Sun in Libra ☼ Sep 22 – Oct 23

Sep 22 (Vernal Equinox) – Oct 23, 2018

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.

Happy Equinox! Happy birthday scaly people! Libra season demarcates the autumn equinox every year. (Libras are left-brain creatures who usually do not ascribe to astrology! Diehard skeptics, cautious, mathematical, attracted to numerology, symmetry and aesthetic.)

Libra falls on the midway point of the zodiac wheel, coming in at number seven of 12. Likewise she represents the midpoint of the body, ruling the lumbar spine and sacral chakra. If you have low back pain, it is important to AVOID forward folds. Often low back pain is a result of over stretching – forward folds only further aggravate the low back! The muscles of the low back hurt because they have been stretched beyond their original size and shape. Instead open the hips and the front of the body. 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 low back almost constantly throughout the day. More info at Libra Yoga.

Libra is also connected to something called prana. The prana vayu governs respiration, swallowing, sensory intake and the mental body. Prana is associated with inward/upward spatial direction. When prana vayu is weak, we misperceive the reality of our surroundings. Think of imbalanced prana as intake malfunction of the mental and/or emotional body.

Libra’s quest takes the form of uncomfortable social experiments. Libra teaches us to speak up and practice healthy confrontation. Don’t hide, don’t internalize – be honest and say what you need to say. Communicate everything, no matter how infinitesimal. Whatever happens, do not compromise your value or self-worth.

Each constellation waters different karmic seeds. In Libra these are the seeds of interpersonal relationship. Soul contracts of all kinds culminate during this cycle: twin flames and friendships and vampiric sinkholes alike. We all have seeds to release here, and it’s not all beautiful. Do not hesitate to receive new humans with prudence, even reservation. Observe and get to know people. Ask lots of questions, pierce the gray.

If you live communally, you know how the winds of communication fly from mouth to mouth, mind to mind. There’s nothing hippie-harmonic about it. The scale not only symbolizes balance but also decision-making and intensive listening. Before “weighing in,” Libra gathers as much information as possible. However, if this intake period lasts too long, a decision may never be reached. At this point we may purport to be on both sides at once, or resort to passive-aggressive communication, even if we know exactly how we feel.

It’s not Libra who wavers and waffles, it is us, our own frailty in the face of her demands. Be firm in your choices. Non-commitment and non-action, though devilishly tempting, are strictly forbidden!

Libra calls for contemplation. We have to think while we move. What is the right choice, how to know? Look at your current social circle. Moving to a new physical location may be necessary, but even some shift, however subtle, in how and with whom you spend time may be enough. If you need, 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.

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 coming to know the value of real peace. If you have been polishing your inner diamond, working hard to better understand yourself and your needs, then I see a magnificent window for true love and communion with another or, even better, yourself.

The full moon of Sep 24 looks like it is going to be wild – I recommend exercising caution, nothing too risky or unusual. The good news is that the energy of this full moon will continue ramping up to a spectacular trine between the sun and Mars in Aquarius on Sep 27 – should be a truly dynamic, exciting couple of days. The quarter moon of Oct 2 looks challenging, but there is great opportunity for cathartic emotional release in the form of a long overdue conversation. Venus Retrograde begins on Oct 5 – many Libra type challenges will present themselves over the coming months. Oct 10-11 may be especially difficult as well. This cycle ends on a very striking note with a direct opposition to Uranus Retrograde in Aries – anything could happen! Prepare for the unexpected.

Libra’s gifts are found in the hearts of those who are calm. Stand close to them. Avoid those who are strong in character, as they may prove especially volatile, controlling or angry. In meditation, focus on the sacral chakra. Try balancing poses in yoga. Happy star gazing!

Mantra:  peace