Libra

Definition

Libra is the seventh sign of the zodiac, covering 180 to 210 degrees of the ecliptic — the great circle the Sun appears to follow over a year. It is a cardinal air sign ruled by Venus, with Saturn exalted (especially strong) at 21 degrees Libra, the Sun in fall (weakened), and Mars in detriment (out of place). In the tropical zodiac, the Sun enters Libra at the autumnal equinox (around September 22), when day and night are equal. Hellenistic astrology places it among the movable (tropika) signs and the air triplicity. Libra alone is pictured by an inanimate object.

In Tradition

Astrologers in the Western tradition link Libra with balance, partnership, harmony, and justice. The cardinal air quality is traditionally read as the move toward relationship and social life, with an eye for weighing opposing views and finding equilibrium.

In Practice

In a birth chart, astrologers read Libra placements for partnership, diplomacy, an eye for beauty, and a gift for mediation. Saturn's exaltation at 21 degrees Libra is weighed when judging Saturn's dignity — its strength by sign — and reflects the sign's feel for the duties and obligations of relationship. Because Venus rules Libra, a Libra house cusp draws in questions of partnership, harmony, and aesthetic worth. As planets transit, or pass through, Libra, they tend to bring themes of negotiation, cooperation, and weighing one option against another. The Sun's entry into Libra at the autumnal equinox is one of the seasonal ingress charts tracked in mundane astrology — the branch concerned with nations and world events. The Sun in fall in Libra and Mars in detriment are read as traditionally weakened placements.

Historical Origin

Libra appears as one of the twelve zodiacal signs in the earliest Hellenistic texts. As an equinoctial sign, it marks the autumn turning point, when day and night reach equal length. Hellenistic sources place Libra among the movable signs (in Greek, tropika). In medical astrology, the body regions matched to Libra are the kidneys and lower back.

Further Reading

• Steven Forrest, The Inner Sky
• Sue Tompkins, The Contemporary Astrologer's Handbook
• Robert Hand, Horoscope Symbols