“The only people I would care to be with now are artists and people who have suffered: those who know what beauty is, and those who know what sorrow is: nobody else interests me.”
—Oscar Wilde, born October 15, 1856
An Introductory Overview of Sun Sign Characteristics for Libra
The ruler of Libra is Venus. Its glyph represents the balance of the scales. Its meaning, equilibrium and justice. Considered the sign of cosmic reciprocity, of cooperation rather than competition, of consciousness made objective through associations and partnerships.
The basic Libran nature is diplomatic and charming. Libras have an idealistic and generally peace loving nature. They are easygoing and sociable, in general. On the other side of the scale, Librans are known to be indecisive and changeable, gullible and easily affected.
The summer night is like a perfection of thought.
The house was quiet because it had to be.
The quiet was part of the meaning, part of the mind:
The access of perfection to the page.
And the world was calm. The truth in a calm world,
In which there is no other meaning, itself
Is calm, itself is summer and night, itself
Is the reader leaning late and reading there.
—Wallace Stevens, Born October 2, 1879
Librans are considered by many astrologers to be among the most civilized of the twelve sun signs. Often good looking, they exude certain elegance, charm and fine taste. As lovers of beauty and harmony, both in art and life, their nature is gentle and kind. Pleasure oriented people, Libras are intuitive and innately aware of the power of image.
The twelve signs of the zodiac are ordered by their constitutional natures and their elemental natures. The constitutional nature indicates the manner in which we engage the world or face circumstances in life. The constitutions are grouped in three squares. Libra is one of the Cardinal signs of the zodiac along with Aries, Cancer and Capricorn. The Mutable signs are Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces. The Fixed signs are Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius.
The constitution of a Libra framed through a cardinal nature demonstrates the qualities of an energetic, outward directed individual positively engaged with the world. Driven by a desire for mental and emotional stimulation, sometimes impatiently, Libra cardinals will organize their time, activities and surroundings to gratify their sensory appetites. Cardinal sign natives are concerned with stimulation from without on their quests to satisfy the curiosity stirred by interior yearnings. This externally focused constitution finds cardinal signs quite comfortable dealing and cooperating with others, these are social beings through and through. Of the cardinals Librans seem to derive their intellectual nourishment through social participation while experiencing the world with others.
The zodiac is also divided into four "triplicities" which are: the fiery, the earthy, the airy and the watery. These are the elementary natures of the astrological signs. Libra shares the element of Air with Gemini and Aquarius. Each of the Air signs relates and responds to the world through intellectual filters first and foremost. With a hunger for knowledge and a native tendency towards experiencing the world and developing ideas from those experiences the Air sign folk make avid and interesting communicators. The Air element through Libra often finds articulated, aesthetic expression pouring through those born to this time. The gathering of renowned authours, poets, composers and songwriters born within Libra is the envy of the zodiac. In relation to Libra consider some Air qualities such as temporal, breezy, nonchalant, transient, refreshing and changeable.
“I believe that we can, through our reason, know what good is, and in the communion of men and women, in which the forgiveness of wrongs will always be more significant than the avenging of them, and that in the beautiful natural world that surrounds us, we represent the best and the finest of beings, for we alone can see that natural beauty, appreciate it, learn from it, weep for it, and seek to conserve it and protect it.”
—Anne Rice, born October 4, 1941
Sun Sign Personality Traits for Libra
Librans are gifted with a strong sense of justice and fair play, and have fine analytical abilities. They are known to be objective and impartial in making judgment calls. They do not suffer fools gladly and anyone who challenges their decisions or opinions is considered a fool. They are more interested in making friends than enemies, are willing to go along, to get along and therefore will usually do whatever it takes to maintain a relationship.
Librans are sensitive to others and understand the emotional needs of their associates. They are optimistic and cheerful people and have an ability to charm and delight their friends and acquaintances. Very sociable, they abhor cruel or vicious actions, and shy away from vulgar and offensive behavior. They dislike scenes, and will often go out of their way to avoid conflict.
Libra dislikes coarse, dirty work, and will usually get someone else to do it, if necessary. They are fence sitters and will not take a stand on an issue, but prefer the middle of the road, until they are forced to choose. “Let's wait and see”, was most likely first said by a Libra. The up side to this view is, they make good diplomats They are never guilty of an “On my mind, on my mouth” approach to things.
Where is the Planet Mercury in Your Birth Horoscope?
Mercury's proximity to the Sun insures that its placement will always be near to or on par with the subject's Solar sign.
Of all the planets within our solar system, Mercury is nearest to the Sun. There is a direct correspondence to this fact in the mapping of an individual's birth chart. With the exception of the Moon, Mercury has the fastest revolution through the zodiac.
