The Origin of the Libra Constellation

Libra is the only constellation in the night sky that is not represented by a living creature of any sort. Instead, the constellation is of weighing scales representing truth, honor, and justice. The brightest stars in Libra’s constellation form a quadrangle and can be seen at night by the naked eye. The house of Libra is between September 23rd and October 23rd causing it to fall right between Scorpio and Virgo, what is unique about the Libra constellation is that it falls directly in the claw of the Scorpio constellation.

Like the other constellations, Libra has been recognized as the representation of peach and justice by many cultures of ancient antiquity and even survived the transition of Christian astronomy.

Ancient Babylonians

The constellation seen by the ancient Babylonians had another name that was an alternative description for ‘falling into Scorpios hands.’ The constellation itself however, belonged to the Sun God Shamash who was the patron of truth and justice and held the scales sacred to represent balance between the two.

Ancient Romans

The ancient Romans believed that the city of Rome was founded when the Moon was in Libra calling it ‘Jugum’ meaning balance. They believed that Libra represented the balance and moderation of Roman civilization and associated Libra more with Virgo rather than Scorpio. Virgo was represented as Astaea the Goddess of Justice who held the scales of Libra in her hand.

Ancient Greeks

The ancient Greeks however, associated the constellation of Libra with Scorpio, but not much ancient work of their civilization can be collected on the matter. Instead there are mixed theories and stories in mythology that account for the creation of Libra. The next recorded documentation of Libra after the Greeks is by the Romans after the Rise of the Roman Empire and the desecration of ancient Greek practices and beliefs.

Arabic and Egyptian cultures also had their own perspectives of the origin of Libra but all these stories add up to the belief that Libra uniquely represents balance, justice, truth, and obedience.

People born under this constellation naturally represent their own sense of justice and truth. Libra born people are commonly mediators between arguments or helpful outside perspectives for those who seek balance in an obstacle. A great amount of pride and honor stem from Libra born people that seem to humble them throughout their lives. Famous Libras include; Christopher Reeve, Kate Winslet, and Kevin Sorbo.

Sources:

The Libra Constellation. By. Karima Lachtane.


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