Libras are one of the most easy going signs of the Zodiac. You may be wondering why this is. One doesn’t have to dive too deep to immediately notice that the symbol for Libra’s is the scale. This simply translates to “perfect balance”. Libra’s like to keep everything in balance and they are wonderful at balancing out relationships, work, family, friends and any other situations that may arise.
Zodiac Calendar Dates for the Libra Sign
Now that the simple explanation of a Libra has been explained, let’s get down to the more intricate details. The Libra is the 7th sign of the zodiac and is represented by any individual whose birthday falls between September 22 and October 23. In some cases, various zodiac horoscopes and calendars may have the Libra date range slightly altered and beginning on September 23 and running one month through to October 23. Many individuals born on the 22nd or the 23rd can sometimes be considered “cusps” and they will share characteristics of both the Libra sign and the previous “Virgo” sign.
Why The Scale?
Why is the Libra sign often depicted as the scale? The scale or a woman identified as the Greek goddess of justice (Astraea) will symbolize the balance and governing traits that are associated with the Libra zodiac. Aside from the traits, there is an astrological meaning behind the representation of the scale.
The 7th sign of the zodiac occurred during the autumnal equinox in September. This is when the sun passes across the face of the constellation and day and night are typically equal in duration. The heavens are considered balanced and a scale is the physical representation of balance.
The Greek Goddess is sometimes a symbol for Libra due to the mythological story wherein Themis, the daughter of Astraea, went to heaven and essentially became the Virgo constellation. As previously mentioned, Virgo is the zodiac sign prior to Libra and cusp birthdays often share traits of both Virgo and Libra. When Themis arrived in heaven, she was met by her mother, Astraea and both of these goddesses carried the justice scales. The scales later became the symbol for Libra.
Characteristics of Libras
Libras are essentially some of the easiest people to get along with. Due to their need to constantly strive for balance, people are typically drawn to them. Some of these traits include:
- Intelligence
- Persuasion
- Charm
- Empathetic
While these are all wonderful traits to possess, Libra’s are also known for some less than desirable traits as well. These traits include:
- Self-Sacrificing nature
- Low Self Confidence
- Toxic Positivity
- Avoidance
When the positive and negative traits for a Libra are not in balance, they can often feel guilty or shameful because they are not happy and they are out of balance. When a Libra is “off kilter” and not balanced, it is highly noticeable. Due to their empathetic nature, their feelings often manifest to those around them. A Libra is able to easily pick up on the emotions and feels of those around them. They are sometimes considered emotional sponges. They have a clear and concise way of deciphering how those around them are feeling and are able to navigate those emotions to help create a stable social and emotional environment. They are calming to those who need it and uplifting and energetic to those who are sad or depressed. Due to this absorption of emotions, the residual feelings can often come out and make others uncomfortable when a Libra is not balanced. It is imperative for a Libra to have another Libra or a Virgo in their friend or family circle. This will help to keep them balanced when they are experiencing a time of emotional burn out.
How can a Libra recharge?
It is important for Libras to recharge and spend some time alone and practicing self care. A positive and ready to balance Libra is great to have around but an exhausted and self hating Libra can completely change the atmosphere in a room. For Libra’s, being social and extroverted is the normal. When a Libra is ready to recharge, they will become slightly introverted. It is best to allow them this time to focus on themselves. Libra’s typically recharge by encompassing their being with positive energy from nature in these ways:
- Evening walks in the moonlight
- Early morning walks as the sun is rising
- Hiking in the woods
- Spending time with animals
- Reading quietly and focusing on nothing other than the book
- Driving or riding a bike and taking in the natural surroundings
Always take a Libras alone time as a good thing. This means they are practicing self care. By pushing a Libra that is clearly exhausted into a social interaction, you are only draining their emotional battery more. Allow them this time to replenish their soul, mind and emotions. Libras bounce back quickly when they spend time with mother nature.
Compatibility
While a Libra is highly compatible with most people, there are some zodiac signs that they enjoy more than others. Leo, Taurus, Aries and Gemini are often considered the best romantic matches for a Libra. The best friendship signs for a Libra are the fellow air signs because they speak the same language. The Air signs include fellow Libra’s as well as Gemini and Aquarius.
When a Libra is considering love, they are slow to jump into marriage. A long term commitment while feeling out the relationship is typically standard. There are variations on this in the cases of cusp birthdays. The Virgo sign is straight and to the point and does not like to waste time. In many cases, Libra’s who are born on the cusp will exhibit the compatibility preferences of the Virgo constellation rather then that of the Libra.
The only sign that can sometimes have a bit more conflict with the Libra, is ironically, the Virgo. This could go back to the Greek mythology with the typical mother and daughters relationship. Even in the heavens and the constellations, goddesses can squabble just as earthly mothers and daughters can. These two signs are known to bicker a bit more when they are together.
To know a Libra is to love a libra and this seventh sign of the zodiac is a great sign to incorporate into your life. If you are a Libra, make sure you keep your life just as balanced as those around you. Focus on charging your internal battery and try to put your own feelings first sometimes.
