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We’re halfway through the astrological year as the sun slips into the sign of Libra. If you were born between September 22 and October 23 (see note above regarding exact dates), you were born under the sign of the Scales of Justice. Your life journey involves developing your abilities for balancing opposites, creating harmony, and establishing healthy relationships. The seventh astrological sign, Libra is the first sign to step outside of an emphasis on "me" and into an awareness of "us." The higher purpose of Libra is to create harmonious relationships in the world. It is natural to think of those relationships as being between people, as in partnerships, marriages, and counseling situations. It makes sense that two of the archetypes associated with Libra are Lover and Peacemaker. But if you extend the definition of "relationship," you can arrive at the another archetype for Libra: Artist. An artist creates harmonious relationships as well, but these relationships are between colors and forms (painting/drawing), objects (architecture/Feng Shui) or sounds (music). This expands the meaning of Libra’s purpose beyond the purely personal. As a Libra, you have innate abilities for pleasing others and for creating harmony in your surroundings. This comes naturally due to your discomfort around anger and discord. You are willing to do almost anything in order to keep the peace and keep people smiling. This is both your gift and your downfall, for at times you may find that you have sacrificed too much in your attempts to make situations or relationships work. "Peace at any price" may ultimately interfere with your ability to create truly healthy relationships, if you are not aware of the need to weigh yourself into the balance. The symbol of the Scales represents a very important aspect of your ultimate goal, Libra: The relationships you develop must be fair and equal. This is sometimes difficult for you, because it means that you must pay as much attention to your own needs and values as to those of your partner. It may even be hard to know your own opinions at times, and it may be difficult to stand up for them if you think you will be making the other person unhappy or uncomfortable. This will be especially challenging if you know that standing up for yourself may mean the end of a relationship. This is your hardest lesson, Libra: you are learning the skills of healthy compromise, which means that while you may bend on certain issues, you may not compromise on your truth or your values. Libra is an air sign, emphasizing your intellect and your ability to see all sides of an issue. For you, each argument has its merits and each option has possibilities. This makes you a wonderful arbitrator or mediator, as you can help those in disagreement to see things from the other person’s point of view. But for you, the question becomes, "How can I make a decision when I can so clearly see the positives and negatives of both options?" Luckily, Libra is also known as a "cardinal" sign, showing that you have the ability to take action and to be the first one out the door once you’ve finally decided to move forward. The key to many of your questions and dilemmas is to find out what you truly value. If you value time by yourself, and yet find that you always say "yes" to a friend’s or partner’s invitation at the expense of that time alone, that is one sign that the Scales of Justice are not in balance. Pay close attention to those times when you have a certain plan in mind, and yet find yourself agreeing to something completely different. You will know when a decision is going against your deeper needs. Sense what is going on inside of you, even while your mouth is saying yes. Remember that the Scales of Justice are not in balance unless your needs and your values are also being weighed in. The planet traditionally associated with Libra is Venus, the goddess of love and beauty. Her qualities are an integral part of you, for you have a strong inner sense of what is pleasing to the eye and to the heart, as well as the ongoing desire to be in love and to feel loved in return. Libra rules the kidneys, the adrenal glands, and the lower back in the physical body; these areas in your own body may indicate when you are not keeping your life in proper balance. Kidneys process the body’s wastes and clear them out. If you are holding onto anger or resentment because you have not been paying attention to your basic needs, you may experience problems in these areas. Drinking plenty of water is always important for flushing out your system. The adrenals supply the energy to keep you going, but if you keep going when you should be paying attention to your needs for rest, these glands will be overworked and depleted. Lower back problems indicate a lack of support in your life, and may flare up when you are not supporting yourself in the ways you need. As an air sign, you typically are most comfortable in relationships with other air signs (Aquarius, Gemini) or fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius). Water signs may at times feel too emotional or sentimental for your liking, and earth signs will need to pick up the pace if they are to keep up with your ability to switch quickly from one viewpoint to another. Understanding your opposite sign will help you get a clearer idea of how to keep your life in balance, Libra. The sign exactly opposite Libra is Aries. As stated in the very first article of this series, Aries’ higher purpose involves fulfilling what others might call "selfish" desires. While your lifelong goal, Libra, is definitely to create a sense of "us" rather than "me," you will be assisted in the process by incorporating Aries’ lessons of never forgetting that you, too, have rights, wants, and needs. You have admirable skills, Libra, with your ability to see both sides of an issue and your desire for peace. They are your gifts to the people in your life and to the people on our planet. We will call on you many times in the days ahead for the perspective we may be lacking. Pam Younghans is an astrologer and teacher, offering personal consultations and classes at Longevity Holistic Center on old Main Street in Bothell, Washington. To schedule a consultation, to receive Pam’s free weekly forecast by email, or if you have questions call (425) 445-3775, e-mail <astrologerpam@aol.com>, or see Pam’s Web site at <http://www.pamsastrology.freeservers.com>. |
This is the seventh
article in a series exploring the 12 astrological signs. In Western
astrology, the heavens are divided into 12 equal sections, beginning
with Aries at the Vernal Equinox and continuing through the rest
of the zodiac. Dates given below are approximate; exact dates
for the beginning and ending of the signs vary from year to year.
Please consult an ephemeris or a qualified astrologer to verify
your sun sign and to get a more complete picture of your entire
astrological chart. Although the description below applies especially
to those who were born when the sun was in Libra, it is also
applicable in varying degrees for everyone, as Libra appears
somewhere in each individual’s chart.