Libra

:This article is about the constellation. Libra is also a Roman coin and weight measure, see Ancient Roman weights and measures. Libra is also a novel by Don DeLillo. LIBRA is also a political party in Croatia.

Mythology

The constellation, which had originally formed part of the claws of the scorpion (Scorpio), is the youngest of the Zodiac and the only one not to represent a living creature. In later Greek mythology, the constellation, which when considered on its own looks vaguely like a set of scales, was considered to depict the scales held by Astraea (identified as Virgo), the goddess of justice.

Related Topics:
Scorpio - Greek mythology - Astraea - Virgo

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Since Libra was originally part of Virgo (as scales), and before that part of Scorpio, it was not a distinct entity for which a zodiac sign was named. Its place may have been taken by Boötes, which is the nearest to the ecliptic. Since the place Boötes should have held on the ecliptic is vacant, it may have, together with Ursa Major, Draco, and Ursa Minor, also in Libra, led to the myth of the apples of the Hesperides, one of The Twelve Labours of Herakles.

Related Topics:
Zodiac - Boötes - Ecliptic - Ursa Major - Draco - Ursa Minor - Hesperides - The Twelve Labours - Herakles

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Astrology

The Western astrological sign Libra of the tropical zodiac (September 23–October 22) differs from the astronomical constellation and the Hindu astrological sign of the sidereal zodiac (October 31–November 22).

Related Topics:
Astrological sign - Tropical zodiac - September 23 - October 22 - Sidereal zodiac - October 31 - November 22

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In some cosmologies, Libra is associated with the classical element Air, and thus called an Air Sign (with Aquarius and Gemini). It is also one of the four cardinal signs (along with Aries, Cancer, and Capricorn). Its polar opposite is Aries. It is the domicile of Venus and the exaltation of Saturn. Each astrological sign is assigned a part of the body, viewed as the seat of its power. Libra rules the lower back and internal reproductive organs. The symbol for Libra is the Scales.

Related Topics:
Classical element - Air - Aquarius - Gemini - Aries - Cancer - Capricorn - Domicile - Venus - Exaltation - Saturn - Scales

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