The twelve signs of the Zodiac represent twelve different characters, sort of like roles in a play. They can be described as archetypes, models into which human personality traits tend to group. Plato had theories about mental ideas - or forms - that were imprinted in the human mind before birth.
The psychoanalyst C. G. Jung picked up the idea and developed his own meaning to the word. He stated that there are fixed numbers of models or types that we all share without necessarily having been taught them. They're part of what he called our collective unconscious and influence how we look at reality and what we expect from it. He also meant that we should see these archetypes as inner clues as to how we can grow into self-realization.
The twelve signs of the Zodiac can be seen as a system of archetypes, making a complete world of sorts. We will be looking at the twelve signs and using each archetype to help manifest that particular energy in our own lives. Notice also that the shifting of the seasons as the sun travels through the Zodiac tells us a lot about the characteristics and energy of each signs. On July 22nd with Summer in full swing we enter the sign of Leo.
The archetype of Leo is the king. Not in the sense of being the person in charge, necessarily, although Leo would find it natural. No, this archetype is about the pride, the personality that faces the world with the confidence of someone sure to be unique, the most unique of all. A fire sign, ruled by the Sun, who wouldn’t feel like a king?
The Leo archetype is about taking limitless pride in one’s own existence and talents, whatever they are. Thereby it’s the sign of self-realization. What you do for yourself, to make your time on earth worthwhile.
Since Leo is fixed fire, the house with Leo on the cusp is where we stubbornly want to shine. In this house you feel a need for personal development. If you are using the positive qualities of your Sun sign in the affairs of this house, you will feel a deep sense of inner peace and contentment. In your personal birth chart, the house with Leo on the cusp is ruled by the Sun. So look to the position and sign of the Sun for more clues regarding the sphere of life with Leo on the cusp.
There is a dark side to this archetype – narcissism. In psychiatry, narcissism is a serious diagnosis with the risk of very unfortunate outcomes – for the patient or for persons in the surroundings. But the archetype is not altogether unwanted. It’s a necessary ingredient up to a point. We must learn to love ourselves or we will be incapable of loving others. In addition, the universe works in such a way that the one capable of self-love will find others attracted and seduced by it.