Read This Before You Ask Out a Leo Woman

Astrology can help us understand more about ourselves and the people we love/date/hopelessly crush on—no matter their gender. For more deets on Leo compatibility, check out our guide to dating a Leo man and our gender-neutral guide to dating a Leo.

Whoa, you must have guts and stamina if you’re going after a Leo woman! They are one of the top-tier signs of the zodiac. Just as our solar system revolves around the Sun (aka Leo's planetary ruler), so the world revolves around Leos. If you’re interested in a lion babe, it’s important that you carry yourself with a certain swagger. You don’t have to outdo yourself like an overly competitive peacock, though you do have to carry yourself with a special je ne sais quoi (or be proactive in learning how to stand out).

A Leo woman demands a partner who she can shine brightly with. If you fall too far into the shadows or carry yourself without grace, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to maintain her affection in the long run. Leo women tend to like receiving attention—they're impossible to overlook! They are natural stunnas whose personas are able to withstand the tests of time. Struggling to envision a Leo woman's energy? Classic examples include Dorothy Dandridge, Nancy Sinatra, Jennifer Lopez, Selena Gomez, and Zoe Saldana.

Birthday: July 23 to August 22

Modality: Fixed

Element: Fire

Represented by: The lion

Tarot card: Strength

Best crystals: Peridot, amber, tourmaline, jasper, turquoise

Keywords: Commutative, messenger, experimental, creative, free-spirited

Best traits: Creative, confident, generous, caring, loyal

Worst traits: Self-centered, frivolous, overdramatic

Love anthem: "Treat Me Like Fire" by Lion Babe

Famous Leo women: Jennifer Lopez, Meghan Markle, Viola Davis, Jennifer Lawrence, Mila Kunis, Halle Berry, Cara Delevingne, Madonna, Selena Gomez, Zoe Saldana, Kylie Jenner, Sandra Bullock, Maya Rudolph, Joey King, Greta Gerwig, Charli xcx, Phoebe Bridgers

A Leo woman is incredibly creative, generous, loyal, and loving. She's a star who shines wherever she goes, and her glow encompasses you, too. You always feel like you're part of a power couple when you're with her. Leo women are the lionesses of the zodiac. If you know anything about lions, you know it's the lionesses of the pack that actually run things. Just like their feline counterparts, Leo women take it upon themselves to be the leaders, protectors, and providers of their pack. They're extremely loyal and will fight tirelessly for the people they care about.

It's a stereotype about Leos, but it's kinda true: They can be just a little bit self-centered, and a little bit ~dramatic~. And you definitely don’t get to be on a Leo woman’s bad side. They're very strong-willed and confident in their approach, even when they're in the wrong. Don’t expect them to back down from a battle, because as I mentioned, they're a fixed fire sign—meaning you’ll be fighting fire if you try to change their opinion!

Leo and Sagittarius

Fellow fire sign Sagittarius challenges Leo women to explore and go explore. These two make an adventurous couple who's always jet-setting and trying new things.

Leo and Aquarius

On the other hand, an Aquarius helps Leo women see life from a different perspectives. This intellectual air sign stimulates Leo's mind. Aquarius is also no stranger to being unconventional, encouraging Leo women to let loose and enjoy life.

Leo and Leo

Talk about a power couple! Who gets a Leo like another Leo? These two are made for the spotlight!

Leo Compatibility: The worst matches for a Leo woman

Leo and Virgo

Leo cannot do introverts, it literally bores them to death—sorry Virgo, not everyone appreciates how you hermit! Virgo's love language of service can feel annoying and even offensive to a Leo.

Leo and Gemini

I also wouldn’t recommend Gemini for a romantic relationship with a Leo woman. While they can play off each other’s energy, Leos aren’t appreciative of Gemini’s white lies and changeability.

Leo and Cancer

Leo women are hustlers, and they absolutely need someone who can keep up. Cancers may play things a bit too safe, and unless a Leo woman is trying to be smothered, her mane might not appreciate all Cancer’s petting.

With a Leo, sex is an adventure and a learning experience, if you’re doing it right. There's nothing like a Leo woman seductively growling at you. While she is a human who carries herself with a sense of pride, when the lights go off and she’s able to let her mane down, her inner animal comes out. You can expect a willingness to explore and experiment in the bedroom, but be warned that she may have a power-bottom streak. Meaning that if you’re not making the hairs on her tail perk up, then you won’t be receiving a trophy in her book.

