Libra

Libra at a Glance

Zodiac Symbol: Scales or Balance
Duality: Positive
Triplicity: Air
Quadruplicity: Cardinal
Opposite Sign: Aries
Constellation: Libra
Domicile: Venus
Detriment: Mars
Exaltation: Saturn
Fall: Sun
Day: Friday
Numbers: 4, 7
Birth Dates (Tropical): September 23 - October 22
Birth Dates (Sidereal): October 16 - November 15
Birth Dates (Solar): October 31 - November 22

Libra in Depth

Libra is the seventh sign of the Zodiac, ruled by Venus the planet of love, social harmony, and beauty, and Librans tend to centre their lives around relationships and love. People born under this sign need a partner in order to be at their best and feel fulfilled. Although Librans are self-seeking and may lack emotional depth, they are usually liked for their calm, sociable manner and polite demeanour. Underneath, however, most Librans possess a hard, cold, steely core. When they are challenged and forced to show their true colours, they can turn out to be surprisingly hard, aggressive, and verbally self-protective.

Although outwardly likeable, well-mannered and caring, Librans quickly disappear at the slightest hint of trouble. Once everything has returned to normal, they will reappear, full of apologies and excuses. They are usually forgiven and are rarely considered disloyal. But in fact, Librans will remain loyal only as long as it suits their own needs and interests, and they are very skilled at managing to get their own way without anyone realising it.

Aware of every option in any situation, Librans are loath to select a direction until they are absolutely convinced it is the right one, which may make them seem indecisive. They love to impose a sense of order in their lives, and everything must look perfect - appearance, clothes, possessions and home must be meticulously clean and tidy. They cannot stand squalor, dirt, swearing, aggression and hypocrisy - though they do not hesitate in employing double standards when it suits them.

Libra is often associated with the Greek mythological figure of Atalanta (meaning balanced), Themis, (the Greek Goddess of Justice), and Astraea (daughter of Themis). It is also associated with the Greco-Roman goddess Aphrodite (Venus) and sometimes also the god Xolotl and the goddesses Hermione (Concordia), Eris (Discordia), Ishtar, Freyja, Frigg and Hera (Juno).

At Play

Librans prefer to take things easy during their leisure hours and love settling down with a good book. They also enjoy watching TV but usually dislike programmes containing violence, bloodshed or vulgarity. They appreciate peaceful, harmonious environments, and can spend hours improving their homes and making them into stylish and elegant places, although they would, of course, get someone else to do the dirty work.

Their love of beauty can draw them toward dancing, while their musical ability leads them to join choirs and singing groups. All Librans appreciate fine art and objects of beauty, and they enjoy fashion and shopping for clothes and luxuries. They love to be seen at all the fashionable places, especially when being wined and dined. When forced into physical exercise, they can be surprisingly strong and can enjoy such interests as tennis, badminton and trampolining.

At Work

Librans are imaginative and creative, bright and sensitive, and are an asset to many working environments. However, they hate getting their hands dirty and are usually very skilful in charming someone else into doing the tedious and unpleasant tasks that make them cringe. Many Librans charm their way to the top in whatever they choose to do.

Sometimes they may seem lazy or unhurried, but this is the manner in which Venus-ruled signs (Taurus and Libra) work - it doesn't mean that they are not trying. However, if they are unable to finish something to the highest of standards, they'd rather not attempt it in the first place. They are suited to artistic, creative or intellectually oriented careers as opposed to more manual or physical jobs. They might take up work as a journalist, florist, beauty consultant, fashion designer, artist, receptionist or media representative.

Health

Generally speaking, Librans have a sound constitution and good health, although they tend to overeat if they are unhappy within a relationship. This can lead to health problems involving the kidneys, the adrenal glands, and the bladder, with cystitis is a common complaint among female Librans. Those who are unable to find love will often develop kidney stones.