Libra Season 2024
Justitia and Lady Luck. The stories in the stars, the stories in us
Today, September 22 at 12:44 UTC marks the autumn/fall equinox in the northern hemisphere. The word "equinox" comes from the Latin aequus (equal) and nox (night). It is the changing tilt of the Earth as it orbits around the sun that causes the changing seasons, solstices, and equinoxes. During an equinox, the axis of the Earth is tilted neither away nor towards the sun, and the sun is directly over the equator at noon, resulting in nearly equal hours of day and night across all latitudes.
According to Western or Tropical astrology, it is at this point of the autumn equinox when the hours of night and day are equal, that the Sun enters the zodiac Sun sign territory of Libra, varying from year to year, between September 21-23 and October 21 -23, while in Sidereal/Vedic astrology, Libra season runs from c October 16 to November 15.
Image by Przemyslaw "Blueshade" Idzkiewicz https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=113524
Since 2002, scientifically and astronomically, the Sun has been appearing in the skies against the backdrop of the constellation of Libra much later than today, from October 31 until November 22. Why this discrepancy? Around 3000 years ago the sun used to appear as if in front of the constellation of Libra during the northern autumnal equinox c. September 21/23 to October 21/23, when the hours of night and daylight were the same- hence the definitive Libran concept of equality and balance, and by extension, fairness, justice and the rule of law.
But this earth-sky relationship has changed over time. This location of the sun ceased to coincide with the constellation in about AD 730 due to the wobble of the Earth on its axis, and the resulting precession or movement of the equinoxes relative to Earth.
You can read more about that here but this fact of science in no way invalidates the meaning of the sun signs. Western Tropical astrology, unlike Vedic Sidereal astrology, is based, not on the movements of the celestial bodies current astronomy, though it started off that way, modelled on 12 of the celestial bodies crossing the ecliptic (the arc of the skies as seen from Earth) but on an arithmetic model of the visible skies of the zodiac as seen from Earth, codified by the Greek mathematician, astronomer and astrologer Ptolemy in the 2nd C AD.
General Associations
Quality: Cardinal
Element: Air
Affirmation: I (seek to) Balance
Ruling planet: Venus
Hebrew letter: Lamed, signifying both Teacher and Learner.
Body: Lower back, buttocks, kidneys (critical balance of salts and water)
Tissue Cell salt: Nat Phos (sodium phosphate) removes waste, balancing acid/alkali
Colour: Indigo blue, greens, pinks
Flower: Rose, Hydrangea
Birthstones: Sapphire- September birthdays. Opal- October birthdays
Lucky Number: 6 (community, childhood)
Tarot cards: Justice, Queen of Swords, and the 2, 3, 4 Swords
Astronomy, Mythology and History
Wiki Photograph Till Credner
Libra (technically pronounced Ly-bra as in Library, but says it that way? Not me) is a small but distinct constellation next to the constellation of Virgo. Libra as seen in the northern hemisphere is most visible in June when it is directly overhead at midnight. In the southern hemisphere Libra is visible in the winter.
Libra is a complicated story. It was once regarded, not as a constellation entirely in its own right, but as part of both its neighbouring constellations, Scorpius (Scorpio) and Virgo. Libra was known in Babylonian astronomy as MUL Zibanu (the “scales” or “balance”) but with an alternative name, the Claws of the Scorpion. In ancient Greece, Libra was also seen as the Scorpion’s Claws. The scales were held sacred to the Babylonian sun god Shamash, the god of the sun and of truth and justice, and ever since these early times, Libra has been associated with law, justice and civility.
This legacy lives on in the names of Libra’s brightest star, α Librae a binary star about 77 light-years from Earth. Its common name is from the Arabic, Zubenelgenubi, meaning “the Southern Claw” (of The Scorpion) while the second-brightest star in the constellation of Libra is β Librae, or Zubeneschamali, from the Arabic for “The Northern Claw.”
This artistic rendering shows the Scales of Libra doing double duty as The Claws of The Scorpion. Nothing stings the human soul like injustice. But the Law, too, can have a sting in the tail.
Via Wikipedia, Mercator, 1551
Libra was first recognised as a constellation entirely in its own right in ancient Rome, when it represented the scales held by the Greek goddess Astraea, the Star Maiden, called Dike by the Romans, but her other name is Justitia. Astraea was the virgin goddess of purity, precision and justice who left Earth at the end of the Golden Age, and was associated with Virgo, but also Libra.
