Leo and Aquarius Love Compatibility

These astrological socialites are polar opposites, yet strike a good balance

Couple on a beach at sunset clinking glasses together.

 Lost Horizon Images / Getty Images

Leo and Aquarius have a magnetic attraction that begins with ultra light, friendly flirtation. The Waterbearer has a glam, aloof side, but with social ease that's like a glass of sparkling water to the Lion. The warmth of Leo brings out the best in Aquarius -- both have a tendency to be eternal optimists. The glass of bubbly is half-full for this love match.

Though openly affectionate, the Lion is intrigued by the remote cool of the Waterbearer. Aquarius is charmed by the Sun-ruled Leo's big personality and highly developed sense of personal style. Both have an aura of self-containment that makes them a sought-after pair. They want to look good and are often trendsetters in their circles. They'll enjoy going to the hotspots to mingle with cultured, fun-loving people.

They're supportive of career ambitions, understanding the need to single-mindedly follow inspiration. As fixed signs, they dig into their chosen fields and can feel anchored together in their respective pursuits. As a polarity on the Zodiacal wheel, they prove that opposites attract, with huge growth potential for the effort.

Leo in love is demanding, sometimes jealous and playful, while Aquarius in love is hot and cold, private and very social -- in a word, an enigma.

Polar Opposites

Keep in mind that Leo and Aquarius are on either side of the Zodiac wheel. That means there's a potential to grow together -- as Zodiac opposites -- or to experience extremes as the pendulum swings wildly to either side. A big difference has to do with the experience of the Self. 

Leo's sole purpose is to celebrate the Self and express its uniqueness through personal creativity. Aquarius, on the other hand, has a persona woven into the collective, and always sees through the vision of "all of us." They offer each other the view from the other side -- Leo sees its part in the whole, and Aquarius sees its uniqueness as an individual.

When the light is just right, these are complementary. But Leo could find Aquarius too remote, and not showing enough respect for the unique individual that he or she is. And Aquarius could decide that Leo is all "Me, Me, Me" and deem that a low vibe that's exhausting to be around.

Growing Together

And yet, Aqua shows Leo how to place life goals within a bigger frame. They show the in-the-moment Lion how to forecast into the future, and take risks on the new and experimental. Leo brings Aqua into the personal and shines a light on what makes him or her one-of-a-kind. This attention is soul food for Aquarius, who often is following the beat of their own drum....without a cheering section. Each has something to offer the other that's priceless -- encouragement to fulfill their full potential.

Both are proud and can be dogmatic in their opinions. There are problems when neither can compromise on make-or-break relationship issues. Even the day-to-day chores become sticking points since Aquarius gets lost in their own world, and Leo won't abide by behavior that hints of disrespect. Aquarius will have to learn to show up on time, too, since Leo won't be kept waiting for long.

Freedom and Loyalty

One thing to consider here is fidelity. The freedom loving Aquarian is known to have a secret life, including -- gasp -- other lovers. Some Aquarians feel that certain things are none of anyone's business, even to those closest to them. This can lead to major heartbreak for the proud Lion. A remedy is to look with eyes open, and if commitment and/or monogamy is important to you, make that crystal clear.

The struggles between Leo and Aquarius, from experiencing life so differently, can lead to a lifetime of growth. The growth is toward each other, through the art of compromise and balance. They're both full of compassion, and as a pair, have a big impact on those around them. They thrive together when each feels part of something committed and out-of-the-ordinary, but also feel the freedom to fulfill their dreams.

Upside: Honest; spontaneous; a balance of super personal and universal; friend magnets; adventurous; avant guard; artistic; never a dull moment. 

Downside: Jealousy and suspicion; privacy vs sharing everything openly; pride and stubbornness with opinions; harsh communication.

Element and Quality: Fixed Fire and Fixed Air