Date- September 23 – October 22
Symbol- The Scales Mode +
Element- Cardinal Air
Planet- Venus
House- Seventh Mantra- I
Relate Body Parts- Lower Back & Kidneys
Colors- Ivory, Pink, & Light Blue TT
Libra is the seventh sign of the zodiac, and it’s at this point in the zodiac that we start to see a shift. While the first six signs of the zodiac focus on the individual, the last six focus on the individual’s contact with others and with the world. The Libra zodiac sign is first and foremost focused on others and how they relate to them. We can call this the sign of Partnership with a capital ‘P’ because these folks do not want to be alone! For a Libra, everything is better if it’s done as a pair. Libras are good when paired up, too, since they epitomize balance, harmony, and a sense of fair play. While they are true team players at work, their favorite partnership is at home: marriage. Libras feel most complete when they are coupled up with their lover, forever.
Symbolism The Libra zodiac symbol is the Scales, named for the stellar constellation this sign was corresponded to by the astrologers of the old world. The astrological symbol of the Scales is associated with the goddess Themis, who ruled over justice and the law. She was said to be the daughter of Uranus and Gaia and has connections to Venus and Aphrodite in Greek and Roman myth. When Themis was placed in the heavens as a stellar constellation, she originally spanned two zodiac signs, with what we call Virgo comprising her body, and her scales of justice forming the sign fi.
Element, Mode & Season
Fall In the western tropical zodiac, the Libra season begins at the Autumn Equinox, representing the “fall” in the Northern Hemisphere into the phase of the year when solar light will begin to diminish toward the Winter Solstice. Libra season begins on September 23 and ends on October 22. The Libra archetype is one of balance, equanimity, and equality, which is symbolized in the day of Autumn Equinox holding an equal measure of daylight, and nightfall.
Cardinal Mode Libra is the third of the four cardinal signs of the zodiac, which all hold elemental, initiatory energy that marks the beginning of the four seasons. Libra begins Autumn, the source of the Scales’ affinity for taking leadership in diplomacy and social justice.
Air Libra's element is air: a light, dispersive element, thought by ancient astrologers to be an expression of matter that represents formlessness, adaptability, and dissolution. Libra’s affinity for ease in supporting social connections and exploring the world with grace and poise are akin to the active, flowing air element.
Venus In astrology, Venus is the planetary ruler of both Libra and Taurus. Libra was thought to be the day, or diurnal home of Venus, while Venus found a nocturnal home in earthy and abundant Taurus. The Zodiac Sign up Log in In Libra, Venus has full affinity and potency in the harmonious archetype of this sign, being able to be as peaceful, diplomatic, and loving as a planetary force as she likes to be. Venus in Libra is found in the charts of elegant, graceful, and sociable people, that have a natural affinity for negotiating and expressing an artistic flair.
Saturn In classical astrology, Saturn, the planet of duty and discipline, is thought to be exalted in Libra, whose fair, equanimous, and peaceable qualities blend well with Saturn’s stoic, discerning nature. This can be present in the lives of those with Saturn in Libra in their birth charts as people who tend to be balanced and measured when it comes to expressing the Saturnian qualities of perseverance and good judgment. The theme of taking a calm, moderating role, and acting as a law-abiding authority may emerge in their lives.
Mars Libra is in polarity with the cardinal fire sign Aries. Ruled by Mars, Aries likes to confront and conquer, whereas Venusruled Libra likes to connect and keep the peace. Mars, when in the opposite sign of his preferred home, is said to be at detriment, or at a sort of disadvantage in this sign. Instead of having his typical weapons and armor at his disposal, imagine the planetary god of war and conflict in beautiful, refined surroundings. Mars would have to make do and compensate, presenting in the lives of those born with Mars in Libra the theme of needing to work against an overly compromising and conciliatory nature to express necessary anger at times. Mars in Libra natives may have difficulty with confrontation, preferring to avoid it and solve disputes in more diplomatic ways. This could have mixed results, depending on the circumstances. The warrior planet in the sign of the scales of justice could also indicate a person who fights for social causes, where they discover how to tap into their passions through advocating for others who are disempowered by society’s inequalities.
