How To Seduce A Leo

The entire world is a stage for Leo, the fiery fifth sign of the zodiac ruled by none other than the Sun itself, and when this kingly kitty cat hits the spotlight, they expect a standing ovation. Though these lovable lions may present a façade of intense inferno, Leos are surprisingly easy to win over in the game of love. The secret to stoking Leo’s passionate flame? Simply shower these celestial celebs with the golden praise and admiration they deserve, and never, ever suggest that they’ve been cast in a supporting role to anyone else. Once Leo is sure you’re down to ride as one of their loyal subjects in their royal court, they’ll gladly shine their opulent sunlight back on you, the object of their affection, spoiling you with their warm generosity.

Symbolized by the king of beasts—the lion—these signs are nothing short of dignified lovers, but watch as they become playful, slap-happy jesters when the crown comes off—behind the scenes, of course. Wacky and big-hearted, there’s no shortage of good times with Leo. After the jump, you'll find a complete guide to decoding all that game astrology’s big-game cats are stunting on. Trust, Leos are the cat’s pajamas.

Dating + Hooking Up: The Leo Approach

When it comes to dating, Leo pulls out all the stops. In fact, these highly competitive cats are some of the most likely to become entrenched in “the dating game,” addicted to the adrenaline of meeting new people and the theater of putting on a big show of luxurious dates and thrill-a-minute outings during the courting process. That’s not to say that Leo is slow to commit, though. Leo is easily won over through proper adoration and worship, but it’s not because they’re lazy—at least, not that lazy—in love. When these kings and queens decide to hitch themselves to another star, it’s because the apple of their feline eye has stroked their nobility and stoked their big heart’s flame just so, sending Leo into an absolute tizzy of a passionate drama. Yes, loving the zodiac’s cuddly jungle cats is a lot like escaping into a steamy, bodice-ripper Harlequin novel. Many are magnetized by the light of this sign’s natural star status, yet it takes a certain personality to roll with the leader of the pride and many can’t take the heat of Leo’s love.

Even if you casually date Leo and never become serious, they’ll make sure you at least remember them—and if not them, the date itself. These personalities like to make a big splash when it comes to first impressions and will stop at nothing to present themselves as fascinating nobility to be respected and endlessly grateful for. To that end, Leo spares absolutely no expense in planning unique, opulent activities, outings, and dates to impress you. A telltale sign of their interest in you can be gauged by how much dinero they spend. Expect to pull an all-nighter if the date seems to be going well; notorious party animals with an immense appetite and stamina for fun, Leo just loves to show off their arm-candy companions out on the scene.  

These powerful personalities are bold and have no reservations when it comes to expressing their attraction, leaving little guesswork or room for games to be played. Leo is so busy and important—they are leaders and nobility, after all, with great responsibility even just in existing—they don’t have time for the usual intrigue of dating. For Leo, game recognizes game, so these beasts have little to zero patience with indecision or half-stepping. In the lion’s mind, they shouldn’t really have to try so hard to capture your attention, especially when they’re practically handing you a golden ticket to celebrity access, boundless fun, laughter, hot and beastly sex, and a gleaming star status as the jewel on their arm. Leo doesn’t have time for those who don’t want to hang among stars.

If you hadn’t noticed, Leo possesses a tendency toward an overactive ego, which can be a turnoff for some of the more low-key signs. Prideful to the max, when Leo’s brash arrogance rears its obnoxious head, consider this behavior a defense mechanism for masking their vulnerability and wounded ego. As the conquering king, these personalities need to feel respected and appreciated constantly. Younger lion cubs (and less-evolved Leos) might follow their instinct to lead with the ego when getting to know someone new, but quickly realize that their theatrical performance of smoke and mirrors can only get them so far in the pursuit of true love. Leos are expressive and hot-tempered though they maintain their composure most of the time to preserve their dignity and honor. Expect to hear about it if you upset or disappoint them in any big way, but don’t worry about making a lifelong enemy; Leos are magnanimous with forgiveness and would rather remain friends or close acquaintances than become foes. Besides, Leo doesn’t have time or energy for holding grudges.

Compatibility

Our individual natal charts dictate that our personalities are comprised of pieces of all 12 zodiac signs, not just your Sun sign. But statistics alone tell a clever story of how astrology can strengthen interpersonal chemistry. Astrologers look to several factors in determining who you’re compatible—or mismatched—with, including the sun sign, rising sign, and where Venus places in the chart.

Leo “natives,” or those born when the sun was in Leo (roughly between July 22 and August 22), as well as those with Leo as their “ascendant” or rising like it hot, hot, hot, and prefer to stick with personalities that can withstand their inferno, namely other fire signs. Signs like Aries, Sagittarius, and other Leos stoke their flames by matching their enthusiasm and competitive, adventurous energy. Still, other signs associated with the element of air—especially Aquarius, Leo’s direct opposite—Gemini, and Libra drive Leo wild with their intellectual capacity, social graces, and constant need for movement and change.

