Libra
October 1, 2009
At the Fall Equinox on September 23, night and day are equal. Briefly, there is balance, (you can stand an egg on its head today) then the scales tip once again. Days begin to shorten and the time for plants to grow is over. Our work is done for now. Symbolically, the time for working on me and my stuff is also over. Now that I’ve refined myself in Virgo, it’s time to recognize and acknowledge the others around me and enter the world of relationship. Now is Libra (September 23 – October 22), the sign of partnership. Libra and the five signs following focus on relationship with partners, teachers, bosses, friends, and finally, in Pisces, with the oneness of divine consciousness.
But first Libra, the sign of the Scales, the only sign not under animal or human rulership. Libra is the second air sign, giving a focus on communication, the basis of relationship. Ideas are the realm of all air signs, and in Libra thoughts of balance and fairness prevail. The Libra mind is the most rational in the zodiac. No wonder it is the sign of the mediator and the judge. And because of this powerful balancing factor, Librans find it difficult to make small everyday decisions.
Only three signs—the air signs—are not animals. The air signs focus on thought and the interrelatedness of all things. Here we learn that only minds can join and the concept of “my thought” is quite impossible.
Libra is represented by he scales, not even a human image. If a person is depicted holding the scales, he is blindfolded, symbolizing the impartiality needed for justice. There is an emotional detachment in the Libran that allows the native to see both sides. You can count on the Libran in your life for a balanced and fair appraisal. Libra is also the obvious mediator in any conflict. Astrologer Nancy Cohen says the little Libra is born to save his parents’ marriage, born to forever go between.
The essential lesson for Libra is this: how can I be me and still honor you. The undeveloped Libran most often bends to the wishes of others, unable to maintain integrity. If this compromise is done with resentment—and believe me it often is—unresolved anger builds in the Libra. Yes, that peace-loving, peace-keeping Libra in your life could be raging underneath that sweet smile.
Libra virtues include fairness, beauty, sociability, kindness, and willingness to compromise. Libran shadows are indecisiveness, unwillingness to be honest if it might hurt someone, procrastination, and saying what people want to hear. Without other deepening energies, the Libran can be shallow.
Decorators, public relations people, organizers of social functions, party givers, and hostesses: all Libran. Society’s most powerful Libran expressions are the diplomat, the judge, and the general.
Libra is ruled by Venus, goddess of beauty. May and October—both under Venusian vibrations—are Earth’s most beautiful months. The beauty in May is most evident in the blooming flowers. The beauty in October is in autumn color and the sunset sky. Sunset is the Libra time of day. The glyph for Libra is the setting sun. Marriages (Libra contracts) right before sunset have the best chance for success. This is an honoring of the balancing of opposites, another Libran concept.
Libra is beauty in proportion: that hourglass figure is Libra. Libra is beauty in movement: the dance is Libra. Libra is beauty in contrast: chiaroscuro is Libra. So is the hillside lit up with autumn color. The art gallery is Libra and so is the spa.
Libra is the sign of conflict as well a peace. It is the sign of the enemy as well as the partner. Sometimes the partner turns into the enemy after the falling-in-love blindness fades. Clearer vision often shows us our own shadows projected onto the other. Karl Jung suggested that being conscious of our shadows will improve our relationships. What he didn’t tell us is that it takes a lifetime.
The Body
In the body, Libra rules the kidneys, organs on either side, at the center of our bodies, and the bladder. Be careful of being “pissed off” at your partner or you could get an infection here. The ears, balanced organs by the middle of the face, and the inner ear, ruling balance, are under Libra rulership. Relationship problems show up as kidney problems or loss of equilibrium, an inner ear issue. Mars rules the sight and Venus rules the hearing and it is said–and I believe it–that men are visual creatures and women love sweet talk.
This Month
Celestial green lights are on this month after a rough September. This is the time to make preparations for winter. This winter could be a rough one with powerful planets making clashing aspects.
The Libra Sun shines light into our relationships and the conflicting drives within us. Issues of cooperation and independence are up. Be careful not to withdraw, a temptation since Mars is in Cancer. After the 9th, communication should open up as Mercury enters Libra. And good luck planet Jupiter turns forward on the 12th when “Hope will more easily translate into action, ” suggests astrologer Jeff Jawer.
Energies shift into a heavier and deeper gear as the Sun enters Scorpio October 22nd and Saturn exits Virgo October 29th. A new era begins as Saturn enters Libra, his favorite sign. As astrologer Lance Ferguson points out: Saturn here teaches us we can do more working with others and that good relationships last when each partner takes personal responsibility. Issues of fairness will abound during the next two and a half years, the length of Saturn’s stay in Libra. Will making decisions (a Libra thing) be easier because of the stability of mind Saturn in Libra brings or harder because Saturn makes harder everything he touches? We’ll have to wait and see. Some of the big fashion and make-up giants (Libra) may be taken down.
We find many favorable days this month for new starts and purchases, including October 4, 5, 8, 11, 20, 21, 24, 26, 27, 28, 31. Clean out and get rid of on October 15, 16, and 17. No surgeries the days around the Full Moon on October 3rd.
At the Full Moon on October 3rd questions around me and you are at heir peak. Am I being too assertive or am I giving in too much? It’s hard to keep relationships in balance now as the Full Moon increases our emotions along with the tides.
Venus, ruler of Libra, will aspect all outer planets on after the peak of this Full Moon, illuminating the way to peace through the open heart. As astrologer Stephanie Austin says: “Venus is signaling our readiness to receive important insights and directives. Pay special attention to what your heart is telling you on October 4, 9, 13, and 15, ” the days when Venus kisses.
The New Libra Moon aligns sweetly with Jupiter, Chiron, and Neptune, creating a magical quality, “seeding hopes for peace and harmony. ” (Jeff Jawer) More difficult aspects now invite us to purge our overly-dependent or co-dependent relationships and reclaim our power. Stephanie Austin suggests October 22nd is the day for insights into what you need to move forward on your path. The Sabian symbol for this lunation reminds us that answers can come in unexpected moments: The sight of an autumn leaf brings to a pilgrim the sudden revelation of the mystery of life and death. ”
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