Justitia aka the goddess Astraea/Dike/Virgo, like her counterpart goddess Tyche or Fortuna, aka Lady Luck, is rendered blindfolded, denoting her impartiality in the case of the Law, and in the case of Fortuna, the force of randomness in the case of luck and fortune.
Justice from the Legacy of The Divine Tarot, artist Ciro Marchetti
Not only did the Libra ingress mark the moment when days and nights were of equal length, i.e. balanced, which was why ancient astrologers Libra with the concepts of balance, equality and by extension, justice and law. The first century Roman writer Marcus Manilius claimed that the Moon (which represents the idea of The People) was in Libra when Rome was founded. This was an extremely specific assertion. The Moon changes sign every two and a half days so he must have been confident of his information. (The equinox Moon in Taurus is moving into Gemini today and will be solidly occupying Gemini tomorrow, October 23 before moving into Cancer October 24, the day of the waning half moon.)
The Libra Archetype
All zodiac signs are archetypes; something that is considered to be a perfect or typical example of a particular kind of person or thing. Libra rules the Seventh House of partnerships and relationships of every kind. Like Gemini, duality is a theme of Libra, but the archetype of Libra is The Judge.
Cardinal air sign Libra is the only zodiac sign that is not represented by a human or animal. But The Scales signify the deep enduring human need and passion for justice, as well as Libra’s keen personal need to see due process done, and for order, and equality. Venus, the goddess of love, beauty, finance, the arts and luxury rules Libra. Suave unless rattled, clever and easy to like, Libra has charm and can be a great listener with sharp observation skills and acute perception. They have notably agreeable speaking voices, like Taurus, the other sign ruled by Venus, and they dislike loud noises. These are naturally fastidious and refined people, objective and intellectually orderly, unless emotionally destabilized by challenges to their dignity and self-respect. The court card of Libra is the Queen of Swords. Usually this will represent a real woman appearing in a reading, though this card can also on occasion represent a male person.
Smith Waite Tarot
A female manager, legal professional, police officer or other emergency worker, medical professional, surgeon, dentist, optician, analyst, researcher, educator
The Queen of Swords is a woman of independence, authority, education, reason and logic. She sits high above the clouds of emotion that might otherwise block her view of the skies above, although this may like Justitia, block her view of the ground beneath her feet. She represents Idea, Principle, not Matter. She clarifies, enforces and protects processes and boundaries. On the human level she is archetypally single, whether by choice or widowed or divorced. She understands much, and sees more than she says. She is not unfeeling. Far from it. But she is forthright, formidable in maturity, and not demonstrative or sentimental in expression.
This is the archetype. In real life of course, the Queen of Swords is often married or in a partnership. But whatever her personal circumstances or position relative to the enquirer, there is a distinctive aura of individualism and autonomy. When ill- disposed she can behave as if paralyzed by indecision, or become actively hostile. When well-disposed, she is a wise and worldly protector, friend, advisor or employer. S/he will take no BS. The advice of this card is to be ready to watch and wait, and once we are ready to act, to exercise self- control, and to stay objective, fact based and calmly dispassionate, dealing respectfully BUT directly with others. Donald Trump shows up in my cards as the King of Swords or Wands, Kamala Harris as the Queen of Swords, and indeed her Sun is 27°48' Libra with her Moon at 27°39' Aries. My cards are pointing to a troubled win for Kamala Harris in the US Election, or she may serve as interim incumbent.
The Decans of Libra
“If you’ve ever wondered why people born in the same sign seem different, the decans can help answer this puzzle,” – astrologer Rachel Lang.
The decans have been described as ‘the thirty-six faces of astrology.’ The Zodiac represents an imaginary circle, 360 degrees. Astrologers used arithmetic to divide this circle into twelve ‘slices,’ of roughly thirty degrees each. Each slice represents a zodiac sign, named after a chosen constellation crossing the ecliptic across this belt of sky, giving us the zodiac sun signs we know today. Astrologers then sub-divided each of these 12 signs into three parts of ten degrees each. The first ten days of a zodiac sign are the first decan. The next ten days are the second decan, and the last ten days or so are the third decan, with much overlapping on the cusps.
