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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Choose a Sun Sign from the index to read about combatibilty aspects with Libra.

Aries Taurus Gemini Cancer Leo Virgo Libra Scorpio Sagittarius Capricorn Aquarius Pisces

Libra with Aries

 

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

These are opposite signs. You know what they say about opposites, they attract! They attract because each person sees in the other, what is missing or deficient in themselves. There is a lot of magnetism here and it helps in the hard times. Two sides of the same coin, compelling to the point of being compulsive.

If you get this relationship in balance, it works! Don't judge, understand. Because Libra will go along, to get along, it is up to Aries to take some responsibility for making it it come out right. Good business combo' here, both entrepreneurial. Good combination of ideas and action.

Libra with Taurus

 

Mutual Admiration Society

Both signs ruled by Venus, what could be bad? Both love peace and harmony, both are friendly and cordial with an easy going likable nature. Below the surface however are the differences. Taurus practical and earthy, not afraid of a day's work. Libra concerned with the image they are making, will never do a job they can get someone else to do.

The way this relationship will work is where Libra is left to initiate, plan and negotiate while Taurus does the manual labor. Also, Taurus possessiveness will not sit well with Libra's penchant for socializing. Although their style is different, they do see eye to eye. Libra likes the steadiness of Taurus, Taurus likes the ethereal qualities of Libra.

Libra with Gemini

 

Refined and Complementary

This combination is what the word delightful was created for. Both are intelligent, witty, with panache and style. Both have refined manners and are basically gentlefolk. Both are social creatures who live for interaction with their peers. This is a social combination bar none. Image is important, and style goes with image. Not a lot of depth here, but not missed either.

Very complimentary combination. Both are idea people and have trouble making decisions. Gemini because it is so difficult to settle on one when there are so many options, Libra because they want everyone to be happy, and are ever looking for the perfect solution to accomplish this. So decision making is a problem with these two. Otherwise—delightful!

Libra with Cancer

 

A Balance of Differences

You do have things in common, but they do not outweigh your differences. This one takes a lot of work to work. Both of you are seekers after peace in your lives and relationships. Neither of you enjoy conflict and are generally friendly, easy going types. Now for the differences. Cancer is sensitive, moody and emotional, loves the past and the status quo, prefers the familiar to the untested, is clannish and a nitpicker. The Cancer lifestyle is comfortable rather than stylish. Cancer relies on feelings and intuition to make decisions. These traits are in direct conflict with the Libra rational approach to life.

Libra is objective, reasonable, fair and usually detached. Decisions are weighed and countered before being made, and are always rational. Libra loves style, grace, and is very aware of the importance of a good image. Libra has a good sense of aesthetics and loves a home that makes a statement. Libra is usually concerned with what people think. Libra likes the new and trendy. Libra prefers to be in a relationship than to going it alone. This could work if Cancer gives Libra space and Libra allows Cancer its relaxed lifestyle.

Libra with Leo

 

Elegant Partners

Leo and Libra, both are up front, outgoing people with a love of luxury and great style. Leo with their powerful ego and pride works well with tactful Libra. Leo is more hard driving, Libra is out to please.

This works. Both are self-centered and aware of the image they are projecting. Libra's sense of fair play, never gives without expecting to receive in equal measure. They understand and admire each other. Libra will have to give Leo the center, this can pose a problem because Libra is just as much an up front person as Leo—each in their own way. With mutual respect and cooperation this can be a happy relationship.

Libra with Virgo

 

Form with Substance

Both have a sense of aesthetics, a feel for the beautiful. Both are influenced by status. This is a good combination for creating beautiful results; art; architecture; writing, a creative collaboration. Virgo is the pragmatist, absorbed in detail and analysis, everything must be perfect and Virgo will work to make it so. Libra is the dilettante, the charmer, the people person who makes friends easily and never offends anyone.

These two can mesh nicely if each understands how to get along with the other. Both are willing, flexible people and Libra, who avoids confrontation at all costs, will only be too willing, and Virgo, who can't resist the Libran charm will do whatever it takes. This can be a productive and easy relationship with each bringing out the best in the other. Possibly pristine.

Libra with Libra

 

Who is the Fairest of Them All?

Two people people, who love to relate and need to be in a relationship. You actually require the interaction, conversation, affection and experience of being with other people. Things worth doing, are worth doing together or with another. You are both very concerned with the right image. You are both tactful, charming, diplomatic and do whatever it takes to bring about a good working relationship. You are both flexible to the point of yielding your own wants and desires to make a friendship or close personal relationship work. Both of you can be indecisive, each allowing the other to make decisions.

