Libra - From Classical To Modern Astrology

Studying the relationship between heaven and earth and how it affects us is undeniably fascinating. Doing so professionally and seriously requires exploring the various existing astrological paradigms in order to then choose one’s subjective position and have logical arguments for why one might reject certain interpretations. Below, we will review some classic and modern concepts to understand where we come from and where we might be headed.

When the sun enters zero degrees Libra, we are halfway through our journey through the zodiac mandala. Depending on which hemisphere we are in, it will be spring or autumn that begins as the season of the year. For traditional and mystical astrology, it was the moment to begin the famous ‘return’ to the Piscean origin after the ‘fall’ from Aries. The first six signs were then the beginning that ended in the necessary Virgoan purification, before embarking on the journey home from Libra.

Also read: The Ruling Gods and Goddesses of Each Zodiac Sign

At this point, it makes sense to recall the traditional astrological concept of dignities: planetary dignities tell us about the positions of the planets that are more or less favorable—depending on the case—for the development of each planet’s qualities. The main dignities to consider are domicile, exile, exaltation, and fall. Domicile is the sign of rulership of each planet, and it is where each planet is in its home. Exile is the position where a planet feels weak, far from home. Exaltation is the sign where a planet enhances its natural qualities. And fall is definitely the worst position, as the planet loses all its strength.

Within traditional astrology, the sun in Libra is in its fall, that is, in its most challenging position. It makes sense to question this rule without being dogmatic, trying to understand the reasons behind it. The sun rules Leo and is exalted in Aries , both fire signs that enhance the quality of individuation and a unique and singular brilliance. Libra is the sign that brings us the possibility of complementarity. It’s interesting to consider that, in religious texts, the seventh day is the day on which the creator finishes creation, contemplates it, and understands that it is a good creation.

It is then that the creator complements it. Libra, as the seventh sign within the zodiacal mandala, proposes the end of a cycle, as it offers the possibility of understanding complementarity with Aries. The number seven is important in mystical and esoteric traditions because it represents the moment of completeness, of the integration of wisdom. We are all very familiar with the many resonances of this number on Earth: the seven days of the week, the seven musical notes, the seven colors of the rainbow, and so on. The number seven brings us a possibility of integration and complementation that in the first and last instance responds to the hermetic septenary of the seven traditional planets objectively observable in the sky.

So, what will the solar and autonomous experience be like in a sign that proposes leaving the ego in order to open up to relationships and complementarity, as is the case with Libra?

What traditional astrology might consider the sun in decline due to the underutilization of solar qualities, can also represent a great talent for relationships and connections, as long as the individual can assert themselves in their self and identity and, from that subjective position, complement each other; what happens then when we lose ourselves and become blurred in the desire of the other?

From an immature perspective, Librans constantly try to complement and be complemented, mediating in any situation, even when they might want to slam the door. This is why those with the sun in Libra need to cultivate autonomy and potential in order to express their ideas and beliefs beyond their immediate environment and context, so they don’t end up trapped in perpetual doubt and indecision.

Also read: Freya: All About The Norse Goddess Of Love

Without dogma or prejudice, and striving to find possibility within what is, the sun’s entry into Libra presents us with the challenge of transcending the ego without forgetting who we are; after all, it is from our identity that we can share ourselves and give ourselves in connection and relationship. Diplomatic vices and the desire to mask even the unmaskable will be barriers we must overcome if we wish to practice mature relationships. Connections exist between two asymmetrical parties, equal yet distinct. And to be in connection is to be able to relate to these differences, without judgment, accepting each other, and drawing nourishment from them.

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