Sun In the Thema Mundi, the ancient birth chart of the world, Cancer was rising, positioning Libra on the subterranean angle of the chart. This is the place where the sun is anti-culminating, the opposite of the sun’s exaltation in Aries. As a result, the sun is said to be in its “fall” In Libra, where it’s solar power and potency is in a lower, symbolically diminished state. Those born with the sun in Libra may have to work on putting themselves first in life and guard against letting others “outshine” them in relationships. Though naturally peaceful and compromising, those with their sun in this sign will need to care for their vitality and make sure not to spread their energies too thin when helping others.
Seventh House In the modern astrology system of the Twelve Letter Alphabet, each zodiac sign rules one of the twelve houses in the birth chart. This innovation was created by psychological astrologers to match sign affinities to related house topics. Libra was assigned the seventh house of relationships since its balanced, relational energy was similar to the way the seventh house in the birth chart indicates how we form partnerships. Since Libra is ruled by Venus, this modern Zodiac in the astrology system invites a Venusian sub-signature to the significations of the seventh house.
Fifth House In classical astrology, Libra’s planetary ruler Venus was said to find her “joy” in the fifth house of “good fortune,” which includes sex, beauty, the arts, and life’s pleasures. This is related to Venus classically being considered one of the more helpful, or “benefic” planets in astrology, responsible for gifts, luck, and inspiring artistic abilities. Since the fifth house has a connection to romance, children, and anything fortunate that can come our way in life, Venus is able to “joyfully” express her more welcome offerings here. Placed in the house of “good fortune,” Venus is lucky and gets an extra boost.
Personality Libra’s archetypal traits are derived from its active, masculine, or yang qualities, making this sign oriented toward engagement with the outer world. Alive in both a Libra woman or Libra man, those born with the planet of love as their rising, sun, or moon sign have equanimous energy in their core personality. As a cardinal air sign, Libra holds the qualities of social initiation and leadership. This makes those with Libra prominent in their charts great at pioneering social projects and gatherings, and naturals at unifying their team, family, or community. Natives from this sign can be thought of as “the diplomats” of the zodiac, acting as active mediators and negotiators in any crisis or challenge. Being ruled by the planet of pleasure and attraction, Libra is usually quick to forgive and eager to smooth out differences so that everyone can get back to enjoying the finer aspects of life.
Strengths
Libra’s great strengths can be found in their ability to embody Venus’ loving, healing, and balancing traits. These folks will likely have the ability to put others first for the sake of everyone’s comfort and well-being. They are great communicators and listeners, fairly weighing all sides of an argument and another’s the point of view. Those born under the sign of the scales are very inclusive and can be sensitive when others feel alienated. These folks will work to bring anyone disenfranchised back into the fold. There is a natural orientation toward seeking justice and fairness in society, through the law or spoken agreements. Libras are likely to not hold grudges, as it can take a lot to rouse and sustain their anger. Being very Venusian, they typically assume the best intentions in others and give most people many chances to redeem themselves. In addition to these folks’ great relational strengths, there are also their keen aesthetic sensibilities to consider. Not only will this make sun sign Librans very creative, but it will also make them attuned to the subtleties of atmosphere and harmonious environments. They are naturally curious about how the aesthetics of our adornments and surroundings can set the tone for our well-being and social interactions. Keeping the peace and maintaining poise, grace, and charm are strengths that can be relied on by these natives.
