Libra is the charming, creative, and innovative diplomat of the western zodiac, represented by the scales of justice. For those born between September 23 – October 22, or who have other planets in this zodiac sign, the world is full of interesting people, ideas to share, and experiences to funnel into artistic expression. In this post, we’ll cover all aspects of the 7th zodiac sign, from Libra personality traits, including strengths and weakness, to Libra compatibilities, symbology, and more.
Table of Contents
Here are some high-level aspects of the Libra astrology sign:
Before we go into more detail about Libra’s personality traits, let’s first take a look at the history and meanings behind this sign’s symbol. One of the keys to astrology, the zodiac sign’s symbol sheds light on who this person is and what they bring to the world.
The Latin name “Libra” translates to “scale.” Thus, the symbol for Libra is a pair of scales. The scales are the only western zodiac symbol that is an inanimate object vs. an animal or mythical creature. (However, sometimes the sign of Libra is associated with certain spirit animals, which we’ll get to below.) The sign of Libra is also represented by a setting sun. Befitting its symbols, Libra is associated with harmony, balance, peacefulness, justice, charm, and beauty.
The Libra glyph, or simplified symbol for the sign, is comprised of the Greek letter Omega (Ω), which is the last letter in the alphabet, placed above a horizontal line. The word Omega translates, literally, to “the Great O.” The symbol itself denotes the completion of something, a grand closure, or the ultimate limit. Thus, the glyph for Libra, comprised of Omega over a horizontal line, is representative of the completion of a solar cycle with the setting sun.
While Libra is the only sign in the western zodiac that’s represented by an object instead of an animal or mythical creature, the sign does have some animal associations. The spirit animals, or animal symbols, who are associated with the sign of Libra include the swan, rabbit, and wolf.
Libra is ruled by the planet Venus. Named for the Roman goddess of love, the root of the word Venus is “wen,” which means “to desire” or “strive for.”1
Like the goddess, Venus the planet rules creativity, love, beauty, pleasure, and desire. Thus, Libra’s ruling planet instills an appreciation for art, luxury, and peacefulness in this zodiac sign. In addition, Libra values connections with others and harmonious relationships. Thus, astrologers credit the influence of Venus with Libra being one of the most sociable and charming signs in the zodiac.
The ancient Greeks had a myth about the creation of the constellation that represent Libra. According to the story, the goddess Themis, who was the daughter of the creator deities Gaia and Uranus, was an oracle who interpreted the will of the gods. Hence, she embodied the concepts of wisdom and justice.2
Themis and Zeus gave birth to a daughter named Astraea who remained a virgin. Like her mother, Astraea personified justice and balance, as well as purity and innocence.
According to the Greek myths, the gods lived among humans during the Golden Age. However, during the Iron Age that followed, the world became a brutal place, with humans becoming greedy and violent. So, Astraea chose to leave the world of humans to join the gods in the sky.
When she did, she carried the scales of justice with her, which represented her mother, Themis. It was these scales that became the constellation Libra. And Astraea herself became the constellation Virgo.3
The Romans, who adopted many of the ancient Greek’s cultural myths and other customs, were particularly intrigued with the idea of divine justice. Thus, the Libra constellation became especially important to them.4
Western astrology signs are also associated with certain tarot cards. In the Major Arcana, the sign of Libra is represented by the Justice card. Depending on which deck you use, the illustration on the Justice card usually depicts a person in authority, such as a king, with a sword in one hand and a pair of scales in the other.
Like the Egyptian goddess Maat, who weighed a person’s heart to gauge whether they had lived a life worthy of going to the afterlife (vs. hell or the underworld), the figure in the Justice card measure a person’s karma. In other words, the image represents the idea that all actions have consequences. Like the sign of Libra, the Justice card reflects our hope and desire for fairness, harmony, and balance.
Befitting their zodiac symbol, Libras are known to be fair-minded masters of diplomacy. They (along with Leo) are the natural charmers of the zodiac, possessing great skills of persuasion. In fact, as an air sign, Libra is cerebral and very comfortable in the world of ideas, imagination, and mental stimulation.
