Libra (; , Latin for "scales") is the seventh
astrological sign in the
zodiac. It spans 180°–210°
celestial longitude. The
Sun transits this sign on average between September 22 and October 23. The symbol of the scales is based on the Scales of Justice held by
Themis, the Greek
personification of divine law and custom. She became the inspiration for modern depictions of
Lady Justice. The ruling planet of Libra is
Venus along with
Taurus. Libra is the only zodiac sign that is represented by an object; the other eleven signs are represented by either an animal or a mythological character though some depictions feature a man holding the scales with his hands.
Astrological associations
Libra is the cardinal modality of the three air signs, the others being
Gemini and
Aquarius. Libra is symbolized by the scales and is associated with the Roman deity ''
Iustitia''. According to the writer
Manilius, Roman judges are born under the sign of Libra.
The Moon was said to be in Libra when
Rome
Rome (Italian language, Italian and , ) is the capital city and most populated (municipality) of Italy. It is also the administrative centre of the Lazio Regions of Italy, region and of the Metropolitan City of Rome. A special named with 2, ...
was founded and this was based on the historical passage, which state "''qua condita Roma''".
Everything was balanced under this righteous sign. Manilius once said that Libra was the sign "in which the seasons are balanced" (Astronomica, 1.267), cf. Virgil, Georg. I.208-9: "Libra die somnique pares ubi fecerit horas / et medium luci atque umbris iam diuidit orbem,...". Both the hours of the day and the hours of the night match each other, hence the
September equinox. Thus, why the Romans put so much trust in the "balanced sign".
Going back to ancient Greek times, Libra the constellation between
Virgo and
Scorpio used to be ruled over by the constellation of Scorpio. They called the area the Latin word "chelae", which translated to "the claws" which can help identify the individual stars that make up the full constellation of Libra, since it was so closely identified with the Scorpion constellation in the sky.
Gallery
File: Workshop of Willem Vrelant (Flemish, died 1481, active 1454 - 1481) - A Man Treading Grapes; Zodiacal Sign of Libra - Google Art Project.jpg, Illustration of Libra in a Flemish manuscript from the early 1460s
File: Book of Wonders folio 13b.jpg, Libra, or al-Mīzān, depicted in the 14th/15th century Arabic astrological text '' Book of Wonders''
File:Libra2.jpg, A woman holding the scales ( Book of Hours, the , Bodleian Library)
See also
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Astronomical symbols
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Chinese zodiac
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Circle of stars
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Cusp (astrology)
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Elements of the zodiac
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History of astrology
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Air (classical element)
Notes
Works cited
* Longitude of Sun, apparent geocentric ecliptic of date, interpolated to find time of crossing 0°, 30°....
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External links
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Warburg Institute Iconographic Database (ca 320 medieval and early modern images of Libra)
{{DEFAULTSORT:Libra (Astrology)
Western astrological signs