Fortune Cookies
September 23 – October 22
Libra Zodiac Sign: ♎️
Libra is the only zodiac constellation representing an inanimate object rather than a person or animal. It was once part of Scorpius, specifically the Scorpion's claws. Astronomers eventually gave that group of stars a constellation of its own.
Ancient Greek star catalogs called it the Claws. Roman tables used Libra, the Scales. Libra became the lasting name, but the two brightest stars still carry names meaning the Southern and Northern Claws.
The constellation also features in a remarkable story about the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. Radio and laser messages were sent toward Libra in 1962, 1966, 2008, and 2009. Discoveries announced in 2007 and 2009 brought the reported planet count around the red dwarf Gliese 581 to four. Some drew particular interest as possible Earth-like worlds.
Debate over whether these worlds could support life was followed by excitement about a possible signal from the general direction of Gliese 581. Could it be an answer from another civilization? The idea was irresistible, but the observation was inconclusive: it did not establish that a signal came from that star, much less from an inhabited planet.
The system's story has remained full of surprises. Later research challenged some of the planet detections, showing how stellar activity can imitate a planet's signal. Gliese 581 remains a fascinating chapter in the search for other worlds, rather than evidence that someone has answered us.
Libra Astrology: Dates, Element, and Ruling Planet
Libra Months: September and October
Libra is the seventh zodiac sign. Depending on the year, the Sun enters it on September 22 or 23 and stays until October 22 or 23.
Libra Season: Fall
Libra is fall's first sign, a transitional pause between summer heat and autumn cold. The earth rests after harvesting and plowing. Fruit ripened under Leo and was gathered under Virgo. Libra's task is to distribute the harvest wisely, saving some for winter and some for the next sowing.
The season gives Libra thoughtfulness, good judgment, and a desire for fairness, harmony, and balance. They have a special gift for finding the middle ground between what is wanted and what is needed, between “I want to” and “I have to.”
Libra's Element: Air
Air represents lightness, movement, and human interaction. Changeable and unpredictable, it governs contact, conversation, and communication. Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius are its three signs.
Air gives Libra diplomacy, resourcefulness, sociability, friendliness, optimism, and an ability to escape conflict almost faster than the wind. It also brings curiosity, quick learning, imagination, and creative thought.
Libra's Ruling Planet: Venus
Venus' motto is “I love!” Known since antiquity as the planet of love and beauty, its astrological influence reaches further, into the full range of human feelings and motivations. Venus knows all about pleasure, whether that means a slice of cake or time with someone you love. Romance is its specialty. For Libra, it brings tenderness, sensitivity, care, a desire for mutual understanding, and a gift for building relationships.
Sociability, goodwill, the wish to create comfort, the ability to love, an eye for beauty, and creative talent also belong among Venus' gifts. And, naturally, the planet of love gives Libra a magnetic romantic appeal.
Libra colors: Soft, muted autumn colors and the full range of warm pastels.
Libra metal: Copper.
Libra talisman stones: Diamond, quartz, and marble.
Libra's opposite and complementary sign: Aries.
Places Associated with Libra
Countries, regions, and cities with a similar energy that may particularly appeal to Libra:
Countries and regions: Argentina, Austria, China, Upper Egypt, Indochina, Tibet, the Caspian coast, and Savoy.
Cities: Antwerp, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Johannesburg, Lisbon, Nottingham, and Vienna.
More Libra horoscopes:
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