Zodiac SAL - Leo

Welcome to the  Zodiac SAL.  I will be posting on the first Saturday of each month with information about that month's sign and a linky for anyone who wants to join in.  The linky will stay open until the end of the month.

Last month we had two people link up with me, please do visit them now if you missed their posts before:

Jocondine

Leonore

Where were you, Tiffstitches?

Leo, the Lion, is a Fire sign ruled by the Sun and covers those born between 23rd July and 22nd August.

Leo constellation by June Bug & Darlin'

In Babylonian astronomy, the constellation was called UR.GU.LA, the "Great Lion"; the bright star Regulus was known as "the star that stands at the Lion's breast."  Regulus also had distinctly regal associations, as it was known as the King Star.

In Greek mythology, Leo was identified as the Nemean Lion which was killed by Heracles (Hercules to the Romans) during the first of his twelve labours.  The Nemean Lion would take women as hostages to its lair in a cave, luring warriors from nearby towns to save the damsel in distress, to their misfortune.  The Lion was impervious to any weaponry; thus, the warriors' clubs, swords, and spears were rendered useless against it.  Realizing that he must defeat the Lion with his bare hands, Hercules slipped into the Lion's cave and engaged it at close quarters.  When the Lion pounced, Hercules caught it in midair, one hand grasping the Lion's forelegs and the other its hind legs, and bent it backwards, breaking its back and freeing the trapped maidens.  Zeus commemorated this labour by placing the Lion in the sky.

Source: Wikipedia - Leo (Constellation)

Leo by Josephine Wall for HAED

Leo People: What They’re Like
Leos are entertainers at heart: they know how to spin a story, belt a tune and to get others hyped up around them. Warm-hearted and authentic, Leos can offer great strength and heroism in the face of adversity, pouncing upon obstacles with their prowess and determination to be Number One. You can often find them going to the theater—or starring in a production themselves!—and taking endless photos and videos. Wooing them romantically means pulling out all the stops. Treat Leo to luxe but meaningful gifts, oversized roses, lavish dates, and they might just decide to pounce on YOU! Sometimes their energy can be too dramatic or overbearing. But if you’re willing to adore your Leo—paws, flaws, and all—you’ll be rewarded richly with their worshipful devotion and affection. That said, some Leos can fall more into the “ice queen/king” realm of their royal family. These haughty and aloof Lions who can be self-centered and even elitist. They must work to open their hearts, giving rather than just taking. Sure having all the toys feels good for a moment. But they may learn the hard way that it can be lonely at the top!

Source: Astrostyle - Leo

Leo by Illustrated Ink for Gecko Rouge

Famous Leo People & Celebrities:

Madonna, Jennifer Lopez, J.K. Rowling. Kylie Jenner, Barack Obama, Demi Lovato, Halle Berry, Mila Kunis, Robert DeNiro, Robert Redford, Jennifer Lawrence, Cara Delevingne, Daniel Radcliffe, Tom Brady, Anna Kendrick, Joe Jonas, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Chris Hemsworth, Whitney Houston, Charlize Theron, Jennifer Lawrence, Bill Clinton, Aldous Huxley, Yves Saint-Laurent, Coco Chanel, Michael Kors, Domenico Dolce

There are loads of different Harry Potter themed cross stitch for J.K so I decided to go for Madonna with this array of costumes she has worn.  Which Madonna is your era?

Madonna by Amazing Cross Stitch

I also found a great Barack Obama design which Subversive Cross Stitch gave as a freebie with orders.  Here's a link to someone who has stitched it:

I Hope this is Good - blog

For the stitching part of the SAL I have chosen a series of designs from the Donna Kooler book 365 Tiny Cross Stitch Designs. I am stitching them all on one piece of 32 count Millenium Blue fabric. Here is Leo:

I am not going to show the whole piece as I am so close to finishing, you'll have to wait until next month!

My Nana was a Leo and I stitched two pieces for her and my Grandad when they were alive.  I inherited both pieces back and display them as part of my seasonal rotation.  I showed Home Sweet Home for my Grandad's star sign so here is their Wedding Anniversary sampler:

I love all the little embellishments in this for each anniversary.  Not sure who the designer is, it was in a stitching magazine.

So, let's hand over to you! This is the place for you to link up if you want to join in, please link to the actual blog post, not your blog homepage and include your name so we can see who has joined in.

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Finally, next month is the final month of the Zodiac SAL.  I hope you have enjoyed each month and learned a little bit about each star sign.  Some of them were very accurate and some were completely unrecognisable according to the comments left.  We have got the best saved until last - next month we learn all about MY star sign.  Then after that I have a plan for the next Saturday SAL.  So stay tuned for that announcement.