Weaknesses
Some sources of weakness or potential blind spots in the Libra archetype are the flip side of all of their great strengths. Librans have the opposite challenge that their polar Aries counterparts have. Where Aries is challenged to make their fierce, individually focused natures more relational, Libra is at times challenged to adapt their naturally conciliatory and differential natures to be more self-focused. Since the sun is in its “fall” in Libra, it symbolizes a potential pitfall in these natives taking form in not elevating, radiating, or valuing themselves enough at times. Often, for the sake of peacekeeping, they will not express their anger or discomfort, but if they are not careful, this can lead to suppressed emotions that can solidify into resentment. Later on, this resentment may come out in unusual ways, as Libra’s Venusian tendency to focus only on the good and pleasant will put their more uncomfortable feelings off of their radar. Librans may soothe their resentments by hiding in pleasures and indulgences, rather than put someone on the spot with their grievances. Another way that Libra’s blind spots can manifest is in their generosity leading them to overcommit, as they hate to say no and let anyone down. This can lead to their solar reserves getting depleted and spread too thin. Again, they must permit themselves to indulge in a little therapeutic “selfishness” at times for their own well-being. The classic Libra indecisiveness, while rooted in an ability to weigh all sides, can thwart this sign’s ability to make choices. In wanting to be inclusive, they find it difficult to discriminate, yet there will be times when they need to commit to a path and accept this will sacrifice other options. Libra’s love of beauty and refinement may have to be measured with soulfulness, and earthiness, allowing them to play in the muck of life so that they do not come across as aloof or snobby. Libran children will be well nurtured if they are reminded that they are worthy of love as they are, and do not have to give their friends gifts to “pay them back” for their love and support.
Mantra The invitation to connect comes forward in the Libra mantra: I relate. Libra’s sense of purpose is all about making social and creative connections. Libras are the diplomats, moving forward into society to uphold love, justice, beauty, and truth for all. We all have Libra somewhere in our birth chart, so we can look to the house that Libra rules to find the specific area of life we approach in a balanced way, or where we need to call in the Scales of persuasive Venusian energy for mastery. Libran people tend to be drawn to any pursuit where they are initiating a social or artistic movement of some kind, that is inclusive and accessible to a diverse population. Law, diplomacy, philanthropy, and artistry, all provide Libra an outlet for their aesthetic and egalitarian tendencies.
Work Libra’s natural relational abilities make them uniquely suited for professions where they need to work with others, and to advocate for the less fortunate. Their careers need to have some dynamic of mending, repairing, beautifying, or negotiating to be fulfilling. This could manifest in many professions, but likely will not be found in staid, solo-type jobs that require this sign to work in isolation.
Like all the air signs, Libra needs novelty, activity, movement, and space, so will not be content for long in the same location, unless of course, that location is a beautiful place, full of interesting people! If they are required to do isolated, routine-type work, they can remedy this by decorating their workspace with art and beauty, and by infusing their atmosphere with music and fragrance to promote inspiration and calm. Since Libra is ruled by Venus, the planet of luxury and beauty, a natural career fit could potentially be found in the many facets of the artistic or beauty industries. Any way that a Libra can beautify and improve the lives and surroundings of others will likely be most fulfilling. As art appreciators and artists themselves, Libras know that beauty can inspire people, and they enjoy expressing ideas through many mediums. You can find many of them behind the camera in photography or filmmaking. They could also be great illustrators, painters, or interior designers. Image-conscious Libras can be found in fashion design, either as the creators, or the models of beautiful clothing. Natives from this sign will also make wonderful hairstylists or make-up artists, taking pleasure in supporting the wellbeing of their clients. In these fields, the opportunity to be a supportive listener and counselor will likely come up when they collaborate with their clients to express their own inner beauty and truth. Those born under the sign of the scales will be drawn to work in justice and the law. Libra is the exaltation of Saturn, the planet of sound judgment, so Librans may make good lawyers and judges, being able to weigh all factors with objectivity and balance. Venus-ruled Libra loves to facilitate understanding, and so can be well-suited to meditating, or negotiating roles. Their sweetness, calmness, and poise inspire trust and helps those who are seeking a resolution feel more at ease, respected, and understood. With the planet of love as their guide, partnership dynamics will be of interest to Libra, making them excellent marriage and relationship counselors. Their mediating and listening skills will be a key assets to help lovers sort out their differences.
