Libra

When any planet is in Libra, or Libra is on the cusp of any House, the matters covered by the planet or House will be affected by Libra characteristics.

We all know the stereotype about Libra: these natives are interested in balance, harmony, finding the middle ground, resolving conflict. While this description is apt for many Libras, it would be a mistake to forget the "Saturn-Exalted-in" type of Libra. The scales represent balance, true, but they also represent justice, and Libra believes in balancing the scales fairly, rather than "evenly."

Ruled by Venus, Libra natives are drawn to harmony, beauty, and grace. Partnerships and community are often important to them. True harmonious balance, however, is rarely achieved naturally. In fact, when you meet a "Middle Path Libra," chances are they've managed to achieve this state by degrees. BOING! See Libra bounce to one extreme end of the scale. BOING! See Libra bounce back to the other extreme. Most likely, the landing spot is a little closer to the middle than it was at first. The landing spot at the other extreme will also be a bit more centered. After sufficient jumps back and forth, from one extreme to the next, Venus' airy sons and daughters do manage to finally land in a place approaching actual balance, but this tends not to be where they start out! The serene, centered Libra native has probably achieved this natural-appearing state through hard work, an openness to hearing both (or all) sides of a story before rendering judgement, and the ability to moderate his or her own dearly-held beliefs when more information comes to light.

Intelligent and perceptive, Libras can have a paradoxical naivete about them as well. Their passion for new information and new ideas occasionally leads to a propensity for swallowing "new" information and ideas whole, without first chewing them over. The Libra native who controls his or her tendency toward gullibility will go on to develop a sense of discrimination -- not in the negative sense, but that quality known as Viveka to yogi/nis: the ability to assign levels of importance to various things. This ability is what makes Libra both a good therapist, and an excellent judge. Libra really does care about people, but this doesn't mean "unconditional positive regard." If your Libra friend believes you're behaving unfairly or unethically, no matter how much he or she loves you, you will hear about it, in no uncertain terms. On the other hand, you'll never need worry about Libra smiling to your face, while preparing to stab you in the back. While the innate desire for unanimity may lead Libra to agree with everyone in the room -- even those with diametrically opposing views -- the urge to diplomacy does not extend into outright dishonesty.

Play fair with Libra, and you'll have a comrade anyone would be proud to call friend. Do Libra dirty -- or let Libra see you take advantage of those weaker than you -- and you'll see the Saturn Exalted side come into play, and it may not be a pretty sight.

But then, whyever would you want to get on Libra's bad side? Grace and beauty, justice and fair play, tact and harmony are wonderful things to seek. Join the search!

For information regarding the physical traits and characteristics of the Libra native, please see our page on Physical Appearance and Astrology.

Artwork: Egyptian image: Weighing the heart by Anubis; Botticelli, Birth of Venus.