Libra is the seventh sign of the zodiac. Virgo stands for the careful work of refining life; Libra represents the art of transforming life’s energy into a balanced whole. The early autumn season also has a different feeling from summer; the heat is beginning to lessen, the air is gentler, and nature appears to pause to rebalance herself. Day and night are becoming more equal. Through Libra, we can experience the same energy of balance, beauty, and relationship.

Anyone born between September 23 and October 22 is considered to fall under the sign of Libra. In astrology, Libra is known for being the “Peacemaker,” “Diplomat”, or “Artist” sign. Libra does not simply inquire “What’s useful?” as Virgo does; instead, it will ask a much deeper relational question: “What’s fair?” This sign desires for life to be rhythmic, in harmony with itself, and equally respectful of everyone involved.

Special Insight: Libra represents the “Soul’s First Mirror.”

Following the learning process of the soul becoming alive, creating, thinking, feeling, shining, and growing, Libra teaches us that we discover ourselves through others. We do not build a true sense of identity without being reflective of how we are shaped in conversation, through partnerships, through reflection and through the endless process of learning to live with other humans.

Beauty is derived from many sources. The beauty we experience through Libra can be seen visually; it can also be felt through fairness, compassion and ultimately from our relationship to other people.

What Makes a Libra?

The way to understand how a person who is born under the sign of Libra operates is through the study of the three core components, which are Element, Modality and Ruling Planet.

Libra is by Nature Air

As an Air sign, Libra thinks in terms of ideas, how we communicate with each other, how we see things from another person’s point of view and is primarily concerned with what happens in our mind. In the case of Libra, the Air is expressed through a graceful, relational and contemplative lens. For example, Gemini’s expression of Air is through curiosity and looking at ideas through a lens of inquiry; that is, aiming to figure out how the idea works, while Aquarius’ expression of Air is through creating a future; that is, creating things based on a vision. Conversely, the way in which Libra expresses Air is through connections with people.

Libra individuals have a strong interest in how other people think, how relationships work and how multiple points of view can work together harmoniously. They are typically not happy with black and white, one-dimensional or simplistic responses. Rather, they seek nuance and context, and they want to fully understand both sides of any situation.

Special Insight: The element of Air provides Libra with the ability to step outside a situation and view it from a holistic perspective.

This trait is possibly the biggest strength of Libra. Because of their ability to step outside any one situation and draw on their broader perspective, they are able to determine social dynamics (how people interact within a group), emotional tensions (the impact of emotions on individuals and their behaviour) and social imbalance (differences in the way power is distributed within a community). Libra’s mind naturally seeks out the comparative, the contemplative and the perspective. This enables Libra to perform exceptionally well as mediators, advisers and decision-makers; however, their success depends on whether they trust their instincts.

The Modality

Libra is a Cardinal sign.

Cardinal signs are the beginning of a new cycle. For example, Aries marks the beginning of Spring by taking action; Cancer marks the beginning of Summer by demonstrating care; Capricorn marks the beginning of Winter by displaying a sense of responsibility; and Libra marks the beginning of Autumn by providing balance and harmony within relationships.

Libra tends to demonstrate a gentler manner; however, there is also an underlying forceful but not aggressive aspect to Libra. Libras not only appreciate peace and harmony, but they also want to create peace and harmony. Therefore, Libra may take action to smooth out a conflict, create social harmony or add beauty and order to a disordered or chaotic environment.

Special Insight: Libra provides an invitation for leadership.

Libra is not a dominating force; however, Libra leads by being charming, tactful, intelligent and demonstrating perfect timing. Therefore, Libras are capable of persuading individuals to cooperate because they make the experience of peace, beauty or fairness more appealing than the experience of conflict.

The Ruling Planet

Venus rules Libra.

Venus represents love, beauty, pleasure, art, harmony, attraction and your values. Although Taurus is ruled by Venus and represents the sensual/earthy side of Venus, Libra expresses Venus in a more social/aesthetic manner; therefore, Libra represents sophistication and elegance, romance and diplomacy, and the desire for a balanced exchange.

Libra is naturally appreciative of music, design, beauty, style and atmosphere. Therefore, Libras typically can tell when a space is aesthetically pleasing or pleasurable in comparison to when it is out of balance.

