On September 22, 2024, the sun moves into the sign of Libra bringing the astrological energetic focus to balance, harmony, increased sociability and relating, and logical, objective judgments. The shift into Libra also marks the official beginning of autumn also known as the fall equinox in the Northern hemisphere.
This Libra season is marked by a new moon total solar eclipse in the sign of Libra on October 2nd further emphasizing the importance of balance within the self and with others. Making decisions now may be a bit shaky for some as Libra energy is known for its indecisiveness, and the eclipse will make decision-making even more cumbersome.
Ultimately, this is a great time to consider if the relations in our lives are mutually beneficial and if we are able to honor ourselves while maintaining connections with others without compromising the self.
PLANETARY ASPECTS
SUN IN LIBRA TRANSIT
SEPTEMBER 22, 2024-OCTOBER 22, 2024
- 9/30-Sun in Libra conjunct Mercury in Libra
- 10/02-New moon solar eclipse in Libra
- 10/14-Sun in Libra square Mars in Cancer
- 10/22-Sun in Libra square Pluto in Capricorn
HEY Y’ALL…IT’S FALL
FALL EQUINOX
THE BALANCE OF LIGHT & DARK
One of the markers of Libra season is its alignment with the fall equinox. Celebrated across many cultures, the fall equinox marks the astronomical event of equal lengths of sunlight and darkness. This is of great significance since astrologically Libra is a sign that seeks balance. One of the greatest Libran lessons is learning how to acknowledge the light and dark aspects of the self and others.
In nature, the fall equinox is representative of letting go in many aspects. In the northern hemisphere, we are graced with the beauty of colorful foliage and fallen leaves. As beautiful as the fall terrain is, the natural changes we see are actually a marker of death. A steady descent into the barren coldness that is winter.
In some ways, this is the paradox of Libra where this light is dark and dark is also light. This is the equilibrium that Libra seeks. However, because Libra is ruled by Venus, it is oftentimes difficult for this particular sign to acknowledge the dark…the shadow. Despite Libra’s grace, tact, diplomacy, and “niceness,” even it has a shadow…just as the equinox is equal parts light and dark.
Nature, in all its simplicity, is a great teacher. With the cardinal, changing energy of Libra, we are called to see the beauty in letting go…in death and endings. Consider the fall terrain, and the gorgeous beauty of the fiery reds and golden yellows leaves. These colorful changes at the fall equinox are a sign of death. It is beautiful…if we allow ourselves the opportunity to see it as such.
If anything, the fall equinox gives us an opportunity to consider what we are releasing so that we may be reborn in about six months at the spring equinox. All of the seasons are important, and they each play their special part not only in nature but also in our own internal review of ourselves.
At this fall equinox and throughout the fall season, consider the balance that is achieved through release. Consider the death that is necessary to be reborn in the fullness of spring. While it may seem that a release or death is something to be feared, what the fall equinox shows us is that there is beauty in acknowledging the dark…the taboo…which is something that Libra season spearheads and is further intensified during the deep fall of Scorpio season.
So, let us embrace the balancing acknowledgment of light and the dark at the fall equinox this Libra season.
CARDINAL BALANCE
BALANCE IN MOTION
Libra season brings an opportunity for us to consider how we can add some balance to our lives. One of the unique features of Libra is that although it is ruled by Venus, a planet that is very much associated with all things beautiful, Libra is also a cardinal sign which means that it is active and making moves… even if it may appear it is not due to its agreeable, accommodating demeanor.
What Libra season grants us is the knowledge that the seeking of balance, harmony, and equilibrium is a constant. When we consider what it takes to have a balanced, harmonious life, this doesn’t just happen. It is something we have to take action to achieve which resonates with Libra’s cardinal, action-oriented energy.
Take this picture of the tree pose in yoga. If you’ve ever done a balancing pose in yoga, you’ll definitely understand that balance does in fact require movement.
Depending on your mental, emotional, physical and even spiritual state, one’s balance can vary on any given day.
Thus, during Libra season, we are encouraged to consider what it will take for us to achieve both internal and external balance. What exactly do we need to do to get the equilibrium that we desire?
