In the Tarot Deck, the card representing Leo is Lust, once referred to as Strength. Lust is ruled by the Element of Fire and symbolizes the dangerous and hypnotic quality of this element. It is indicative of the danger associated with the loss of control and of being burned...consumed by the leaping flames of power. Lust is indicative of the feminine aspect of strength and power...the Hindu Goddess Kali...and the complement of the male symbol of the Sun (the Tarot card which represents Leo's ruling planet of the same name). Thus, this card is symbolic of the original marriage as it occurs in nature with no attempt to direct its course. The numerological correspondent of Lust is eleven, literally the number one working through the number one. However, eleven is also known as "Master Number A." Master Numbers take on their own vibrations and do not have to be reduced. Thus, such Numbers carry more import and are vastly more powerful than reduced numbers. Eleven is indicative of leadership and power.
Lust is is a member of the Second Third of the Tarot's Major Arcana, representative of the many myths of the ages, also known as the myths of the "old order," all of which are based on the non-human paternity of a champion. Included in this category of stories is the tale of Romulus and Remus who were sired by Mars, Buddha who was fathered by an elephant with six trunks, and even Jesus Christ who was fathered by the Holy Spirit in the form of a Dove. All these stories are illustrated by the woman on the card who is astride a Lion. Lust implies strength, but strength which comes through energy expended in the unrestricted enjoyment of experience. It is not only power but the pure bliss and euphoria of power itself. Thus, Lust is symbolic of the knowledge that, it is only through fully experiencing life can true creative potential be achieved...for it is only then that true focus and concentration can be directed. This card is representative of the full use of the Leo personality and quality. Essentially, the "lust for life" which is the fully-realized intention associated with the center stage nature of this Zodiac Sign.
The nudity of the human figure depicted on this card is representative of feminine power, while the Lion is symbolic of masculine power. The seven faces are indicative of the different aspects of personality which unite in one wild experience...an experience which is beyond caring for morality or society's accepted norms. The circles located throughout the major portion of this card represent the passing away of the outdated ideals of the "old order." The ten circles at the top of the card are the new ideals which will replace the old.
In a Tarot reading, Lust denotes energy, personal strength and courage, control of passion and baser instincts, and the ability to enjoy and indulge in life without losing control. It may also symbolize an illogical but irresistible attraction to another. Reversed, it indicates self-indulgence, a lack of self-discipline, addiction, surrender to base impulses, a dominating nature which is selfish and power-hungry, no control over physical appetites, weakness and defeat. It may also symbolize wasted energy (worry or anxiety, for example) and a sign that health is being neglected.
In the Kabbalah, this card is associated with the Eighth Path...the Path of the Flaming Sword, also known as the Way of Creativity. It is the path which joins mercy with severity and stands as the ultimate or central connection between the Right and Left Columns of the Tree of Life. This path symbolizes creativity and romance...a marriage of masculine and femine energies on the level of the heart. Strength, power, authority and great will guide this connection. In short, it is a path which demands generosity and loyalty. Being one of the most spiritual of all roads, it can often propel an individual into the center of attention. Also known as the Path of the Star, this card carries much responsibility to shine and radiate divine balance to all. It rules happiness, romance, children and the art of playfulness. The Hebrew letter is Teth (also known as Tet), which means Coiled Serpent, indicative of wisdom and enlightenment. The Serpent played a crucial role as the tempter in Genesis but, when depicted with a tail in its mouth, is the symbol of supreme manifestation and wisdom. Thus, the Serpent (or Snake) is a perfect representation of the condition of the human soul and its potential for growth through life. Teth represents the first path outside the Supernal Triangle (Eden) where the human soul will find self-consciousness, direction and ethics. In Hindu tradition, the "Kundalini," the energy located at the base of the spine, also means "Coiled Serpent." Ideally, this Serpent will ascend via the spinal cord to the brain, where a connection to God can be made. Not surprisingly perhaps, the spinal cord falls under the jurisdiction of Leo, the Zodiac Sign associated with this card.