Special Insight: Venus gives Libra the ability to understand the significance of how something feels.

A Libra does more than look at whether an environment functions the way it has or is designed to function. Libra also considers whether the environment feels welcoming and inviting to others. Libra does more than consider whether the words they are saying are correct grammatically. Libra also considers whether the words they are saying are kind and fair. This understanding of how your tone and atmosphere affect individuals is one of the greatest strengths of a Libra.

The Libra Personality: Strengths and Gifts

Librans are known to be caring, charming, and bring significant value to relationships and communities.

Natural Diplomats

Libra has a unique ability to de-escalate tension and foster understanding.

Libra is able to view multiple perspectives on an issue and describe the various viewpoints to others so they can come together in compromise. Even when Libra disagrees strongly with someone, they will still try to express their opinion with consideration rather than aggression.

Special Insight: Libra’s diplomacy is not a sign of weakness.

Libra has excellent social intelligence.

Libra understands that delivering the truth without grace creates more harm than good. Therefore, Libra typically communicates difficult ideas in ways that maintain the dignity of all parties involved, making them effective at building bridges.

Strong Sense of Justice

Justice, equality, and mutual respect are all very important to Libra.

When Libra witnesses unkindness, selfishness or significant imbalance, they typically feel a sense of unease. Libra wishes for everyone (friendships, romance, workplace, society as a whole) to be treated with respect.

Special Insight: Libra’s sense of justice is derived from internal awareness of proportionality.

Libra feels when something is not “right” before it is recognised by others, which may be expressed in their concern for social justice or as an uneasiness when someone gives far more to a relationship than the other.

Charm and Grace

People born under Libra have a natural charm about them when dealing with others. Although they can be flirts, their charm is usually based on the ability to be warm and socially comfortable and can create a positive interaction experience for their partner or opponent. They are accustomed to knowing the basics of manners, timing, and small politenesses, which help them build rapport with others.

Special Insight: Charm for Libras is reflective of emotional hospitality towards others. Many will readily accommodate to include people in an activity, dissipate awkwardness from a situation, or provide some diverse means for a space to achieve a sense of balance. At the best of times, they use charm in ways that eliminate manipulation and create comfort for both parties.

Love for Beautiful things

Most Libras have a great deal of appreciation for beauty and creativity. Although some will specialise in creative talents such as designing clothes, decorating homes, singing and writing poems, or painting, even the less artistically talented among them still experience a strong response to aesthetics and elegance.

Special Insight: Libra does not treat beauty lightly or frivolously. When Libras see beauty, it brings them peace. The beauty of a person they admire will provide them with calmness, inspiration, and balance. Libra understands how the environment of a person impacts their mood, and how one’s mood can affect the behaviour of people.

The Libra Personality: Challenges and Shadows

Each sign of the zodiac has its shadow side. The strengths of Libra may turn into challenges for them if they overuse these same qualities.

Indecisiveness

Libra is known for its difficulty with decision-making. With their ability to see several points of view regarding a subject at hand, Libras often spend long periods of time weighing options for a decision when most people would be making a decision at that point in time. Choosing the best outcome for themselves, the most equal or fair decision possible and/or the most beautiful or elegant decision possible can make it difficult for a Libra to commit to a final choice.

Special Insight: Libras indecision stems from their desire to avoid regret, as well as avoid imbalance in their lives or the lives of those around them.

A Libra is not hesitant to make a decision due to a lack of concern for the decision made. Rather, they have great concern regarding the consequences of their final decision. All available choices will have both positive and negative aspects; therefore, this is why Libras will likely remain indecisive about a decision for long periods of time. The lesson for a Libra is to remember that peace can sometimes include making a choice.

People-Pleasing

Libra wants to create comfort, value, and happiness for other people.

Creating these great feelings for other people is very positive; however, placing their own needs second to maintain harmony among other people can become harmful to the Libra. When Libra decides to say yes to others when they, in fact, mean no, avoids having to confront others and agrees verbally, but internally resents the agreement made, it is an example of people-pleasing behaviour.

Special Insight: Libra must learn that true harmony does not always mean pretending to be something that they are not.

The peace that is created by suppressing your own needs ultimately creates tension. Libras from the strength of honesty that is communicated effectively as part of creating balance and harmony, instead of threatening it.

