The Lion · July 23 – August 22
August 17 Zodiac Sign
Born on August 17, you're a Leo — ruled by the Sun itself — radiant, generous and born to create.
Zodiac sign
Element · Modality
Fire · Fixed
Decan (third)
Mars-ruled
Birthstone
Peridot
Birth flower
Gladiolus
Season position
Day 26 of 31
What astrology says about a August 17 birthday
August 17 is day 26 of Leo season, so astrologers link it with the sign's core character: generous, creative, confident, warm-hearted. Traits astrologers commonly associate with Leo include natural creativity and flair for self-expression; confident leadership that motivates others; deep loyalty to friends and family.
A commonly cited growth area for Leo: a tendency to take over the spotlight. For the full picture of the sign, read the Leo guide.
3rd decan of Leo: Mars
Each sign is divided into three decans, 10° slices that the Sun crosses in about ten days each. August 17 falls in the third decan of Leo (about August 12–22), which the traditional Chaldean system assigns to Mars. Astrologers say that adds drive, courage and a direct approach.
Mars makes this stretch of the sign more assertive and action-minded — these are people who move first and think about the details on the way.
The number 17 in numerology
The 17 is associated with poise and self-command. Numerologists read 17th-of-the-month birthdays as analytical, dignified and good at long-range planning.
Numerology is a separate tradition from astrology and is offered here for interest.
August birthstone and flower
The modern birthstone for August is Peridot and the commonly listed birth flower is the gladiolus. August falls in late summer in the north and late winter in the south.
Leo love and compatibility
Leo loves in technicolour. Romance for them is about devotion, admiration and a little theatre — date nights that feel like events, heartfelt compliments and a partner who is proud to be seen with them.
Astrology is a symbolic tradition, not a science, and interpretations vary between astrologers. This page is for reflection and entertainment, not prediction or advice.
Beyond your August 17 Sun sign
Your Leo Sun is one planet. Your Moon, Rising sign and the exact Mars-ruled decan details live in your full natal chart. Get yours free on Skygram.
Get my free birth chartAugust 17 birthday FAQ
What zodiac sign is August 17?
August 17 falls in Leo, which runs from July 23 to August 22 in the tropical zodiac. The Sun changes sign at a slightly different moment each year, so the boundary can fall a day or so either side of these dates. If you were born close to the edge, your birth year, time and place decide it.
Is August 17 a cusp birthday?
Not by the usual definition, which counts the first and last couple of days of a sign. August 17 is day 26 of Leo season, so it is normally read as a clear Leo birthday.
Which decan is August 17?
August 17 is in the third decan of Leo (August 12–22). In the traditional Chaldean system this decan is ruled by Mars, which astrologers say adds its own flavour to Leo. Some modern astrologers assign decan rulers by element instead, which gives different planets, and decans are strictly 10° slices of the zodiac, so the date range is approximate.
What are the birthstone and flower for August?
The modern birthstone for August is Peridot and the birth flower is the gladiolus. These come from calendar tradition rather than astrology, and the lists vary by country and source.