Every year, between (roughly) July 23rd, and August 21st, the Sun moves through the sign of Leo. In Western astrology*, the Sun's apparent path around the Earth is divided into 12 equal parts - the signs of the zodiac.

Leo is considered to be the fifth sign of the zodiac. Leo belongs to the Fire group of signs: it also belongs to the Fixed group.

So what does this mean?

The twelve signs have different mission statements. Leo simply wishes to radiate and to bring happiness. Developing creativity is high on their personal agenda - as is having fun and bringing fun. Your Leo baby instinctively knows that life cannot exist without the Sun and wants their particular light to bring you as much joy and pleasure as possible. They want to be the centre of your world and use all possible powers of persuasion to ensure that they are. Your Leo baby is likely to be an early smiler and to giggle early.

Just how good your Leo baby is at getting what it needs will depend on the position of the Moon and the other planets at birth. These factors will help determine the degree to which your Leo baby will fulfil his of her ambitions.

You can help:

Recognising that your Leo baby needs to experience being in the centre of the world means they need your full - and happy - attention. He or she will need to feel the warmth of the Sun too - so walks (carefully shaded to protect!) boost their feel good factor. He or she will like sunny shades of colour too: don't be surprised if they aim for the golden ball in the toy box as soon as they start to crawl. Yes, Leos have an unerring knack of going for the most expensive items. When you laugh at their happy knack, they know they're on a winner. It won't be long before he or she is putting on a little act for you.

Leo is one of the Fire signs of the zodiac and your little Leo will want to react quickly to stimuli (though how good they are at this will depend on the position of the Moon at birth). If they're rather too quick and go-getting, then part of your role may be to teach them about danger and to count to 10 before they take action. Leos need to be encouraged to take time to think.

Leo is also one of the Fixed group of signs. As the word implies, Leos like to know where they stand. Your Leo baby is likely to grow into an adult of integrity and to show great loyalty and generosity to friends and family. He or she won't like being proved wrong about anything and part of your role will be to teach the fine art of saying sorry and acknowledging when they've got something wrong.

The blend of Fire and Fixed qualities results in a happy mix of enthusiasm and staying power, which is perhaps why some Leos are such fine actors and musicians: they harness natural talent with staying power. They rarely deliver less than their best - unless - they feel unappreciated: in which case, a sulk can take hold.

Encouraging a sense of humour, the ability to laugh at themselves and doing all this with lashings of praise should ensure your baby develops their talents and results in you being 100% proud of them - which is exactly what they want you to be.