LEO the Sign & its Symbols.

THE SIGN
The Sun rules Leo. It was originally thought to be Mars, which exerts a certain influence but not as significantly as Pluto. Leo is a fixed, masculine fire sign whose positive traits indicate honesty, loyalty and exuberance, a sense of dignity and responsibility and an affectionate nature, while more challenging traits include stubbornness, arrogance and a tendency to take undue credit.

THE SYMBOLS
The astrological symbol for Leo is represented by a horseshoe shape with each end curling outward symbolising a lion’s head with its mane curling around its face. Certain herbs, spices, flowers, trees, shrubs, gemstones, metals and animals have long been associated with particular signs of the zodiac. Several plants, for example, have lucky connections with Leo and, it is said, they are most effective when picked on a day that is influenced by their ruling planet. These include mainly yellow, gold and orange flowers, the colours of the sun, such as the sunflower which turns its head to follow the sun as it travels from east to west; the marigold, very soothing for bites and stings; the poppy, whose various colours represent differing aspects of life. Red symbolising pleasure, white consolation and yellow wealth and success. The poppy also has some wonderful local names such as Earaches, Fireflout, Old Woman’s Petticoats and Sleepyhead. Gemstones linked to Leo include the ruby, which is believed to prevent loss of blood and strengthen the heart; the peridot, believed to cure liver disease and dropsy as well as freeing the mind from jealous thoughts. It is sometimes called ‘the heavenly stone’ as it is has been found in meteors that have crashed to earth from the night sky. Animal connections include, primarily, the lion but also any member of the cat family

THE LEO NEEDLEPOINT DESIGN
Motifs have been selected from all the different astrological aspects of Leo and include: the central image of the lion representing Leo itself; a border made up of fire and in each corner the astrological symbol for the sun; a poppy sits in the bottom left and on the righthand side is the constellation of Leo and a peridot; in the top right the Leo symbol and the roman numeral V (for the fifth house); the bright colours of the cushion represent the warmth and vitality of the Leo.

KEY WORDS
Dignified
Hospitable
Mature
Courageous
Lively

ResponsibleTo further personalise your needlepoint cushion, add your chosen name and date of birth to the outer border, along with one or two of the Leo characteristics. On the chart, the borders have been left plain ready for you to draw in your own lettering, as preferred. Instructions and alphabets have been supplied or alternatively you can use lettering of your own choice.