Sun in Libra: Equilibrium
We have made it through the first half of the zodiac. The first six signs take us on a journey of individuation, exploring the development of the self in all its nuances. The next six signs place the self in the context of others -- of our partners, friends, colleagues, groups, society, and humanity. One of the four cardinal signs that catalyzes the change in season, Libra kickstarts this process by illuminating our understanding of our self in relationship to another.
As an archetype, Libra is reflective, reflexive, and relational, intimately shaped by the space between itself and the person next to it. Libra believes that we are mirrors to our friends, partners, and lovers -- that we are not self-made but instead created in our reflections of one other. While all of the signs, and especially those in the second half of the zodiac, have relational qualities, Libra specifically focuses on the one-to-one relationship. A scale only has two sides; Libra, true to its archetypal symbol, recognizes the push-pull between dual forces and seeks equilibrium between them.
Given its fundamental desire for equilibrium, Libra has traditionally been associated with balance, harmony, and diplomacy. Its strength lies within its ability to see itself in others, inviting collaboration, co-creation, and interdependence. However, when its focus swings too heavily towards another, Libra can lose its unique point of view, wobbling in indecision, people-pleasing, and co-dependence. When asked for its opinion, Libra can deflect, providing a response that it thinks the questioner wants to hear rather than boldly speaking its own truth. Libra’s task is to honor that relationship is a vibrational continuum that requires authentic exchange between itself and another.
Historically, Libra has also been associated with justice, and on a cultural level, the scales have been used as a recognized symbol for the American justice system. This system claims to wield fairness and equality for all and restore the social order when harm has been done. The tender and potent cosmic timing of Ruth Bader Ginsberg’s passing just a few days before the beginning of Libra season magnifies the questions we need to ask: What does justice truly look like? Does state-sponsored retribution actually rebalance the karmic scales? Have we ever created the conditions for equilibrium among all?
In a nation founded on settler colonialism, slavery, and oppression, we must confront the shadows behind our rhetoric of fairness, equality, and “justice for all.” For centuries, the scales have been imbalanced; for centuries, power has been within the hands of the few and placed directly within the hands of white male property owners. Cultural ideals of “one nation, indivisible,” have been used to veil inequity and maintain systems of oppression. Obsessions with peace and diplomacy have squashed dissent and actively prevented the conflict and confrontation that are necessary for liberation.
Can Libra help move us towards a greater equilibrium? If so, we must use it to recognize that we are in relationship with everything -- with ourselves, with each other, with the earth, with our history, and with our future. We must work each and every day to rebalance the scales that have been lopsided for too long. Perfect equilibrium cannot be sustained endlessly without the endless work required to maintain it. Each and every day, we must show up to repair our relationships. We must show up to make reparations. We must show up to reckon with injustice. We must show up for each other, for we are them, too.