The associated Rune is Sowilo...Rune of Revelation. "Sowilo" means "Sun" and is representative of wholeness, light and energy. It is also a symbol of victory over darkness and suggests good health, stamina and endurance. In addition, this Rune is linked to discovery and disclosure. Essentially, it is the spirit of life...the energy of the Sun...and indicates spiritual awareness as well as strength of character. The capacity to learn is associated with Sowilo, as is the gift of understanding. Sometimes perceived as a force of attack, this Rune is positive in nature since it possesses the natural power of the Sun. In a spiritual sense, it is indicative of clear vision and the triumph of good over evil. Sowilo suggests the power to bring things to fruition. Good fortune awaits and there is a positive feel to everything. This is not a time for rest and relaxation. It is a time to examine the darker aspects of an individual's character, secure in the belief that the power of the Sun will provide what is necessary to face those aspects without fear and also provide the tools to overcome. This Rune teaches that solutions to problems may always be found within an individual's personal grasp. The Runic Number of Sowilo is 16. Its color is bright white, its element is air and its polarity is male.
The Sun is ever the hope of seamen
When they fare over the fishes' bath
Until the sea-steed
Brings them to land.
The associated stone is Malachite, also known as the Stone of Transformation and the Traveler's Stone (since it provides endurance during journeys). Known to be a purifier and energizer, Malachite is said to replace negative energy with positive energy in addition to promoting both emotional and physical strength. It is also believed to stimulate instinctive and intuitive reasoning allowing for change which, in turn, facilitates advancement. This stone also symbolizes fidelity in love and friendships and promotes loyalty in partnerships, as well as providing practicality and responsibility regarding business transactions. Often used as a protective stone by those involved in the field of aviation, Malachite is thought to dispel symptoms of vertigo and wards against disaster during during airplane flights. It is also credited with providing protection against radiation and can be used in the treatment of asthma, arthritis, swollen joints, tumours, growths, broken bones and torn muscles. Credited with aligning and cleansing the cellular structure, this stone is believed to enhance the immune system and ease the birthing process. Somewhat fragile in substance, Malachite was once attached to the cradles of infants and used as a children's talisman in order to ward off danger and illness. The mining of this stone began in Egypt around 4000 B.C.
In an anatomical sense, this card is said to rule the upper chest, lymph nodes and spleen. Other associated items include sunflowers, figs and, not surprisingly, all species of cats including lions, while the associated magical symbols are reins, elixir and the heart. The colors of this card are greenish-yellow, deep purple, gray and reddish-amber. Some of the names by which this card is also known include Daughter of the Flaming Sword, The Magickal Union, Children of the Dragon Flame and The Ruler and Law of Suggestion. In tales of classical mythology and lore, this card is associated with Hercules, the Book of Daniel (Daniel in the lion's den), the Book of Revelation, Androcles and the Lion, the Egyptian Cat/Lion Godesses Bast and Sekhmet, the Gorgon and the Vestal Virgins of Rome who were Keepers of the Sacred Fire. It is also associated with the Deities Baldur, Sol, Frey and Freyja. The credo of Lust is "Triumph Of Love Over Hate."
"I am strong...I am serene. I am a lion and yet, I am a gentle but powerful lion tamer. I control my passion...I listen to my passion...I recognize my passion and, when it is appropriate and healthy for me, I let loose my passion. I am at ease with the world around me and I am at ease with myself. I endure and I persevere for I am strong."
In the Tarot Deck, the card representing the Sun (the ruling "planet" of Leo) is, not surprisingly, The Sun. In this card, Fire is not the destructive element that it was in The Tower. Here, the "Dark Night of Soul" has been endured, the trials and tests have been passed, and the light of the Sun has vanquished the dark of midnight. Thus, Fire is now representative as the source of life's illumination. This rulership of the Sun is at its male creative peak...it is the center of life and it illuminates all. Within its sphere now lies the power, leadership and onus of responsibility. In short, it is the basic life force being channeled and focused to the highest of levels. The Sun's numerological value is nineteen...the number of new beginnings, indicative of the fact that obstacles have been overcome and rewards may now be enjoyed. In short, there has been a transformation and rebirth into a time of freedom and prosperity.
The Sun is a member of the Last Third of the Tarot's Major Arcana. It is one of the most beneficial and uplifting cards, symbolizing freedom, joy, energy and enthusiasm. It offers assurances that all energy will now be turned toward cooperative efforts rather than struggles for dominance, power games and oppression. All that is desired has been achieved and there is no longer any goal set far away on the distant horizon. The Sun is symbolic of freedom to enjoy the fruits of personal labor...to savor what has been gained from the pain of self-sacrifice and soul-searching.