Because they are so charming and social, Libras generally have a wide circle of friends and they enjoy being out and about and meeting new people.
In western astrology, an important aspect to each sign’s personality is what is referred to as its modality. The modality can best be described as the sign’s mode of operation or orientation. There are three modalities in western astrology: cardinal, fixed, and mutable. And each one contains the elements of fire, water, air, and earth.
In addition, within each modality, there are aspects of the four seasons of the year: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. For example, Libra’ modality is cardinal and it represents the season of autumn in the set of cardinal signs. In addition, Libra is the sole cardinal air sign.
Fixed signs: Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius. The fixed signs are associated with stability, consistency, and tenacity. Thus, making commitments and seeing plans through to completion come naturally to these signs. They’re not wishy-washy types, and they know how to get the ball over the goal line to reach their dreams or objectives.
Mutable signs: Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces. The mutable signs are associated with flexibility, adaptability, and change. Thus, they embrace new experiences, they can deal with ambiguity, and they easily go with the flow. They’re also good at solving problems, being resourceful, and thinking outside of the box.
Cardinal signs: Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn. The cardinal signs are associated with new beginnings, initiation, and leadership. Thus, these signs are innovative and proactive. They’re the types who are pioneers and who take initiative.
As the cardinal air sign, Libra is an innovator who is known for being at the fore-front of new trends. In essence, Libra senses things that are going to happen before many other signs do. Thus, Libra is often the first to come up with bright or avant-garde ideas. By the same token, Libra is often the first sign to sense when something is passé or even if a situation is going to turn sour. Hence, they are usually out the door long before anyone else realizes what’s happening.
Here are some more details on Libra strengths and weaknesses:
Here’s a list of some of the best aspects to the Libra personality:
We all have a dark side and Libra is no exception. Here are some negative aspects to the Libra personality:
Here are some mantras, or personal affirmations, that fit well with Libra strengths and weaknesses and which are designed to help this sign thrive:
Who is Libra the most compatible with? In astrology, there are plenty of rules about which sign is compatible with which. However, we don’t have to look too far to find exception to those rules! For example, even astrological odd couples can come together and create a loving relationship that stands the test of time. In addition, the relationships or aspects between the other planets in each person’s birth chart play a role in how two people will interact.
With this in mind, here are some guidelines on how easy or challenging some astrological combinations can be when paired with Libra. Plus, there’s a list of some easy ways to turn Libra on or off!
When Libra pairs with a fellow air sign, it’s a match made in heaven. To being, the two air signs will understand each other on an intellectual level. In addition, they’ll respect each other’s freedom and not feel threatened when the other needs some space.
Libra will feel energized when in the company of a Gemini, Aquarius, or a fellow Libra. The two signs will enjoy talking, exchanging ideas, making plans, and exploring new places and experiences. When paired with Gemini, Aquarius, or another Libra, Libra may feel like they’ve met their soulmate.
A potential downside when Libra pairs with another air sign is that the pair may lack the kind of passion and emotional engagement that keeps things stimulating over the long term. Or, as each person develops new interests, the two could go their separate ways as though the wind simply blew them in separate directions. However, when Libra pairs with a sign who shares their element, the future looks bright and these two have great odds at making each other happy.
When Libra pairs with a fire sign, the sparks fly and these two may feel like they’ve met their ideal man or woman. Aries, Leo, or Sagittarius will light Libra up, stimulating them to get out of their comfort zone and explore all that life has to offer. At the same time, Libra will fan the fire sign’s flames, motivating and encouraging them to be the best they can be. In general, when Libra pairs with a fire sign, the two people will stimulate each other while also making the other feel comfortable.
The risk in this relationship is that the fire sign may put emotional demands on Libra that are a little too intense. The Aries, Leo, or Sagittarius might also have a jealous or possessive streak that cramps Libra’s style and puts a damper on their social life, which Libra won’t like. However, if the fire sign appreciates Libra’s sociable and outgoing nature and more or less gets out of their way, the two can have a fun and loving relationship.
