharma sign in the zodiac. Leo is fire and a fixed sign, leading towards consolidation. Vedic astrology associates all three fire signs (Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius) with the Kshatriya, or warrior class, which includes political leaders.  Kshatriyas have royal status, as do the Sun and the Moon, the two great luminaries and symbols of the King and the Queen, respectively.  This includes the signs over which they rule: the Sun rules Leo and the Moon rules Cancer.  Since each luminary rules only one sign, their respective Ascendants are important for that reason, among others.  Of the three fire signs all associated with royalty, Leo is considered the most royal sign, especially with Magha nakshatra at the start of Leo.  Its symbol is a throne room.  Continue reading →