Libra, the scales, is the seventh sign of the zodiac. In astrology it covers birthdays from about 23 September to 22 October. It is also a real constellation, a small group of stars with a surprisingly long and tangled history. Here are 15 facts about Libra, from the night sky to the horoscope pages.
Libra at a glance
Astrology dates: about 23 September to 22 October
Symbol: the scales (♎)
Element: air
Ruling planet in astrology: Venus
Brightest star: Zubeneschamali (Beta Librae)
Best seen from the UK: low in the southern sky on early summer evenings
1Libra is the only zodiac sign that is an object.
Every other sign of the zodiac is a person or an animal, from Aries the ram to Pisces the fish. Libra is the only one represented by an object: a pair of balance scales.
2Its stars were once a scorpion’s claws.
To the ancient Greeks, the stars of Libra formed the claws of Scorpius, the scorpion next door. The Romans later made them into a separate constellation, the scales, which is how we know it today.
3Its star names still remember the claws.
Libra’s two brightest stars have Arabic names. Zubenelgenubi means “the southern claw” and Zubeneschamali means “the northern claw”, left over from the time when they belonged to the scorpion.
4One of its stars is sometimes called green.
Some stargazers say Zubeneschamali has a pale green tint, which would make it the only star that looks green to the naked eye. Most astronomers think the colour is an illusion, because stars do not really shine green.
5The scales may stand for balanced days and nights.
About 2,000 years ago, the Sun was in Libra at the September equinox, when day and night are roughly equal in length all over the world. Many people think this is why the constellation came to be seen as a pair of scales.
6The Sun is no longer in Libra on Libra’s dates.
The Earth slowly wobbles on its axis, a movement called precession, so the stars have shifted against the calendar since astrology’s dates were fixed. Today the Sun actually passes in front of the constellation Libra from about 31 October to 22 November.
7It is linked with justice.
In Greek and Roman myth, the scales were often linked with Astraea or Dike, goddesses of justice, who are connected with the neighbouring constellation Virgo. Scales are still a symbol of justice today, held by the statue of Lady Justice on top of the Old Bailey in London.
8It is one of 88 official constellations.
The International Astronomical Union recognises 88 constellations, each with fixed borders in the sky. Libra is the 29th largest.
9Planets have been found around its stars.
Gliese 581, a small red dwarf star about 20 light years away in Libra, has several planets orbiting it. It was one of the first star systems where astronomers searched for possibly habitable worlds.
10Libra is an air sign in astrology.
Astrology divides the 12 signs into four elements. Libra is an air sign, along with Gemini and Aquarius.
11Its ruling planet is Venus.
In astrology, each sign has a “ruling” planet. Libra’s is Venus, named after the Roman goddess of love and beauty, which is why astrologers link Libra with harmony, beauty and relationships.
12Astrologers say Libras love balance and fairness.
Horoscopes describe Libras as charming, diplomatic and fair-minded, but sometimes indecisive. These traits come from the symbolism of the scales rather than from scientific evidence.
13Science has not found any link between star signs and personality.
In a famous study published in Nature in 1985, astrologers were unable to match people’s birth charts to their personality profiles any better than chance. Later studies of large groups of people have also found no link between star sign and personality.
14Famous Libras include Gandhi and Oscar Wilde.
People born between 23 September and 22 October include Mahatma Gandhi, Oscar Wilde, Margaret Thatcher, John Lennon, Serena Williams and Bruce Springsteen.
15There is a 13th sign that astrology leaves out.
The Sun also passes through Ophiuchus, the serpent bearer, between Scorpius and Sagittarius, for about two and a half weeks each year. Western astrology ignores it and keeps the traditional 12 signs.
FAQs about Libra
What are the dates for Libra?
In Western astrology, Libra runs from about 23 September to 22 October. The exact dates can vary by a day from year to year.
What is the Libra symbol?
The scales, written as ♎. It is the only zodiac sign represented by an object rather than a living thing.
Can you see the constellation Libra from the UK?
Yes, but it is faint and sits low in the southern sky. The best time to look is on clear evenings in late spring and early summer.
Sources and further reading
- Britannica: Libra constellation
- International Astronomical Union: the constellations
- Nature: a double-blind test of astrology (1985)
Do you know any fun facts about Libra? Share them in the comments below!
Celebrities Born Under the Libra Star Sign
“Kim K” Kimberly Noel Kardashian, American socialite, media personality, and businesswoman. Born 21st October 1980
“Bella Hadid” Isabella Khairiah Hadid, American supermodel. Born 9th October 1996
“The Fresh Prince” Willard Carroll Smith II, American actor. Born 25th September 1968
John Mayer, American singer-songwriter. Born 16th October 1977
Park Ji-min, South Korean singer. Born 13th October 1995
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