We are often able to determine where Mercury was at the time of our birth without consulting an astrologer. By reading the three potential profiles, it is often uncanny how clearly one of them will fit us. I thought you would enjoy trying this out—determining where Mercury is in your chart by recognizing reflections of yourself.
Overviews of the three possible positions of Mercury when the Sun is in Libra are listed below.
Mercury in Virgo
With Mercury in Virgo, your mind, your thinking and the way you communicate are discriminating and skeptical. Before you believe anything you have to have the facts. You must understand something thoroughly before you accept it. You make an excellent student, writer or researcher. You love mental activities that challenge you. You are a critic with extreme attention to detail. You are drawn to areas of health, hygiene and healing. You tend to be serious and studious, an intellectual.
With your Sun in Leo, Mercury in Virgo gives you necessary attention to detail that is lacking in Leo. Leo is interested in the bottom line, the big picture, so Mercury in Virgo imparts a penchant for detail and exactness. Good business combination. Also adds a meticulous nature to Sun in Leo.
With Sun in Virgo, all Virgo traits are emphasized. You are a perfectionist with a need to serve and a highly developed critical sense.
With Sun in Libra, you have a gentle and loving nature with a refined outlook and a liberal mind. Excellent self-expression here. You should possess writing abilities and a natural tendency towards other artistic outlets.
Mercury in Libra
With Mercury in Libra, your mind, your thinking, the way you communicate is refined and fair. You are broad-minded, use judgment and reason before making decisions and prefer others opinions. You love to dabble and maintain an interest in the arts and everything beautiful. You enjoy delicate work, have a good head for math and are inventive. Very sociable, not a loner, must have a companion.
With your Sun in Virgo, more conservative, self-sufficient and thoughtful. Increases perfectionism and the artistic abilities, especially writing or design.
With Sun in Libra all traits are more dominant. Strong dislike of any kind of discord. Seeks a harmonious and peaceful environment. Beautiful surroundings appeal and must be in a relationship. This position doesn't do well alone. Has a feel for quality and aesthetics.
With Sun in Scorpio, Mercury in Libra lends a certain charm and lightness to the intense Scorpio nature. You are more self-sufficient with a keen mind and quick wit. Also, very sensual.
Mercury in Scorpio
With Mercury in Scorpio, your mind, your thinking, the way you communicate is positive, bold and forceful. You can be ingenious, shrewd and often sarcastic. You are a lifelong learner. You love to probe the heavy stuff. A real detective, a researcher you are at your best in pursuit of information. You are mentally resourceful, a bit paranoid and very private.
With your Sun in Libra, you are lighter, more charming and witty. You have an excellent mind for math and all scientific pursuits. Very committed to relationships. They are a lifetime investment.
With Sun in Scorpio all Scorpio traits are emphasized. You are a very private person and resent interference in any way. You accomplish much by sheer strength of will and perseverance.
With Sun in Sagittarius, independence is stressed. You can be an island unto yourself, needing no one. You are frank, fearless, outspoken, yet need to curb a tendency of foot-in-the-mouth disease.
“Open your ears and open your hearts. Don't take yourself too seriously, and take yourself as seriously as death itself. Don't worry. Worry your ass off. Have ironclad confidence, but doubt—it keeps you awake and alert.
It keeps you honest being able to keep two completely contradictory ideas alive and well inside of your heart and head at all times. If it doesn't drive you crazy, it will make you strong. Stay hard, stay hungry and stay alive. Listen ... listen to what this world is telling you, for it is calling for your love, your rage, your beauty, your sex, your energy, your rebellion—because it needs You in order to remake itself. In order to be reborn into something else, something maybe better, more godly, more wonderful, it needs Us..”
—Bruce Springsteen, born September 23, 1949
Vocational Interests Suited to Libra Tendencies
Librans can be surprisingly energetic in the areas that move them, and indifferent to everything else. They are happiest when socializing, and at the top of their social strata. You will find many Librans in local organizations volunteering their time and services and rising to a position of prominence.
Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, Born September 29, 1571.
In a profession or business, Librans often succeed as administrators, lawyers, antique dealers, civil servants. Finance is also a fair field, as Libras are trustworthy in handling other people's money. Naturally creative and artistic, some Librans are gifted fashion designers, or can be found devising new lines of cosmetics. Others may find success as artists, composers, critics, writers, interior decorators, or managing various areas of public entertainment. Some work philanthropically for humanity with great self-discipline and significant results. Those with a gift for finance sometimes make good speculators, for they have the optimism and ability to recover from financial setbacks.
“Personally, I find it romantic not to be with someone all the time; you don't get used to someone or take them for granted. When a relationship doesn't work anymore, it's terrible to stay with someone that you don't love.”