Someone needs to take a stand for this relationship to work. Indecisiveness breeds its own destruction. Both of you have a keen sense of aesthetics. You have a flair for the arts, decorating, collecting, anything that deals with beautification, balance, proportion and image. Both of you enjoy the pleasant side of living and try to ignore the rest. This relationship has an excellent chance of working, but each of you need to find your own niche.

Libra with Scorpio

 

Charm and Passion

These people are so different. Libra wants “peace at any price”; Scorpio will fight to the death for what is to them real, earnest and right. Libra is sociable, charming, indecisive-but knows how to make others feel at ease. Scorpio is decisive, confrontational, and always direct, which doesn't make for putting people at ease. Libra is rather superficial, primarily interested in image, harmony and the beautiful parts of life. Scorpio is emotional, passionate, intense and doesn't care a hoot about social approval.

While Libra is detached, Scorpio is involved; while Libra abhors arguing or unpleasantness, Scorpio suffers extreme mood fluctuations and outbursts of temper. Libra is objective and can see all sides of an issue; Scorpio generally just sees their side. Scorpio considers Libra a lightweight but may appreciate how Libra can light up their too serious life. Libra will be the one accepting all the adjustments to make this relationship work. This match needs a lot of caring.

Libra with Sagittarius

 

Genuinely Pleasing

You are both outgoing, friendly people who enjoy socializing and each other. Sagittarius is the visionary with grand ideas, dreams, and stories. Sag' is the enthusiast with an intrinsic restless nature and desire to visit distant places. The archer is a “on my mind, on my mouth” type, who likes to tell it like it is. Libra communicates with delicacy. Libra is pragmatic and thoughtful and seeks a balanced and harmonious relationship. Libra is consumed with appearances and prefers a stable existence that establishes their well thought out sense of aesthetics and substance. Sag' wants to experience life, Libra wants to put it on display.

With these basic differences, this relationship still works. Both are lighthearted people with a positive nature and can add what the other lacks. Libra will make the allowances in this relationship because it promises the niceties that make Libra happy. As long as Sag' has their freedom, Libra's qualities can be very pleasing.

Libra with Capricorn

 

Social Climbers

Both signs have a very formal approach to living with an appreciation for protocol, etiquette, and appropriate social manners. You equally shun impulsive and undisciplined behavior, are rational and dislike emotional outbursts. Neither of you are particularly egocentric. You tend to like the same kinds of things and people though Libra is outgoing and friendly, definitely social, where Capricorn likes to keep to themselves and can get along quite well without anyone. Libra needs companionship, Capricorn doesn't need anyone.

Libra is lighthearted and loves to be surrounded by beauty while Capricorn is serious and heavy, getting along quite well in austere surroundings. You enjoy many of the same attitudes and things but your approaches and temperaments are different. Capricorn can gain much from Libra's light manner and sense of aesthetics. Capricorn, in turn, supplies the settled, secure environment Libra cherishes.

Libra with Aquarius

 

Friends Forever

This is a great friendship! You are both idealists with the same values. You are both into equality and fairness and can instantly spot the lack of these qualities in other people. Both of you are independent types, who scorn neediness, dependency or emotional demonstrations in yourself and others. You both prefer your relationships to be light, friendly and intellectual. You love to share ideas and common interests equally enjoying simple companionship. You share a love for mixing with other people and both tend to be joiners and group leaders.

Aquarius is more aloof, more detached and independent than Libra and has less need of a secure environment. Aquarius is more of the adventurer while Libra is more home oriented. Libra needs to be in a relationship and prefers to do everything together. Aquarius values their time alone and requires it. Both are romantics in theory; they love to read about romance, write about romance and talk about romance; but in practice they are better suited to a friendship than a romantic adventure.

Libra with Pisces

 

The Big Easy

You are both rather easy going types, gentle, eager to please and adaptable. You are both more cooperative than competitive and neither of you can be called aggressive. Where Libra is rational and pragmatic, Pisces is emotional and vague.

Libra has a strong sense of justice and equality; “an eye for an eye” attitude while Pisces is more understanding and compassionate toward peoples vagaries. Libra will argue the rightness of their position and Pisces couldn't care less. These two have the same kind of temperaments, but their basic character and value systems clash.

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.

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.

“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

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