Driven By Desire: What Leo Wants

On the surface, it certainly seems like Leo is motivated primarily by their gluttony for fame, status, and their penchant for egotism. Just as all that glitters is not gold, this isn’t a straightforward situation with surprisingly sensitive Leo. Yes, the sometimes-materialistic fiery fifth sign does get a little big for their britches when it comes to their self-image and expectations, but the strength of their legendary generosity and wide-open heart full of warmth outweigh their ego in the ring. Ruled by the sun, Leo possesses a singular urge: to pour their love out actively, spoiling their partner(s) with material treasures, luxurious experiences, and their complete respect and devotion—which is worth more than gold when it comes from Leo. Still, Leo won’t tolerate wasting their precious love (and they certainly won’t risk bruising their ego) on a vapid emotional black hole. You’ve got to give in order to receive with Leo, so these dignified signs expect to be shown gratitude and respect through endless words of praise, positive body language, and intense physical contact. Shrinking violets need not apply.

Seducing Leo

No matter your sign, you’ve likely been captivated when the majestic jungle cat has been spotted in action, though it truly takes a very bold, clever type to bag this beastie in the hunt. Many have looked on in awe and envy of Leo—they’re the star entertainer of the show, we’re just the audience—but few possess the courage to face the lion without seeming like a desperate groupie. Yawn, so boring, so sad.

Lion-born people are aesthetically oriented and appreciate a well-maintained—curated, even!—appearance. Looking sharp and chic is the number-one way to get noticed by Leo, taking care to show that you value and respect yourself as much as they do. Leos love stunting, so dressing appropriately for the venue or occasion with a luxe twist is certain to catch their gaze. Remember that Leo approaches everything—and I mean everything—not only as a competition but also as a performance and a PR move. These status-conscious folks need to make sure that you are “on brand” before they align with you in the social sphere, ultimately adding to their appearances than risking a reputation liability.

Leo knows that they can be intimidating but they also know that fortune favors the bold, so these personalities appreciate gusto. Earning a Leo’s respect is key, so presenting yourself with enthusiasm and bubbliness without immediately kowtowing in false flattery is essential. Yes, you absolutely must kiss the ring of the king or queen of the jungle and show you respect their tastes, wisdom, and noble generosity, but Leo is not looking for a submissive captive; they’re looking for an equal to reign on the throne beside them, and they need to know you can challenge them as much as you can pleasure them. Leos are playful and competitive at heart, so athletic activities and sports are an excellent way to show ‘em your stuff as a worthy opponent. Even better, team up with your Leo and play doubles with another couple. Leo’s fiery drive and focus on success are sure to light libidos. Don’t let Leo win, but don’t rub it in, either! Leos are notoriously sore losers.

As hard as Leo works to maintain their kingdom, these party animals play even harder. Absolutely gluttons for intense physical affection, Leo is turned on by hugs, kisses, squeezes, and light PDA. Leos are known to have a warm, wacky sense of humor and appreciate anyone who can lightly roast and tease back-and-forth humorously without hurting anyone’s feelings. If past relationships come up, it’s important that you make it clear that the relationship is over and that they are second to none in your world. Leo loathes playing second fiddle and will grow cold if they sense that they’ve been cast in a supporting role, or worse, as the understudy of your main thing. Oddly enough, Leo gets a little turned on when some light competition is presented. Of course, they want to know that you are a desirable jewel to behold by all, not just in their easily influenced eyes. Welcome praise and compliments from others in earshot of your lion and engage in very light non-committal social flirting. But don’t go nuts—making Leo upset or jealous in front of others will humiliate them and dash your chances of being anything other than social acquaintances.

Getting Down: Sex with Leo

Like everything else in Leo’s life, the boudoir is a theatre and they’re here to perform for—and with—you. These sexy beasts favor drama between the sheets, requiring the right setting and pleasure props to fully let loose. Leo is shamelessly over-the-top, going to sometimes-cheesy lengths to set the mood (think: Champagne, satin sheets, body lube, and candles—groan). Still, if you step into the lion’s den and are welcomed with intense pomp and circumstance, you absolutely must seem excited and enthusiastic about their efforts or else you may risk wounding their ego, a lethal mistake. Don’t ever mock these personalities with a mean spirit, especially in the bedroom.

Because of Leo’s predilection for performance, these signs are known to enjoy adding cinema and photography to their sexual repertoire, starring in their very own “home movies” (read: sex tapes) and boudoir photo sets (nudes). Nothing turns Leo on more than being in the spotlight as the star of the show. This same flair for drama makes Leo a lover of costumey lingerie, fantasy, and role play. Leo is an adventurous, wacky lover, so you’ve definitely got to be game to let go of seriousness to have hot fun with these fire signs!

Leos like to do things on their own schedule, those lazy lions, and it takes a little more time than usual to rev up a Leo’s engine. These personalities tend to require long, drawn-out foreplay, and quickies are absolutely out of the question. After all, Leo needs to be worshiped and feel valued before they can really get going, which takes physical attention, words of praise, and lots of affection. These fire signs are intensely physical, making them incredible athletes and legendary lovers, well known for their sexual stamina. Leo’s attitude toward sex is much like their competitive attitudes toward their athletic pursuits: Playful, fun, but not to be taken lightly.