—Monica Bellucci, born September 30, 1964
Insights Into Libra Relationships
Librans are not loners, they prefer to be in a relationship and do better in partnership both in their personal and in their business life. Librans actually require the interaction, conversation, affection and experience of being with other people. For the most part Libra is generally friendly, easy going, objective, reasonable, fair and usually detached. Interested in a Libra? Prepare to be interesting. Libra loves style, grace, and is very aware of the importance of a good image. Libra has a fine sense of aesthetics and loves a home that makes a statement. With a flair for the arts, decorating, collecting, Libra enjoys all that deals with beautification, balance, proportion and image. Libra likes the new and trendy, and is usually concerned with what people think. Still interested? If so, grab your hat and put on your dancin' shoes. You won't be bored.
Librans are ever seeking peace in their lives and relationships. Preferring to cooperate and compromise, Libra will give up ground, even when they feel they are in the right, rather than put up with the ordeal of an argument. Libra's sense of fair play, however, never gives without expecting to receive in equal measure. Discord makes Librans insecure and uncomfortable, they want and need harmony in their lives, and will do whatever it takes to have it.
The more negative Libran character can be frivolous, flirty and quite shallow, in romance they can be indulgent to the point of hedonistic. Libra shadows can be changeable and indecisive, impatient of routine, boringly conventional and timid, and easygoing to a point of annoyance to more energetic folk. Because they are slow to anger, Librans will shock everyone around them with their sudden outbursts of rage. They love the good life and tend to be extravagant. Libra delights in the enjoyment of the pleasant side of living and will often ignore the rest, that can work if you find a loving partner who enjoys tending to the practical side of life. Do heed that “frivolous” aspect, many Librans have been known to be hopeless gamblers.
Discover How Compatible You are with Others
“We can put no trust in princes, popes, politicians, scholars, or scientists, our worst enemy or our best friend. With the greatest precautions, we may put trust in a source that is much deeper than our egos—if we can trust ourselves to have found it, or rather, to have been found by it.”
—R.D. Laing, born October 7, 1927
The Lore of Libra in Mythology
Mythology is closely interwoven with Astrology. Despite all that we do not know about the origins of either lore it is certain that starwatching began with passion on humanity's first night beneath the open sky. Somewhere in time, shapes were perceived, figures imagined, names given and stories were told about the densely populated tapestry of the heavens. All elder cultures throughout the world developed tales of the constellations which over time were imbued with meaning to explain various phenomena of our existence within the cosmos.
Astrology and Mythology serve a similar function in this regard. We benefit from Astrology not so much as a tool of fortune-telling but as a directional guide to understanding who we are individually and what our unique role ought to be in this life. As Carl Jung stated, “Astrology claims only that we each possess the qualities of the year and of the season in which we were born.” To discern just what those qualities are is as fascinating to each of us as the night sky.
There exists no specific myth or tale about Libra. Yet, in ancient times, its significance was widely recognized. The association of balance with Libra dates to the origins of Astrology. In all developing civilizations, a society's survival and proliferation depended upon the ability to manipulate Nature. In many ways this was accomplished by following the examples of Nature. Throughout the natural world there was one ever present principle perceived, and this was balance.
Societies survived, and they still do, by maintaining a level of equilibrium. To prosper, a society must develop and maintain an equilibrium in many sectors, such as economics, law and coexistence with its neighbors. This was achieved always through the establishment of a responsible structure of government. What Libra represents is the same sense of government on an individual level. This was expressed through emotional, mental and physical balance. An accomplishment which can only be achieved through strength of will.
The image of Justice is also associated with Libra. This can be seen in the symbol from the Major Arcana of the Tarot, in which the personification of Justice appears holding her scales. This association has ancient origins. As early as 2001 BCE, the constellation of Libra was associated with the judgment of the living and the dead in Babylonia.
Image : Conceptual portrait of Zabanitu the Babylonian personification of Justice associated with the constellation Libra.Here, Zabanitu, who represented the Scales, weighed souls of the deceased to determine their moral worth. In Egypt, this same role was overseen by the god Anubis, utilizing a feather as a counterbalance to the heaviness of a human heart. Throughout the Mediterranean region, the harvest season was associated with this time of year. The weighing of crops was often performed when the Moon was full in Libra.
Traditional Cultural Translations of Libra
Arabic: Al Zubānatain 
Anglo-Saxon:
Pund Chinese:
Tien Ching
German: Wage Greek:
Zichos Hebrew:
Moznayim
Hindu: Tulã
Italian: Bilancia
Latin: Jugum
Portuguese: Libra
Spanish: Libra
Tamil: Tulam
Would you like to participate in an on-line study of Libra?
Astrology is an ancient science. The belief that the planetary bodies surrounding Earth have an influence upon our lives is to be found in nearly every culture throughout the world. Countless manuscripts and volumes have been produced through the ages. The references which astrologers have used over the recent centuries derive from this vast body of lore which has survived and been transmitted down to the present day.
