Individuals born just before the Sun enters a new sign are hybrids who often identify with the traits of two different signs. These people often seem to have a personality that's at odds with itself. Those born on the Leo-Virgo cusp are a curious mix of extrovert and introvert. They combine Leo's fiery showmanship with Virgo's earthy reserve.
The Leo-Virgo Cusp Dates
If you're a Leo born from approximately August 19 through 22, you were likely born on the Leo-Virgo cusp. However, to be sure, you'll need to calculate your birth chart. If your calculated birth chart shows the Sun is on the 27th, 28th, or 29th degree of Leo, you were definitely born on the Leo-Virgo cusp.
The Leo-Virgo Cusp: The Cusp of Exposure
The Cusp of Exposure is where Leo's desire to take center stage is held back by Virgo's reserved, highly observant, and perfectionist tendencies. Creating balance and harmony between the two very different desires is not easy. However, at their best those born on the Leo-Virgo cusp are eager to take the lead and are hard workers with lofty ambitions and a go-getter attitude.
Planetary Influences
Those born on this cusp are influenced by the Sun, Leo's ruling planet, and Mercury, Virgo's ruling planet. Like the Sun, they're big and bright, and like Mercury, they're also able to process, think, and dig into the smallest details. These folks have two strong forces encouraging them to act big and think hard. They were also born in Leo's last decan, which is the Aries decan ruled by Mars. This adds a fighting spirit to Leo-Virgo's innate nature.
The Fire and Earth Elements
Leo-Virgos have the passion and intensity of a Fire sign (Leo) and the patience and durability of an Earth sign (Virgo). These two elements can be a tricky blend. Earth and fire can create a cozy campfire or a volcanic eruption. However, Leo's fire and Virgo's earth gives these individuals the ability to take the lead and seeing things through to the end, while being more cautious and practical about what they initiate. Those born on the Leo-Virgo cusp have fiery and excited energy within that Virgo grounds and directs.
Leo-Virgo Cusp Personality Traits
This cusp creates Leos who are uncharacteristically reserved, aloof, and serious-minded. These are Leos who tend to:
- Vacillate between being the life of the party and being silent and observant
- Be showy but likable, because they have an air of modesty that makes them approachable
- Gain energy from interaction with people and social situations, but often prefer solitary activities in quiet places
- Be observant and creative
- Be courageous but cautious
- Appear to be confident even while experiencing periods of self-doubt and worry
Leo-Virgo Cusp Strengths
If those born on the Leo-Virgo cusp can bring the best of both Leo and Virgo together, they can be inspired individuals who possess a winning combination of passion and dedication. Leo-Virgo cusp strengths include:
- Warm and friendly but self-contained
- Responsible leadership qualities
- Protective and observant
- Generous and altruistic
- Passionate and devoted
Leo-Virgo at Their Best
At their best, individuals born on the Leo-Virgo cusp are charismatic and great at working with people to solve problems. They are persuasive, have very high standards for themselves and others, and always seem to know the right thing to say.
Leo-Virgo at Their Worst
Of course, those born on this cusp might bring the worst of Leo and Virgo together. In that case, they can be egotistical perfectionists who are selfish, self-protective, manipulative, overbearing, controlling, and are sure they are always right.
Leo-Virgo Cusps and Romance
When it comes to romantic relationships, keep in mind that Leo is the sign of the heart while Virgo is the humble servant's sign. Leo-Virgos make passionate and devoted lovers and helpmates. They speak the language of love and understand all the small details and nuances that keep a romance vibrant and alive.
Leo-Virgo Cusp Compatibility
Although another fire sign can match the Leo-Virgo's energy and drive. A Virgo might just be the best match for this Leo. Virgos are adaptable and can give Leo the attention they crave and, at the same time, help them embrace their more reserved, thoughtful, and perfectionist tendencies.
Famous Individuals Born on the Leo-Virgo Cusp
Three famous Leos born on the Leo-Virgo cusp include the following:
- Tori Amos was born on August 22, 1963, with her Sun at 28'55" Leo.
- Wilt Chamberlain was born on August 21, 1936, with his Sun at 28'50" Leo.
- Kenny Rogers was born on August 21, 1938, with his Sun at 27' 56" Leo.
The Progressed Sun
The progressed Sun can explain the logic behind cusps. From the day of your birth, your progressed Sun moves forward one degree each year. If you are born with a Leo Sun on the verge of entering Virgo, it will progress into Virgo by the time you were 1, 2, or 3 years old. This means you'll spend the next 30 years of your life combining Virgo traits into your evolving Leo personality.
Are Cusps Important?
Some astrologers believe cusps are important- others don't. Still, others think those born on the first three degrees of a sign are also born on the cusp. However, related to astrology's decans, being born at the beginning of Virgo is different from being born on Leo's last degrees. Additionally, Virgo's ruler, Mercury, is never far from the Sun, and it makes a difference if Mercury is in Cancer, Leo, or Virgo. Yes, Astrology is complex.