First Decan
Dates: 23 September – 2 October
Planetary rulers: Traditional –Moon / Modern –Venus
Tarot card: Two of Swords – Truce, pause, delay, standoff, taking stock, information gathering, indecision, obstinacy, none so blind as will not see, refusal to engage, opticians, dentists,
Smith-Waite Tarot
Libra-Libra gets a double dose of Venus glamour, as both its planetary ruler and sub-ruler. Here is the most ‘typical’ Libra subject; logical, reasonable, intellectually gifted, sensitive, perceptive, personable, keenly responsive to beauty in all its forms. They are clever as anything; whatever their field, strategic thinkers, great at seeing patterns, dealing with data. But because they hate conflict, they will go to some lengths to avoid direct confrontation, and may avoid uncomfortable decision-making – or indeed any decision-making. They may put off a boring job in hope someone else will sort it, though they are perfectly capable of doing it themselves. When they do make their decision, it can be so sudden it’s shocking and this applies to all three decans. Not for nothing is Libra known as “the iron fist in the velvet glove.” Libra cannot abide to feel boxed in. They must have clear space. Fresh air. They can suddenly cut someone out cold, and the person may never know why. There will be a reason, but they don’t do those difficult conversations, for all their essentially kindly, humane and civilized spirit.
Second Decan
Dates: 3 -12 October
Planetary rulers: Traditional – Saturn / Modern – Uranus
Tarot card: Three of Swords. Severance, Sorrow, stress, separation, love triangle, karma, making peace with the past. Important to note, none of these messages are intended for Libra alone, and this card may simply represent or forecast Libra timing in a reading
Smith Waite Tarot
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Libra-Aquarius, ruled by stern Saturn and rebellious Uranus is not only brilliantly clever, but dutiful, patient, wise, and inventive, even downright psychic, more curious about the esoteric, and subjects like astrology than other Librans. Here is a thinker with a strongly independent streak – even a little quirky, combining artistic gifts with a logical, rational scientific way of thinking. All Librans have good earning potential above average, but this decan, ruled by disciplined Saturn, while not remotely mean, is careful, prudent, prone to saving up for a rainy day, or with an eye to leaving money for their dependents. Their mild manner belies a warning never to underestimate them. If a second Libra thinks something is wrong or unethical, if they disapprove of something they may react with a shocking directness and finality, bringing down the sword of judgement. It’s the same with all Librans, but the second decan Libra, while oh so polite…will tell you to your face what they do not approve of. Libra-Aquarius, while inspiring devotion and respect, remains somewhat enigmatic, remote and distant, like a priest, or a shining lone star as seen in The Star card of Aquarius in the Tarot.
Third Decan
Dates: 13- 22 October
Planetary rulers: Traditional – Jupiter / Modern – Mercury
Tarot card- Four of Swords, wounded warrior, bed, recovery, retreat, regrouping after mental or physical exhaustion, a time to withdraw, wait, take stock, taking time out, sometimes nicknamed the hospital card.
Smith Waite Tarot
Libra-Gemini typically looks younger than their actual age, with a rounded face, keen eyes and a light to medium build, usually above average height. This most restless Libran needs to feel up to date, well-informed but may not necessarily share what they know. They can be secretive, not because they are deceitful, but to avoid hassle or contradiction. They cannot bear dealing with scenes, or to be the bearer of bad tidings. Sadly, life will ask this of us all at some time or other, but Libra decan 3 is not the one to volunteer to handle this. But though they are capable of assertiveness, certainly, and even open aggression, they are more sensitive than others may take them for on first acquaintance and may not handle criticism as dispassionately as they dispense it, but they take their obligations extremely seriously, and make excellent family providers. This Libra decan in particular craves variety and travel, and is known for a love of the sea.
Happy Birthday 2024, lovely, clever Libra! Your mission while Saturn is in Pisces until February 2026 is to stay sharp, with a keen focus on practicalities and specifics, remembering “the Devil is in the detail.” You may decide you are ready for a new, more creatively challenging line of work, or you feel the need to course correct, reviewing the demands of a current role.
