Libra: The Balancing Act

Portrait by Marjorie Borgella


Libra, represented by the scales, is the seventh sign of the zodiac. Co- ruled by Venus. , natives of this sign are known to strive for beauty, harmony and peace in every area of their lives. This pursuit literally ensures their well-being. In fact, this is probably less of an option for Librans than members of other signs, which may vibrate on, or be comfortable with much more randomness in their lives.


We all know those people who are “perfectly balanced” so to speak. Individuals who just take everything in stride with no ruffled feathers. Those whose reactions are never extreme despite the circumstances. I often wonder how these folks work an 8 hour day and escape with no wrinkles in their perfectly pressed button downs !! Now you are beginning to see the tip of the iceberg of the Libran mentality.

When I think about Libra, some of the words that immediately surface are: balance, charm, sociability, diplomacy, kindness and objectivity. No sign is able to recognize both sides of a story, situation or a person better than members of the sign of the scales.

In describing balance, I’m not specifically talking about moderation. Although this term does fit into the equation, I am more so describing the typical Libran tendency to weigh what is acceptable to themselves versus what is acceptable to society, in hopes of striking a happy medium where the result is the approval of all involved. In most cases, they’re able to pass this test with flying colors.

With the amount of charm that this sign contains, you would think that they carry a bottle of “social lubricant” with them wherever they go. Librans are the proverbial "VIP's" lists and rarely lack invitations.You will find them at the trendiest plays. music venues, hippest art shows and cutting edge galleries. If you need suggestions on picking out a present for that special occasion, or an article of clothing to set the night off just right, thank your lucky stars if you’re tight with a Libra because they will make you look like a fashion aficianado or a gift guru.

This is just scratching the surface.

Because of their inherent need for partnership, Libra’s instinctively know what it takes to successfully maintain an alliance of any kind. Whether it’s a  marriage, friendship or business partnership, Libran’s have maintenance and upkeep down to an art. If you need a companion for a function, there is no one that you would rather have on your arm. Once Libra starts talking, they’ll paint you in such a positive light that you’ll be ready to hire them for P.R. purposes. Even if difficult situations may present themselves, Libra is so smooth and tactful, they can tell your co-worker that her dress is ill suited for her body type with such grace that it may seem complimentary. If there was ever a maxim fitting for a Libra, it would clearly be :It’s not what you say, it’s HOW you say it !!

This high level refinement of allows Librans to mix and mingle with an incredibly vast variety of people. Rarely, if ever is there social inhibition and it’s an odd occurence if you find a topic that they cannot touch on with relative ease. However, the problem can start when you need a decisive answer. Librans are so used to playing both sides of the fence that after a while, it starts to be second nature. Misusing their energies, Libra appears transparent, phony, amoral and superficial. There becomes a strange obsession with what other people think surrounding many areas of their life and they become rabid “people pleasers” and approval seekers.

Consequently, this behavior carries over into their relationships and at worst, they become TOO compromising for the sake of keeping peace. Memo to Libra: There’s nothing wrong with fighting if you fight fair.Given your penchant for justice, you should be adept enough to hold your own. Speaking of which, a relationship is not always the answer. Disappearing into an alliance with someone else may work for a while, but it will not solve deep seated personal issues that need to be addressed. We all have areas of our lives which can only be examined FOR OURSELVES and BY OURSELVES. Unfortunately, feelings of isolation may surface, being that you’re such a social sign. Nevertheless, it must be done. But, you’ll be all the better for it.

Think about the value that you can bring back to the relationship once you have carefully weighed your own issues and come to a fair assessment.
Remember that two halves don’t make a whole when it comes to human relationships. Stand on your own two feet and you’ll have more than your share of suitors to choose from. They will all be able to appreciate the beauty, grace, and charm that is inherently Libra.


Libra Keywords: balanced, diplomatic, kind, sociable, superficial, calm, artistic, refined, helpful, considerate, indecisive, avoidant, wishy washy, polite, mediating, cordial, stylish, objective, fair-minded, engaging, charming.

Libra, Venus and 7th House representatives include: affection, art, balance, proportion, compromise, union, marriage, contracts, harmony, cooperation, divorce, agreements, attaction, conflicts, fairness, charm, objectivity, diplomacy, competition, composure, elegance, impartiality, companions, wives, husbands, business partners, Copenhagen, Denmark, clothing, refinement. cosmetics, equilibrium,, fashion, fine arts, flowers, social gatherings, justice, love, musicians, negotiations,tailors, weddings, boyfriends, girlfriends, public dealings, counseling, peace, lovers, litigation, erotica, common law marriage, alimony, art museums, good taste, theatres, vanity, vocalists, cologne, popularity, judges, public relations, approval.

Libra Roll Call: Wood Harris, Wyclef Jean, Will Smith, Snoop Dogg, India Arie, Ras Kass, Talib Kweli, Thelonious Monk, John Coltrane, C.L. Smooth, Serena Williams, Sharon Leal, Ashanti, M.C. Lyte, Teddy Riley, Bernie Mac, Heather Headley, Paul Pierce, Grant Hill, Jermaine Dupri, Eminem, Chi McBride, Mya, Neve Campbell, Donna Karan, Anne Rice, Monica Belluci, Alicia Silverstone, Gwyneth Paltrow, Sting, Truman Capote, Catherine Zeta Jones, Ray Charles, John Lennon, Oscar Wilde, Shaggy, Art Blakey, Pedro Almodovar, Ralph Lauren, Dizzy Gillespie, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Issac Mizrahi, Matt Damon, Desmond Tutu, Jimmy Carter, Vladimir Putin, Michael Douglas, Bryant Gumbel, Usher, Jamie Hector (Marlo- The Wire), Dominic West (McNulty-The Wire)