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Western (tropical) · Zodiac sign 7

♎︎ Libra

Scales · Scales

Libra ♎, the scales: a cardinal air sign ruled by Venus, 23 September – 22 October.

Libra, the scales, begins at the autumn equinox and is the only sign represented by an object. A cardinal air sign ruled by Venus and the exaltation of Saturn, it is associated with balance, partnership and justice.

The dates are approximate because the sun's entry into each sign shifts by a day or so from year to year; the calculator on this site gives the exact sign for a birth date and time. In traditional astrology a sign is read together with its planetary ruler, the house it occupies and the aspects to it, not in isolation.

Personality

diplomatic · fair-minded · charming · sociable · artistic · indecisive · peace-loving

In Western astrology Libra is described as the diplomat of the zodiac: charming, fair-minded and devoted to balance, beauty and partnership. A cardinal air sign ruled by Venus, the only sign symbolised by an object, the scales, it is given the temperament of the judge who weighs both sides and the host who keeps the peace.

Astrologers credit Libra with tact, grace, a strong sense of justice and a gift for bringing people together, along with refined taste in art, design and manners. The challenges traditionally named are indecision, a wish to please that can avoid necessary conflict, dependence on others' approval and a tendency to weigh options for so long that the moment passes.

In love Libra is portrayed as romantic, considerate and partnership-minded, happiest in a relationship of equals and sensitive to harmony at home. At work it is linked with law, mediation, diplomacy, design, fashion, the arts and any role that requires negotiation and an eye for proportion. Traditional astrology notes that Saturn is exalted in Libra, adding seriousness to its idea of justice; modern popular lists give opal as its stone, older ones chrysolite or peridot.

Stone: Opal

Sources and further reading