Sun in Libra ☼ Sep 23 – Oct 23

Sep 23 (Fall Equinox) – Oct 23, 2019

The Sun sign is a much-celebrated astrological element, usually given more significance than it deserves. Remember – the Sun is just one planet in your star-soup.

Libra season demarcates the autumn equinox every year. Happy equinox! Happy birthday Librans! (In my experience, most Libras do not believe in astrology. They are skeptics, cautious and mathematical, often attracted to symmetry and universal patterns like the Golden Ratio.)

Heart-deep in the astrological year, we arrive at Libra, goddess of love and luxury, ruled by Venus. Her mythological counterparts are Eros and Aphrodite. Each constellation waters different karmic seeds. In Libra the karma almost always involves interpersonal relationships. Soul contracts of all kinds culminate during this cycle: twin flames and friendships and energy vampires alike. We all have seeds to water here, and not everything that pops up is beautiful or fruitful. Do not hesitate to observe from a distance and get to know people through non-verbal communication and body language cues first. And when the time is right, ask questions as an impartial witness.

Libran growth arises through the navigation of (uncomfortable) social situations. This archetype reminds us that it is crucial to speak up and practice healthy confrontation. Don’t hide, don’t internalize – be honest, vocalize your thoughts, say what you need to say. Whatever happens, do not compromise your duty to be assertive. For example, apologize only if you truly need to apologize. This is one that I’m working on!

Friends and lovers are a reflection of who and where we are. Through trial and error we whittle down the “outside,” refining soul contracts and learning to recognize real harmony. If you have been polishing your inner diamond, working hard to better understand yourself and your needs, then I see a magnificent opportunity for true love and communion with another or, even better, yourself.

The scale not only symbolizes balance – manifested in the equinox, where day and night are of equal length, earth steeped in golden autumnal light, tilted, piled high with rainbow leaves, flirting with winter’s brambles – but also decision-making and intensive listening. Before “weighing in,” Libra gathers as much information as possible. In this way, she calls for contemplation. Look at your current social circle. If the situation requires it, make radical change and make it now — walk or RUN away from toxic people. Don’t stay and tell yourself that it will all work out if it’s not working now.

On the first day of Libra, Mercury and Venus will also be in Libra. Mars joins the Libra party on Oct 3; at this point, Mercury will have already moved on to Scorpio. The first noteworthy day comes on Oct 7 (the last day of Venus in Libra) – here the sun will square Saturn in Capricorn. This can manifest as a crisis of consciousness, but before you act on rash impulse, take a deep breath and see whether your fears are rooted in reality or not. With Saturn/Capricorn involved, problems are often invented out of insecurity. On Oct 14 (one day after the full moon), the sun squares Pluto in Capricorn. This is another crisis of consciousness which throws our plans in the blender, usually due to an intense emotional reaction. A new plan will have to be drawn up; the trick is how to manage the resulting stress and anxiety. You might be feeling scattered, but everything will work out; just remember that with Pluto involved, complex karmic destines are hatching and we do not necessarily get to know the details until much later.

Libra falls in the middle of the zodiac, coming in at number seven of 12. Likewise she represents the midpoint of the body, ruling the sacrum and lumbar spine. PSA: if you have back pain, DO NOT practice forward folds. Most back pain is a result of the muscles being over stretched – forward folds will only aggravate this condition. Think of how often our spine is rounded: texting, driving, cooking, sitting, working on the computer, etc. In fact, we stretch the muscles of the back constantly throughout the day. To bring the muscles back to their original size and shape, open the hips and front of the body. More info at Libra Yoga.

Libra is also connected to the yogic concept of energy flow called prana vayu. This force governs respiration, swallowing, sensory intake and mental awareness. Prana flows in an inward/upward spatial direction. When prana vayu is weak, we misperceive the reality of our surroundings. Think of imbalanced prana as intake malfunction in the cognitive and/or emotional realm. We can balance prana vayu by creating and maintaining a space which is pleasing to our senses. This is something that Libra does very well. Think about how you can incorporate more art in your daily life.

Libra’s gifts are found in the hearts of those who are calm. Stand close to them. In meditation, focus on the heart and sacral chakra – connect the two. Be strong, tall and assertive with standing and balancing yoga poses.

Affirmation:  peace