Zodiac Sign Libra
© 2000, 2012 Curtis Manwaring
Libra - Sep 23 - Oct 22: the scales. Keyword: "I Relate". In the previous six signs, the cycle of development placed emphasis upon the self and various stages of inner awareness. With Libra, we come to the first mature awareness of others outside the self. Libra is directly opposed to Aries, which represents the beginnings of self. This is one of the reasons for the modern definition of the opposition aspect being that of cultivating awareness. The administrator for this place is Venus, and to this sign many of the meanings of Venus are attributed. According to Valens:
"Those so born are good and just, though malicious, desirious of the goods of others, moderate, those who lose what they have first acquired and those who have their ups and downs, those who live irregularly, those who oversee measures and weights or supplies." [10]
Here we are seeing many of the themes associated with the sidereal constellation of the scales. In contrast, we should note that Venus is also the administrator for Taurus which we know has to do with personal possessions, but we see in this case that the shift in focus is that the desired object is not ours, whereas it was in Taurus. Modern definitions of this sign often include some emphasis on love relationships, marriage and romance. Marriage was more directly based upon financial status in ancient times as a matter of practical necessity. The truth is that where there is money, there is relationship and the weighing and exchanging of values.
If the scales have the times for spirit (reputation and actions), and the place is angular counting from the lot of fortune, legal and artistic matters take on higher importance. If the benefics cast their rays into the sign without the rays of the malefics interposing, one can obtain advancement through the law and important partnerships, particularly if Saturn is present and not retrograde. This is also favorable in the arts, and any industry that involves women and beauty / cleanliness. If this is the 10th sign from fortune, then it is a peak period in career that will stand out as being among the most important pinnacles of your life. If the malefics, particularly Mars by day in superior position (Cancer) casts a ray into the sign without the rays of the benefics interposing, it can be an indication of lawsuits and accusations being prevalent at that time.
More information on each of the planets in Libra:
Sun
Moon
Mercury
Venus
Mars
Jupiter
Saturn
Uranus
Neptune
Pluto
Notes:
10. Vettius Valens, The Anthology, Book 1, pg 14. Translated by Robert Schmidt.