Avoidance of Conflict

Librans are sensitive to harshness, confrontation and emotional ugliness. As such, they may put off having difficult conversations or try to “keep things nice” instead of being clear.

Special Insight: Libras tend to avoid conflict because of their strong sensitivity to being disharmonious or feeling discord. When discordant situations occur in their lives, they create a lot of unrest for themselves. The greatest lesson that Libras can learn is that not all conflicts are “bad.” In fact, many conflicts bring about needed cleansing, so it is important to realise that sometimes there is a need for discomfort for there to be truth.

External Validation

As a sign of relationships and reflections, one of Libra’s weaknesses is that they can depend on the opinions of others too much. Those born under Libra will have a much fuller sense of themselves when they know that they are loved, liked or chosen as opposed to being ignored or criticised. If they find themselves in the position of being disregarded or criticised, then their confidence and certainty will be more unstable than they would like to admit.

Special Insight: Libra, because they learn through mirrors, will sometimes forget that they also have an inner mirror. The growth of Libra comes from the development of an inner self-respect that continues to remain healthy when those outside are not admiring, agreeing or affirming them.

Libra in Love and Relationships

One of the most powerful aspects of Libra is that it creates partnerships at an incredible level.

Love is particularly important to Libra, not only for its romantic side, but because this sign truly cherishes companionship, conversation, and shared experiences. When Libra has another individual with whom to exchange thoughts, emotions, beauty, and support, they feel the most alive.

The Courtship

Libra enjoys the beginnings of romance.

Libra appreciates the thoughtful conversation, good manners, attractive locations, emotional reciprocity, and the simple dance between two people’s mutual interest. Libra is usually attracted to a partner who possesses intelligence, is capable of fairness, is warm, and is socially aware.

Special Insight: Libra is attracted to the ‘how’ of the way 2 people feel about being with each other.

It is not just about who the other person is; it is about the environment created between them. Does the connection between the two people feel balanced? Is there ease, respect, humour, and beauty associated with the exchange? All of these aspects are very important to Libra.

Libra as a Partner

When in an exclusive relationship, Libra is affectionate, caring, romantic, and sincerely interested in both partners having the opportunity to experience mutual joy.

Libra wishes to create a partnership where 2 people feel heard, valued, and emotionally supported. Libra is willing to discuss, compromise, and adapt to create peace and harmony in their relationship.

Special Insight: Libra shows love through thoughtfulness and reciprocity.

Libra believes that love should be a shared experience, not one-sided. A healthy Libra will ask, “What does each of us need?” Libras will remember important dates, create a pleasant atmosphere, and look for a good emotional dynamic in their everyday interactions.

Libra is able to share love in a way that is terrific, tender, and extremely classy when they feel secure.

Compatibility: Who Fits with the Scales?

Certain astrological signs are complementary to Libra when it comes to wanting to build connections and finding balance.

Libra & Gemini

Air signs share a strong compatibility with each other. Libra has grace, balance and relational understanding, while Gemini is playful, curious and very social; this duo makes for very active and social relationships.

Libra & Aquarius

Air signs also provide an air sign match based on intellectual chemistry. Libra is diplomatic and has warmth, while Aquarius has unique perspectives and an ability to envision the future; these two signs can inspire each other’s individuality while respecting their individual differences.

Libra & Aries

Libra and Aries are polar opposites in terms of astrological signs and their traits; Aries represents boldness and directness, while Libra embodies construction and balance. When both signs reach maturity, they will be able to learn a lot from each other as both individuals and as partners.

Special Insight: Libra’s desire for mutually contributory partnerships is what drives them to want a partner who appreciates their caring behaviour, and who reciprocates with truthfulness, consistency, and reciprocation. If a Libra is always the one to calm and diffuse any tension, demonstrate emotional grace, and always be the first one to give of themselves, they will become emotionally drained quickly from the relationship.

Career and Money: The Libra Professional

Libra does best in careers related to people, beauty (or pleasing things), balance, communication, and equity.

They generally dislike environments that are unnecessarily hostile to them, ugly, chaotic, and unrefined. Libra wants a workplace that values intelligence and the ambience of a location. They are generally successful in work that values social skills and thought-out decisions.

