Libra
- This article is about the constellation. Libra is also a Roman coin and weight measure, see Historical weights and measures. Libra is also a novel by Don DeLillo. LIBRA is also a political party in Croatia.
Libra (the scales) is a constellation of the zodiac. It is a fairly inconspicuous constellation and has no star of first magnitude, lying between Virgo to the west and Scorpius to the east. As the names of the brighter stars testify, it was at one point part of Scorpius' claws.
Notable features
The brightest stars in Libra form a rectangle:
- α Librae, Zubenelgenubi ("southern claw"), a visual binary;
- β Librae, Zubeneschamali ("northern claw");
- γ Librae, Zubenelakrab ("scorpion's claw");
- σ Librae, an eclipsing variable.
α and β Librae are the scales' balance beam, and γ and σ are the weighing pans.
Mythology
The constellation, which originally formed part of the scorpion's claws, is the youngest of the Zodiac and the only one not to represent a living being. In Greek mythology, the constellation depicts the scales held by Astraea (the Virgin), the goddess of justice.
Astrology
The astrological sign Libra (September 23 - October 22) is associated with the constellation.
In some cosmologies, Libra is associated with the classical element Air, and thus called an Air Sign (with Aquarius and Gemini). It is also one of the four cardinal signs (along with Aries, Cancer, and Capricorn). Its polar opposite is Aries. Each astrological sign is assigned a part of the body, viewed as the seat of its power. Libra rules the lower back and internal reproductive organs. The symbol for Libra is the Scales. Libran qualities include physical beauty, strong sensuality, artistic sensibilities, tact and diplomacy, and an innate sense of fairness and balance.