Libra Season 2024
We are in eclipse season. This year’s entry into Libra is tightly sandwiched between the recent partial lunar eclipse in Pisces, 17/18 September and the annular solar eclipse in Libra, October 2. The eclipse in Pisces signifies powerful feelings around experiences to do with losses, sacrifices and endings with its effects made known over the next few weeks.
A few key dates:-
September 22: Sun enters Libra. Autumn/Fall Equinox. Libra, the sign of Cardinal Air marks the equinox and the gateway to the dark, ushering in the season of fading away and natural decay as we contemplate those forces in our lives, and interactions with other folks beyond our direct personal control. Venus enters Scorpio until 17 October. Venus treads with care in deep and steaming Scorpio, its sign of detriment, signifying extreme volatility or power plays in relationships, money, wills and probate matters.
September 26: Mercury trine Pluto and Mercury in Libra until October 13. Prime time for all communications, media, diplomacy, marketing and with siblings
October 2: Annular solar eclipse and New Moon in Libra conjunct Mercury in Sixth house. Tarot cards 2 and 3 Swords. (Indecision-new information-endings, sometimes with sorrow) (Eclipse not visible in the UK) Venus in Scorpio is the ruler of this eclipse. Cool, clear thinking is needed at this time of emotional and financial intensity. Responses, not reactions. Mutable Mercury and Jupiter opposite Neptune the day of the Equinox foretell continuing distrust in the public realm in respects of the media, networks, trade deals and distribution chains. But solar eclipses tend to bring on new beginnings and opportunities for fresh initiatives, where the focus of a lunar eclipse is on endings, especially the recent eclipse in Pisces, the sign of the twelfth house of endings. Earliest potential for a pivotal turning point between Russia and Ukraine.
October 10: Jupiter goes retrograde in Gemini until 4 February, 2025. Jupiter is in its fall in Gemini. Jupiter seeks to paint the big picture, creating a narrative and bringing a particular perspective to bear via main media outlets where Gemini prefers the flexibility, and neutrality of unfiltered information and logic…but favours social media. If you have any planet between 11° and 21° Gemini, this Jupiter in Gemini retrograde affects you in the houses inhabited by that planet, and forms a challenging aspect to the other Mutable signs (Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces). If you have a planet in 11° to 21° of any Mutable sign, then Jupiter will be transiting that planet.
October 17: Full moon at 24 degrees of Aries. Tarot card, 4 Wands, signifying professional attainments, property improvements, formal ceremonies, family celebrations, learning, teaching, shamanic experiences. Moon in Aries is square Mars and Pluto with potentially aggressive undertones. Venus leaves Scorpio and enters Sagittarius, new and unfamiliar ideas, studies, explorations, personal encounters.
October 22: Sun enters Scorpio
The world right now is acutely focused on Libran fair play and a growing rage at the suspicion of Justice obfuscated, interfered with or denied. Many societies are right now at odds with their own states, a mounting sense of unease and distrust of hidden channel machinations of the state, the so-called deep state and the apparent and totally unaccountable ascendancy of the non-elected “Blob.” Not to mention abuse of power by celebrities. Power corrupts goes the saying, while absolute power corrupts absolutely. Law is a society’s defense against predators of “Nature, red in tooth and claw”, but the people always know first, and the Law, while encoded ready and waiting, is always running behind in enforcement. This continues a critical focus and dynamic in public life this Libra season 2024.
The earth is tilting us back towards the dark in the northern hemisphere, as Jupiter decrees, the mythological ruler of of the Wheel of Fortune card in the Tarot deck. But where Jupiter bestows opportunity and the enthusiasm to spin the wheel and turn a new page, sallying forth once again on a new adventure, Saturn, wise old Father time, ruler of The World card, applies the brakes and reality checks as the wheel turns on towards the sinking sun of the winter solstice. Saturn never backs off but he really has his work cut out right now, trying to impose order on this current transit of Pisces until February 13, 2026.
Saturn represents experience and wisdom, but Pisces is the sign of the twelfth house of all that is unknown, or even unknowable, and this is the terrain we are traversing collectively, at least until that point. Meanwhile Jupiter, grand, powerful and expansive is in Gemini until June 2025 when it enters Cancer, and Jupiter will next enter Libra August 24, 2028.
Thank you for reading
Till next time.
Thank you, Katie-Ellen. Glad to hear and learn from you once again.
Thanks Katie. So much detail.