A Natural Mediator

Libra generally has a talent for dealing with the intricacies of humankind.

Libra can see two sides of a situation, remain professional, and offer assistance to people to enable them to work together. They are therefore very beneficial in settings that rely on working together, remaining neutral, providing customer service, or communicating delicately.

Special Insight: Libra is successful because they are able to improve not only the outcome of things they work on but also the manner in which they are accomplished.

They have the ability to bring civility and balance into and create social intelligence within environments that might otherwise become harsh or difficult to manage.

Best Jobs for Libra

Law / Mediation: Libra’s sense of fairness and equity makes them a good fit for a legal, policy, or resolution position, which will help them to succeed.

Design / Beauty: A creative eye for fashion, interior design, branding, beauty, and other visual arts will help Libra find success in a creative field.

Public Relations / Communications: Libra understands how to affect tone, maintain people’s perceptions of others, and make people feel at ease during interactions.

Counselling / Working with Relationships: Libra’s listening ability and their relationship focus will help them succeed when working with people on a one-to-one basis.

Diplomacy / Human Resources or Advisory Roles: Any position that requires a great deal of tactile ability, as well as the ability to ensure the needs of society are met, may help Libra to achieve their potential.

Special Insight: Libra needs to have a clear consciousness that what he/she does is adding to the harmony or quality of the product.

While Libras work hard, they struggle in environments where the needs of people are not met, aesthetics in space are ignored, or every interaction is antagonistic. They need the understanding that elegance and equity still exist in society.

Health and Wellness

The sign of Libra pertains to the kidneys, lower back, and overall balance.

Libra, as a sign, has strong associations with both physical balance and emotional/moral balance. When a Libra goes through extreme situations in life, whether due to excessive stress or excessive pressure in one or more areas of their life, they will often develop some sort of emotional disturbance or physical symptom (i.e., experiencing lower back pain after having had an ongoing frustration with a job, as well as being under stress in their romantic life).

Libras may experience the following:

• Unresolved conflict
• Lower back
• Excessive body fatigue from being a people-pleaser.
• Too much imbalance from lack of following routine and/or trying to accomplish too much in too little time.
• Being indecisive may cause emotional discouragement.

Special Insight: When Libras receive clarity regarding issues related to physical or emotional balance, healing is achieved.

Libras thrive on being in environments with a rhythm to them; e.g., proper amounts of sleep, personal beauty, and solitary and social time, i.e., having integrity within relationships. Too much time in chaotic environments, or environments that have a lot of ugliness, physical stress, or an imbalance of emotion, can drain Libras’ emotional and physical well-being.

By finding opportunities for gentle movement and stretching, listening to calming music, and engaging in talking with others about meaningful topics, Libras enhance their well-being. In general, Libras will increase their well-being by not taking on responsibility for how other people feel and re-establishing a connection to themselves.

Advice for the Libra Soul

As a Libra, your mission in life is to learn that peacefulness does not mean to be passive; that beauty does not mean to be weak; and that acts of kindness do not have to entail your disappearance or erasure.

Your gift is your grace. Your gift is your ability to be fair. Your gift is your capacity to listen, connect, comfort, and show civility to human beings. The world requires individuals who possess the ability to remind the world that elegance and fairness go together and that the relationship has value.

But be mindful, the idea of balance does not mean giving equal importance to all things. Some are true; some are false. Some relationships are fair; some are unfair. Some decisions can only be made with no consideration of options for a perfect result.

Never for the sake of harmony, deny your own voice.

Do not confuse silence with peace; sometimes silence is based on fear.

Do not allow yourself to wait indefinitely, awaiting certainty to take action.

When you trust equally in your internal measures as well as your external measures, your power increases substantially. Then your diplomacy is wisdom instead of hesitation. Your charm is a skill instead of avoidance. Your appreciation for beauty is an avenue to allowing others to heal the world.

Special Insight: Without Libra, there would be an increase in cruelty, loudness, and dehumanisation in the world. The world would no longer know the meaning and practice of fairness, mutual respect, or the power of grace in silence. Your purpose on this planet is to bring harmony, beauty, fairness, and the wisdom of relationships into the history of mankind, not to have perfect symmetry within life, but to enhance balance, love, and civility in the world.