Libra (astrology)

Not to be confused with Libra (constellation).
Libra
Zodiac symbol Scales
Duration (tropical, western) September 22 – October 22 (2016, UT1)[1]
Constellation Libra
Zodiac element Air
Zodiac quality Cardinal
Sign ruler Venus
Detriment Mars
Exaltation Saturn
Fall Sun

Libra (♎) is the seventh astrological sign in the Zodiac. It spans the 180–210th degree of the zodiac, between 180 and 207.25 degree of celestial longitude. Under the tropical zodiac, Sun transits this area on average between (northern autumnal equinox) September 23 and October 22, and under the sidereal zodiac, the sun currently transits the constellation of Libra from approximately October 16 to November 17.[2][3] The symbol of the scales is based on the Scales of Justice held by Themis, the Greek personification of divine law and custom.[4] She became the inspiration for modern depictions of Lady Justice. The ruling planet of Libra is Venus.[5][6] Libra is the only constellation in the sky represented by an inanimate object. The other eleven signs are represented either as an animal or mythological characters throughout history.[7]

Libra is one of the three zodiac air signs, the others being Gemini and Aquarius. The sign of Libra is symbolized by the gryphon, a mythological creature with the head, wings and talons of an eagle and hind legs of a lion. According to the Romans in the First Century, Libra was a constellation they idolized. The moon was said to be in Libra when Rome was founded. Everything was balanced under this righteous sign. The Roman writer Manilius once said that Libra was the sign "in which the seasons are balanced". Both the hours of the day and the hours of the night match each other. Thus why the Romans put so much trust in the "balanced sign".[7] Going back to ancient Greek times, Libra the constellation between Virgo and Scorpio used to be over ruled by the constellation of Scorpio. They called the area the Latin word "chelae", which translated to "the claws" which can help identify the individual stars that make up the full constellation of Libra, since it was so closely identified with the Scorpion constellation in the sky.[7]

According to the Tropical system of astrology, the Sun enters the sign of Libra when it reaches the southern vernal equinox, which occurs around September 22.

Temperament/preferences

Balance and harmony are said to rule this sign. They search for these aspects in all relationships making them ideal friends, partners, and family members. This sign enjoys company for its own sake. Their strengths lie in their abilities to cooperate and remain diplomatic. Libras are excellent problem solvers. Libras can be as peaceful or violent as any other sign and the Mythos that sees them all as endlessly peaceful is incorrect.

Libras are supposedly social beings and their happiness is based within relationships. They can be indecisive however, as with maturity comes extremely tactical observations and good decision making abilities letting both sides of an equation be weighed in the balance. They truly are social butterflies. It is said that libras have a special aura of harmony about them that attracts others.[8]

Notes

  1. ↑ Astronomical Applications Department 2011.
  2. ↑ USNO 2015.
  3. ↑ IAU 2010.
  4. ↑ Atsma c. 2015.
  5. ↑ Horoscopes n.d.
  6. ↑ Libra Nature 2015.
  7. 1 2 3 Ridpath n.d.
  8. ↑ My Libra Profile 2016.

Works cited

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