When you and your Leo woman commit to each other, expect endless adventures and odd conversations. They 're very smart people who enjoy making observations about the world and take pleasure in learning. Have patience with them: They may ramble on endlessly about whatever they’re presently passionate about, but that just means that they like you and feel comfortable talking to you.

Oh, BTW, you won’t have to worry too much about if a Leo woman likes you or not. It’s actually quite simple: If she’s giving you attention, she’s at least tolerating you. If she’s smiling and making time for you, she likes you. If she’s going above and beyond to make you happy and she always makes you feel like she’s on your side, congrats, she loves you.

Leo women were made to enjoy life, to be the fullest versions of themselves. Sass and all! There are different levels of dates that you whip out different ideas for, and a first date will set the initial tone that you’ll have moving throughout your relationship. A first date with Leo shouldn’t be treated like a chore. Your Leo lover will be sure to keep an open mind—just don’t skimp on quality. Leos are amazing significant others because they pay attention. Which means you probably should save your pennies and make sure that your first date is impressive and sustainable. This doesn’t mean you need to take them to a Michelin star restaurant, especially if you can’t afford it. Going to the grocery store and carefully picking out items for a picnic will be perfectly fine, especially if you put effort into making sure each detail is immaculate—maybe ask your Virgo friend for help!

While a Leo woman tends to have a wide circle of admirers, those who make it to her inner circle see a whole different side of her. She's incredibly loyal and caring towards her loved ones, even protective. She has the best advice on how to make you stand out, whether it comes to your going-out lewk or the slideshow you're presenting at work; she just pays attention like that. While everyone has fun with a Leo woman, her closest friends get to see her more sensitive, caring side as well.

A Leo woman is the star of the workplace in some way. She might be your boss, or she might be the designer who puts together eye-catching displays that could seriously be framed and hung in a museum, she might be the HR rep who knows how to smooth over every disagreement, or she might be the ambitious new hire who's just starting out their career but already has big plans and bigger dreams. Whatever her role is, she excels at it.

A Leo woman's home reflects her artistic side and her many interests. Expect bright colors, comfy materials, and unique art pieces. Her place might be a little messy, but it's not dirty—just disheveled. She adorns her place with mementos of her travels and relationships, like a framed photo of her family or best friends, or art on the fridge from her nieces and nephews.

When choosing a gift for a Leo woman, you can go one of three ways. First, you can choose something bold and attention-grabbing to speak to her love of the spotlight, like a piece of jewelry or a designer bag. Second, you can choose something incredibly personalized to speak to her caring heart, like a framed photo of the first pic you took together or a monogramed notebook for all her doodles. Third, you can choose an ~experience~ that you two can take together (and document for the 'gram), like a weekend trip or a cocktail-making class.

Try not to let a Leo woman's powerful exterior deceive you—just like kittens, Leo women can be extremely delicate. They may not show you their tears, unless they're also raising their voice while they're crying. It’s important to understand that what we may not everything that's present, and we do not always see emotions. Be careful with Leo women—check in with them and be mindful of their feelings. Many of them need to learn how to ask for help. They will work tirelessly for their loved ones, but hesitate to move their lips to ask for what they need.

In some cases, you'll have to anticipate your Leo's needs or learn how to pick up on their clues. When they do ask for a gift or service, they can be very charming. It may not be clear why they need a particular thing or why they want you to participate in a particular activity, but try to trust that they are telling you how you can speak their love language.

If a Leo woman lets you meet her family, trust and believe that they actually like you! Leo women tend to be a bit more private when it comes to family and their home life. They have to protect their pack, so they aren’t just letting anybody meet their parents, siblings, or children! You have to be very special to them before they begin to let you in.

Monisha Holmes

Astrologer

Monisha “Six” Holmes is an astrologer and Master of Social Work (MSW) who covers love, relationships, and wellness. She earned her MSW at Columbia University, where she specialized in contemporary social issues. Aside from writing, Monisha is the founder of Black Women Being, a media platform aimed at promoting wellness, spirituality, and justice.
Follow her on YouTube.

Erika W. Smith

Senior Astrology Editor

Erika W. Smith (she/her) is the current Senior Astrology Editor at Cosmopolitan. In her 4+ years at Cosmo, she's worked on everything from editing weekly horoscopes, to reporting on how astrology influences album release dates, to launching The Cosmo Tarot. Before joining Cosmopolitan in 2020, she worked at Refinery29, HelloGiggles, and BUST magazine. Her book series Astrosex: How to Have the Best Sex According to Your Star Sign was published in 2021. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @erikawynn.