Since social justice and society as a whole is a prime Libran concern, we often find those born under the sign of the Scales involved in the world of politics. They take to social leadership naturally and would make impressive diplomats or ambassadors when representing the affairs of their community, nation, and on the world stage. In general, Libra as an archetype supports those who are suited for management roles, since they are likely to have well-adapted interpersonal and leadership skills. You may find Libra managing companies, large and small, or working in the human resources department of large firms. Libra’s management and conversational skills will make them natural in sales of all kinds, as ambassadors of products or services they believe in.
Compatibility When exploring overall compatibility in astrology, it’s important to take more than the sun sign into consideration, as the rising sign, moon, and other planetary cross-connections will tell the whole story in relationships. That being said, Libra natives will tend to blend best with fire signs and air signs; and may need to work harder on relationships with water signs and earth signs.
Constitution The Zodiac Sign up Log in In medical astrology, there were four temperaments that were connected to four vital fluids and four essential constitution types. Libra is associated with the sanguine temperament, which was thought to be hot and moist, and connected to the blood. The sanguine constitution was considered to be naturally healthy and resilient, being connected to the youthful phase of life, and the Spring season. Sanguine folks typically have a cheery disposition, lean body shapes, and are naturally energetic. Apart from Libran imbalances related to impurities in their food and drink, or depleted energy from overwork, this constitution type may not experience many health challenges until their later years. At this time, issues related to blood pressure or blood stagnation may arise when the naturally high sanguine metabolism starts to slow down.
Body Parts In classical astrological medicine, the entire zodiac was mapped out on the human body, with Libra ruling over the lower back. Internally, Libra rulership extends to the kidneys and the adrenal glands, which are linked to healthy energetic, and eliminatory functions. Emotionally, Librans may “carry” the concerns of others in their mediating and peacekeeping efforts, which can materialize somatically in lower back pain and tension. Being born under the “fall” of the sun, these folks need to protect their solar vitality, which means not overcommitting and dissipating their energy reserves. This kind of strain and depletion can drain their adrenal glands and put stress on their kidney’s eliminatory functions. Those born with Libra rising, especially, will need to manage their energy and maintain balance in their lives.
Herbal Allies ° Marshmallow Root- Marshmallow Root is a classic herb that is associated with Libra’s planetary ruler, Venus. It is mucilaginous and demulcent, meaning that it is soothing and moistening to internal tissues. It is especially supportive of the urinary tract and the kidneys, a very important body system for Libra. Marshmallow root helps support the eliminatory and filtering functions of the kidneys and repairs any irritations. It also can help lubricate blockages- and is useful in helping to ease out kidney stones, or impurities in the urinary tract. Moistening and refreshing, Marshmallow root can help heal and restore an overworked and dehydrated system. ° Mugwort- Mugwort has many healing powers, including assistance with women’s menstrual cycles; another important Venus association. Mugwort tea and tincture have a warming quality to help increase circulation and soothe abdominal cramping. Its analgesic qualities make mugwort oil helpful to soothe sore muscles and pain, which is the reason why it was placed in the sandals of
Roman soldiers as well as in the shoes of travelers on long pilgrimages in the Middle Ages. It has long been considered a magical plant, worn for protection to ward off evil spirits as well as inducing vivid dreams for spiritual insight. In Chinese medicine, Mugwort is used in moxibustion to clear energetic blockages in the body’s meridians. ° Damask Rose- Damask Rose, with its beautiful color, elegant bloom, and sweet fragrance, is a prime Venusian plant. It has many uses, from inspiring affection in the form of a bouquet to soothing and restoring dry, irritated skin in beauty remedies.
Source
https://www.quotev.com/story/13897137/The-Zodiac/7