Leo: Origins in Mythology

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From http://www.findyourfate.com/astrology/Leo.htm

To our ancestors, the qualities of the Lion were associated with rulership and divinity. For many cultures, the symbol of a lion served as a guardian. Lion figures stand fast against darkness and evil intent in the doorways of palaces, temples, and in the rituals of the Chinese New Year. It is not hard to recognize some of these same attributes in those born under the Sun sign of Leo.

In Greek mythology, the constellation of Leo is explained through the tale of Hercules and the Nemean lion. The creature had terrorized the countryside for years and all weapons were useless against it. Hercules was sent to kill the beast by Hera, who hated him as an illegitimate son of Zeus.

However, Hercules proved successful in defeating the Nemean Lion and even went so far as to make a cloak and helmut from the creature's hide. In honor of this great feat, Zeus set the form of the fearsome Lion in the night sky.