When Libra gets together with an earth sign, the two signs can create something substantial together. Taurus, Virgo, or Capricorn will have the wherewithal to help make Libra’s visions for the future a reality, giving them emotional and physical support. Furthermore, Libra’s love of luxury will be very much appreciated and celebrated by the earth sign. At the same time, Libra will stimulate the earth sign, with the capacity to show them a life that is beyond their imagination.
The challenge with this combination, however, is that Libra may be too flighty and superficial for Taurus, Virgo, or Capricorn. For example, Libra may want to surround the couple with their extensive network of friends and acquaintances while the earth sign might prefer to socialize only with a close knit circles of friends and family.
Libra’s creative and compassionate nature will be naturally attracted the emotionally deep water signs, Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces. After all, the water signs are adept at creating the kind of beauty, art, and luxury that Libra loves. Just as the goddess Venus originated from the sea, Libra can thrive off the emotional energy of the water signs. Furthermore, both Libra and the water sign will relate to each other on an intuitive level.
The challenges that Libra might face when paired with Pisces, Scorpio, or Cancer is that the water sign’s emotions might be too deep and heavy for Libra, who prefers to keep things light. In fact, Libra might feel like they need a breath of fresh air if things get too heavy with the water sign. By the same token, the water sign might feel like Libra is too superficial or even lighthearted for their tastes. All that being said, there are enough positives going for this combination that if they two signs respect each other and give them room to be authentic, they could greatly benefit from their differences.
If you’re trying to win a Libra’s heart (or drive them away), here are some quick suggestions on what can turn them on or off:
How to Turn On Libra
How to Turn Off Libra
While this article focuses primarily on the Libra sun sign, other planets in the birth chart can also be in Libra. Hence, the traits of Libra influence the aspects of a person’s life ruled by those planets. Here’s how the qualities of Libra can manifest in different planets of the birth chart:
Our sun sign rules our will, identity, self-expression, and ego. It’s also one of the key drivers in how we will fulfill our life’s purpose, or our self-realization. Thus, a person with their sun in Libra will be creative, fair-minded, gentle, and sociable. They could easily serve in a role that requires good people skills and diplomacy. They will most likely have a wide circle of friends. In addition, they could easily work in the arts or in a cutting edge industry.
Your ascendant, or rising sign, is the astrological sign that was rising on the eastern horizon at the time of your birth. It reflects how you present yourself and how others perceive you, such as by your outward appearance and mannerisms or your overall disposition. People with Libra rising are often considered handsome or beautiful by others as well as charming and friendly. They are also viewed as even-tempered and bright.
Your moon sign represents your emotions, your inner world, and your subconscious state of mind. It also relates to your mother. Thus, it reflects how you take care of yourself. People whose moon is in Libra will be natural peacemakers who may even be uncomfortable with conflict. In emotional matters, they could be slightly detached but will also strive to make others feel comfortable. They will also have a natural appreciation for the arts.
Your Venus sign represents your approach to love and relationships, desires and passions, and what you value. Venus is exalted when in Libra as it is the sign’s ruling planet. In fact, people with Venus in Libra are hopeless romantics who love being in love. They thrive on all of the trappings of romance, from candlelight dinners to gondola rides and moonlight serenades. In addition, Venus in Libra people love to create and be surrounded by beauty, harmony, and luxury.
Your Mars sign reflects what drives you. It’s the passion in your nature and how you take action. Your Mars sign manifests itself in how you work, how you approach your free time, and your sexuality.
Mars is in Libra people are experts and creating win-win scenarios. They are peacemakers, diplomats, and humanitarians. These people can be very successful but they won’t stomp over other people’s dreams to achieve their own.
When it comes to sexuality, Mars in Libra people enjoy keeping things fun and light and will feel the most passionate in beautiful settings.
Your Mercury sign governs the way you communicate and express yourself as well as how you learn and process information.
Those with Mercury in Libra are intellectually curious. They’re also adept and seeing both sides of an issue and then presenting each side in a way that others can relate to.
Mercury in Libra people are also good networkers who can find common ground with people from diverse walks of life.
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