Libra

Libra is an Air Sign (along with Aquarius and Gemini). It is also one of the four cardinal signs (along with Aries, Cancer, and Capricorn). Its polar opposite is Aries. It is the domicile of Venus and the exaltation of Saturn. Each astrological sign is assigned a part of the body, viewed as the seat of its power. Libra rules the lower back and internal reproductive organs. The symbol for Libra is the Scales.

Mythology

The constellation, which had originally formed part of the claws of the scorpion (Scorpio), is the youngest of the Zodiac and the only one not to represent a living creature. In later Greek mythology it was considered to depict the scales held by Astraea (identified as Virgo), the goddess of justice.

Since Libra was originally part of Virgo (as scales), and before that part of Scorpio, it was not a distinct entity for which a zodiac sign was named. Its place may have been taken by BoÃ¶tes, which is the nearest to the ecliptic. Since the place BoÃ¶tes should have held on the ecliptic is vacant, it may have, together with Ursa Major, Draco, and Ursa Minor, also in Libra, led to the myth of the apples of the Hesperides, one of The Twelve Labours of Herakles.

Interpretation

Following is a brief overview of the meaning of Libra in the birthchart. Please see Signs and Interpretations for more details.

Libran qualities include physical beauty, strong sensuality, artistic sensibilities, tact and diplomacy, and an innate sense of fairness and balance. Negatively, Librans can be very fickle & judgemental.