The image of the rose depicted on this card is a solar influence indicating a new era...it is the Rose of Realization. The green mound symbolizes fertility of the earth and achievement, while the wall is indicative of responsibility. The twin children are symbols of polarities or stages of development and the symbols at the feet are representative of the old age and foundation of the new one. The presence of the Zodiac indicates that all is in order and that chaos has been banished, while the rainbow symbolizes peace and harmony. The butterfly wings denote freedom and liberation from the old ways.
In a Tarot reading, this card denotes freedom, happiness, deep love, material success, good health, achievement, accomplishment, reward, satisfaction, intense enjoyment and happiness with life, long-term relationship (possibly marriage), abundance and fulfillment of all wishes. Reversed, it indicates past failures, past troubled relationships and past broken engagements. Is is also symbolic of present disappointment in love or in waiting for a true love. In this reversed position, it may also be indicative of hyperactivity, autism or other learning disabilities, allergies, delusions of grandeur and misjudgment.
In the Kabbalah, this card is associated with the Nineteenth Path...the Path of Life, also known as the Way of the Child. This path joins splendor with foundation and evokes a childlike innocence which is powerfully charged with the potential for growth. This card is indicative of a creative journey of fulfillment, success and spirituality. Also known as the Path of the Solar Child, it provides ecstasy and total surrender to life. Here, vitality and freedom reign supreme. Charismatic leaders...those who rely on joyous persuasion rather than coercion...are associated with this path. These are individuals whose keyword is "laughter" and they bring joy to others through their own happiness. However, it should be remembered that the energy linked to this card comes from on high, not from the individual alone. The Hebrew letter is Resh, which means Head (or, according to some sources, Face), signifying the "top dog" and leader of the planets. It is the brain which rules the human body, interpreting all of the sensory stimuli which connects a human to the outside world. Resh references the openess and lack of mystique inherent in this card. The mysteries of the Moon and dark recesses of Soul have been purged and it is now time to bask in open Solar warmth. This is the Collecting Intelligence...bright ideals and glorious thoughtforms which lead to enlightenment.
The associated Rune is Sowilo...Rune of Revelation. This Rune is also associated with the Lust card as described above and, as such, will not be repeated here. However, it should be noted that in particular reference to this card, Sowilo issues the challenge to forge ahead with fire power and enjoy the glory of the moment.
The associated stone is Amber, also known as the Stone of the Sun. It is believed to stimulate the intellect and aid in the direction of personal vitality and radiance in order to cultivate unconditional love. This stone is considered to be a powerful healer which absorbs negative energy and transforms it into positive energy, thus allowing the body to heal itself. Amber emits a bright and soothing aura which helps to calm nerves and enliven the disposition, in addition to purifying the mind, body and spirit when worn or carried. Amber is a fossil of pine trees which are millions of years old and thus, in its authentic form, is created only by nature (although it can be man-made). The most precious and rare varieties of these stones are ones which contain an entrapped object...such as an insect. Soft and easily scratched, Amber has been used for decorations since the Stone Age and was one of the first substances utilized by humankind for medicine and adornment. To this day, it remains a sacred stone to Native Americans and Eastern Indians. To carve initials into this stone was once thought to be a great protective talisman for its owner and it was formerly believed to provide magicians and sorcerers with special enhanced powers.
In an anatomical sense, this card is said to rule the right lower abdomen and the right inner sexual system. Other associated items include cinnamon, the raspberry leaf, the crocus and butterflies, while the associated magical symbols are talismans and the hexagram. The colors of this card are orange, gold-yellow and amber. Some of the names by which this card is also known include Lord of the Fire of the World, The Playing Gods and Son of the World Fire. In tales of classical mythology and lore, this card is associated with the Willowisp and the Sun-God Apollo as a child. Other associated mythological figures and Deities are the same as those for Lust (which are noted above). The credo of The Sun is "Attainment And Liberation."
"I am joyous...I am radiant...I am bright. I am energetic...I am successful. I radiate love, truth and harmony. I attract people to me and show my light to the world around me. I am optimistic...I have high ideals. I simplify and I enjoy life. I am excited and I am confident."
As a Fire Sign, Leo is also associated with the Tarot's Suit of Wands
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Much of the tarot information found on this page is taken from
"The Royal Road," a manual authored by Lady Shyra and used with
permission provided such credit is givenAll featured tarot card designs are from "The Book of Thoth" deck
designed by Aleister Crowley and painted by Lady Frieda Harris