The aim of the Elore features is to provide an objective resource which supports individual research into the varied schools of World Astrology. To enhance these resources we have initiated a Contemporary Study of the primary aspects and components of Astrology. The initial studies focus upon each of the twelve Sun Signs. Each study consists of a broad range of questions on the character and behavior of the particular sign. The entire series of questions is presented within a secure, private survey.
Participants will have the opportunity to voice their own views and share experiences which may or may not agree with established norms. The intent is not to challenge legacy views, but to add a broad contemporary element to existing lore. Each succeeding year new audiences will be given the chance to add their own perceptions, so that fresh perspectives will continue to evolve our understanding of this ancient science.
We invite and welcome your participation!
“I believe that man will not merely endure: he will prevail. He is immortal, not because he alone among creatures has an inexhaustible voice, but because he has a soul, a spirit capable of compassion and sacrifice and endurance. The poet's, the writer's, duty is to write about these things. It is his privilege to help man endure by lifting his heart, by reminding him of the courage and honor and hope and pride and compassion and pity and sacrifice which have been the glory of his past. The poet's voice need not merely be the record of man, it can be one of the props, the pillars to help him endure and prevail.”
—William Faulkner, 1950
On accepting the Nobel prize for literature.
Born September 24, 1896
- Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus - Pompey (September 29, 106 BCE)
- Publius Vergilius Maro - Virgil (October 15, 70 BCE)
- Octavian - Caesar Augustus (September 23, 63 BCE)
- Jalāl al-Dīn Muḥammad Rumi (September 30, 1207)
- Kublai Khan (September 23, 1215)
- Zheng He (September 23, 1371)
- Richard III (October 2, 1452)
- Selim I (October 10, 1470)
- Domḗnikos Theotokópoulos - “El Greco” (October 1, 1541)
- Miguel de Cervantes (September 29, 1547)
- Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio (September 29, 1571)
- Louis XIII (September 27, 1601)
- Sir Christopher Wren (October 20, 1632)
- William Penn (October 14, 1644)
- Qianlong Emperor (September 25, 1711)
- Samuel Adams (September 27, 1722)
- Samuel Taylor Coleridge (October 21, 1772)
- Pedro I (October 12, 1798)
- Franz Liszt (October 22, 1811)
- Guiseppe Verdi (October 10, 1813)
- Camille Saint-Saëns (October 9, 1835)
- Friedrich Nietzsche (October 15, 1844)
- Sarah Bernhardt (October 20, 1844)
- Ivan Pavlov (September 26, 1849)
- Arthur Rimbaud (October 20, 1854)
- Oscar Wilde (October 15, 1856)
- Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (October 2, 1869)
- Éamon de Valera (October 14, 1882)
- Niels Bohr (October 7, 1885)
- T.S. Eliot (September 26, 1888)
- Katherine Mansfield (October 14, 1888)
- Martin Heidegger (September 26, 1889)
- Groucho Marx (October 2, 1890)
- Michael Collins (October 16, 1890)
- Robert Capa (October 22, 1913)
- Bai Ling (October 10, 1966)
Roman General and Political Leader
Roman Poet of the Augustan Period: The Aeneid
First Roman Emperor, Founder of the Empire
Sufi Mystic Poet
Mongolian Leader, Founder of the Yuan Dynasty
Chinese Mariner, Explorer and Legendary Admiral
English King, Last Monarch of the Plantagenet Dynasty
Prolific Sultan of the Ottoman Empire
Greek Painter of the Spanish Renaissance
Spanish Poet, Novelist: Don Quixote de la Mancha
Milanese Baroque Painter
King of France
English Astronomer, Physicist and Architect
English Quaker Writer, Religious Philosopher, Founder of Pennsylvania
Fourth and Longest Ruler of the Qing Dynasty of China
American Political Philosopher, Revolutionary Leader
English Romantic Poet: Kubla Khan
Founder and First Ruler of the Empire of Brazil
Hungarian Composer: Faust Symphony
Italian Composer: La Traviata
French Romantic Composer
German Philosopher, Author: Beyond Good and Evil
American Stage and Film Actress
Russian Physiologist
French Symbolist Poet: Les Illuminations
Irish Author and Humorist: The Picture of Dorian Gray
Leader of India's Nationalist Movement Against British Rule
Irish Revolutionary, First President of the Republic of Ireland
Danish Quantum Physicist
American Modernist Poet
New Zealand Modernist Author and Literary Critic
German Philosopher
American Stage, Film & Television Comdedian
Irish Revolutionary, Military Leader, Politician
Hungarian Photojournalist, Founder of the Magnum Agency
Chinese Actress
