Libra is the second of the Air signs. It is Cardinal (Initiating) in nature and is ruled by the planet Venus. The sign of Libra is the scales. The sign of Libra starts the second half of the year, exactly six months after the sign of Aries. As Aries is very much concerned with myself and I and my emergence and plans in the world so the sign of Libra is concerned with relationship to the other person. In the Astrological chart, the sign of Libra is at home on the Western side of the chart which is where the individual meets with the other person. A Libran has to discover and grow by relating to and understanding the other person. Librans are fascinated by relationships between people and social interaction. They are known for their diplomacy and style when relating to others as they are so focused and sensitive in this area.
The sign of the scales is an expression of this social interaction. Where is the justice in how one person treats another person ? What is the correct action someone should take ? These are all questions the Libran asks herself and indeed will ultimately use their energy to stand up for and defend. These are not the emotional aspects of a relationship, as dealt with by Scorpio, but are more the rules of a relationship. Librans are known though to have an achilles heel. Since they see all sides of an argument, in an effort to find the correctly balanced answer, they can often end up paralysed and fail to come to any conclusion. Suddenly when a Libran decides in favour of one side of an argument, the other side looms large and appears to take on a great significance. In this way the Libran can't make a decision. What is the remedy for this ? Well sometimes you have to just decide on something, realise there is a greater power at work than yourself and let it go from there.
Since Libra is like Taurus ruled by Venus, Librans possess an appreciation and an affinity with beauty. Where the Taurus beauty can be quite earthly , the Libran energy being an Air sign can be a beauty in the realm of ideas and concepts. Librans are known to be great appreciators of art and style. Librans often possess a certain social beauty. They often have charm and grace and diplomacy. If you are hosting a party or an eventy you would do well to have a Libran in charge as chances are it wil run very smoothly.
Libran energy would influence a person to be a good artist, a diplomat and a marriage counsellor. It's shadow side can be a person who can never make a decision and is ineffective in the world. Another shadow side of Libra is the person who takes justice to it's extreme, is out of touch with his emotions, and has no mercy on those around him.
Libran energy will modify the expression of the planet that may lie in this sign. See How It Works section. With mars in Libra, the energy of mars will take on a Libran theme and the person will fight for justice to the extreme. His energy will be activated when he sees injustices around him. With Jupiter in Libra the persons philosophy of life will be one of truth and harmony and balance. With the moon in Libra the person will need a relationship to be fulfilled or will at least love to dicuss the inner workings of everyone elses relationships.