The legend of Libra, explained
Libra is the seventh sign of the zodiac and is said to govern from about September 22 to about October 23.
Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.
-
Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.; thumbnail © Franco Origlia/Getty ImagesPopes are elected for life. Learn about how they get the job.
-
Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.This is the philosopher who said “God is dead.”Media Editor: Lauren Sims
-
Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.Tenzin Gyatso was the first Dalai Lama on Instagram. Who will succeed him?
-
© Open University (A Britannica Publishing Partner)Heracles (or Hercules) as portrayed in films and television.
-
Contunico © ZDF Studios GmbH, Mainz; Thumbnail © Sborisov/Dreamstime.comOverview of the Colosseum, Rome.
-
Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.What St. Valentine, an ancient Roman festival, and Geoffrey Chaucer all have in common.
-
Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.Saturn Devouring His Son was once a mural Francisco Goya painted inside of his home in Spain.
Transcript
Libra is the seventh sign of the zodiac and is said to govern from about September 22 to about October 23.
Located between Scorpius and Virgo in the Southern night sky, the faint stars making up the constellation may be difficult to locate.
The name of Libra’s brightest star, Zubeneschamali, is Arabic for “northern claw,” as the ancient Greeks considered Libra to be a part of the constellation Scorpius.
However, about 2,000 years ago, the Romans viewed Libra as a separate constellation, naming it with the Latin word for “balance.”
At the time, the autumnal equinox was in Libra, so the name was fitting for a time where night and day were equal in length.
Libra is symbolized by a set of scales, the only non-living symbol in the zodiac, and is sometimes depicted as being held by Astraea, the Roman goddess of justice.
In astrology, Libras are said to be similar to their symbolic scale by harboring a need for harmony in their lives.
Libras are characterized as good compromisers and peacemakers, with the ability to adapt to whoever they are around.
Famous Libras who have advocated for balance and justice include Mahatma Gandhi, bell hooks, and Elie Wiesel.
Located between Scorpius and Virgo in the Southern night sky, the faint stars making up the constellation may be difficult to locate.
The name of Libra’s brightest star, Zubeneschamali, is Arabic for “northern claw,” as the ancient Greeks considered Libra to be a part of the constellation Scorpius.
However, about 2,000 years ago, the Romans viewed Libra as a separate constellation, naming it with the Latin word for “balance.”
At the time, the autumnal equinox was in Libra, so the name was fitting for a time where night and day were equal in length.
Libra is symbolized by a set of scales, the only non-living symbol in the zodiac, and is sometimes depicted as being held by Astraea, the Roman goddess of justice.
In astrology, Libras are said to be similar to their symbolic scale by harboring a need for harmony in their lives.
Libras are characterized as good compromisers and peacemakers, with the ability to adapt to whoever they are around.
Famous Libras who have advocated for balance and justice include Mahatma Gandhi, bell hooks, and Elie Wiesel.