Shelley Long

Leos (July 23 to August 22) are among the kings of the zodiac. They are generous and warm-hearted, creative, faithful and loving. They can be prideful and dominant, however. In Greek mythology, Leo was the lion that was killed by Hercules as the first of his 12 chores. Leos are spontaneous and extroverted. Leo is a born leader, cheerful and optimistic.

They conquer obstacles the same way a lion conquers their foes—like a hunter, who spots his prey, stalks, and pounces.  Leos tend to be very focused on their goals and ambitions. Like the king of beasts, they like to be in command and make good leaders. They have strong intelligence and can be philosophical, even religious. Leos like to be the center of attention and have powerful egos. They can be resentful if they’re not the center of attention. Leos occasionally need to remember that less is more and they can attract as much attention if they stop trying so hard to get it. It’s that pride thing, again. 

You are enamored with love. Still, you are far more romantic than sensual. You glide smoothly over the poetry of love. Anything rude, crude, indecent, or coarse repels you. In your view, genuine love is of the spirit. This is not to say you are prudish or sexually chaste. Surely, you fall in love too quickly and often have more than one affair operating at a time. Nevertheless, a love affair for a Venus-Libran must possess all the right trappings and rituals.

The atmosphere produced by champagne, intimate candlelit dinners, poetry composed expressly for you, and gorgeous gifts really loosen your reservations. You put high value on charming social manners. People who don’t measure up are promptly rejected regardless of what their deeper qualities may be. Venus-in Libra can be distant and detached toward anyone who presumes. This position of Venus is excellent for creative talent or talent for design and illustration. You are prosperous working in creative plans within a partnership or marriage (sometimes you combine both). Venus-Librans adore conveniences and extravagance and tend to be overpriced with money.

Mars’s strength becomes subtle in Cancer. You possess excellent energy of determination, but it is never pushed into the open. Similar to the tides, you wear down resistance by repeated attack. Each surge may achieve little, but the aggregated outcome is overwhelming. In sex, Mars-in-Cancer’s strategy is passionate. You are sensual but elegant, and your lovemaking is a deeply instinctive art.

Your lust, however, is reliant on what is forthcoming from a sweetheart. If a beloved is indifferent or unresponsive, he or she may determine that your get-up-and-go just got up and went. Still, as a native of this Mars position, you will stick to a relationship that does not make you content. You respond only in eruptions of passion and high-strung impatience. What you often expect is an outlet for your pent-up forces. You are regarded for your breadth of vision and highly spirited work.

If you were born in the years 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985 or 1997 then you were born under the sign of the Ox in Chinese astrology. Our Chinese menu that we pilfered from lunch today says that you are bright, patient and inspiring to others. You can be happy by yourself, yet make an outstanding parent. You should marry a Snake or Cock. Oxen are hardworking and logical, but they need a peaceful and quiet environment to sift through ideas and feelings in their own mind.

Avoid those Sheep. The Ox is a steadfast and solid, a born leader. It’s dependable and has what it takes to achieve great things. They are methodical, not plunging in without considering what the right steps are to get a project finished. They believe in doing it right the first time. Ox people tend to be powerful and steady. Oxen were traditional used to plow fields, and haul heavy loads. They make good work animals because of their dependable and patient attitudes. 

The element of Wood represents the direction East. Those who are born with this element tend to yearn for stability and tradition. In China, wood is also associated with bamboo. Bamboo, of course, is a strong, flexible, and long shoot which grows in marsh areas. It follows then, that wood people are flexible, emotionally strong and dependable. A wood person will stick with you through good and bad times, unwavering of their support.

Wood people are interested in social issues and strive to leave the poor and helpless of our world with a sense of independence and change. Although, they can be idealistic and that trait can be the cause of emotional angst when plans don’t follow the perfect path. Wood people do well in social work or working with children. Working with others is easy for wood people, as they truly enjoy the process of cooperation and compromise. Generous and warm, wood people spread happiness, confidence and joy wherever they go.