The best way to go about this is in a Libra manner. Use your mind. Use your intellect. Be logically impartial…if you can. How will you balance your own personal scales to achieve the equilibrium and balance that you desire? What can be added or removed to create the balance desired? Adjustments are often required, and to think that it is something that doesn’t require adjustments kinda defeats the energy of Libra’s action-oriented nature.
Even when you’re looking at some of the major players that represent Libra energy whether it be Lady Justice or the Justice card in tarot, if you look very closely at the scales, one scale is slightly higher and/or lower than the other.
Yes, Libra represents what is fair, but in order to make a situation fair an acknowledgement of imbalance and inequality is necessary. How we create balance without honoring first that there is something that requires balance. Again, the recurring theme of Libra being willing to acknowledge the dark and the light leads to the ability to achieve the balance desired.
And speaking of “fair”….
TO BE FAIR
LIBRA, FAIRNESS, & JUDGMENT
What is fair? What is justice? Is it real or is it fleeting like the wind? I guess when asking these questions it depends on whom you ask. In the ideal, “nice” world, everything is fair, but does reality always reflect this? Unfortunately, it does not, and this is a theme of the Libra experience.
As we navigate the next four weeks of Libra energy, taking a fair approach to circumstances is advisable. Will this always be possible? Maybe… Maybe not. While Libra is often represented as Lady Justice wearing a blindfold while holding a scale, the reality is that sometimes life is not as objective as Libra may want it to be.
The world is in fact a stage, and we all have a VIP seat to the inequities that we personally experience and those that occur in the collective.
At times, the concept of justice is admirable, but it often appears to be just a mindful theory that is not always grounded in reality.
Such is life.
It is for this reason that Saturn, the planet of karma or reaping what one has sown, is exalted or works at his best in the sign of Libra.
Saturn is a planet that only focuses on what we have actually earned and Libra with its focus on fairness seeks to give us exactly what we are due.
So, if we should happen upon circumstances during this Libra season that require us to hold some type of objectivity in order to make a decision and/or judgment that is actually beneficial and fair for all involved, go the Libra route. Allow objectivity, logic, and the balancing of the scales to lead and guide you…if possible. Depending on the circumstances, this could be easy or hard. Nevertheless, this objectivity offers the ability to see numerous perspectives and make decisions that are hopefully beneficial and rightfully due for all involved.
MAKING DECISIONS
LIBRA’S INDECISIVENESS
Because Libra desires objectivity and considers the other, it can be incredibly difficult to make a decision. Unlike its opposite sign Aries, Libra does want to appear to be nice. It does want to appear accommodating. It does want to appear congenial and compromising.
What happens when Libra isn’t really sure what decision to make because they are torn between what they want and what another may want? What happens when Libra is exposed to so many perspectives that it is unable to determine its own perspective?
During Libra season, we may be confronted with indecisiveness…due to objectivity or wanting to consider the other. The balance is found by making decisions that are mutually beneficial if possible.
One of the best ways to deal with Libra indecisiveness is to make the best decision without compromising the self for the other.
When Libra energy functions at its best, it is able to make decisions with mutual compromise where both parties benefit.
However, Libra has the habit of being accommodating and compromising to its disadvantage. This can lead to an imbalance that Libra energy expresses through passive aggressiveness. The desire to be “nice” leads to false actions due to choosing to “people please” to maintain a false sense of harmony and equilibrium.
During the next four weeks of Libra season, if confronted with the need to make decisions, consider whether those decisions are mutually beneficial for all parties. Coming to these mutually beneficial decisions will usually require accommodations by EVERYONE.
You’ll know that you are on the right path when all parties are willing to make concessions and compromises for shared harmony. You’ll also know that you are on the right path because you won’t feel that you are compromising yourself.
TACTFUL DIPLOMACY
A VENUS DISPOSITION
Given that Libra is an air sign directly connected to communication, over the next four weeks we may want to consider adopting a Libra approach to communicating and relating. With a Venus rulership, at its best, Libra prefers communication that is diplomatic, tactful, balanced, and impartial. This is a great time to use the social energy attributed to an air sign such as Libra to connect with others in a positive manner.
On September 30th, the sun in Libra will meet up with the transiting Mercury in Libra to form what is known as a conjunction. This is an excellent time to seek out partnerships with other people whether they be romantic or professional and to use charm and congeniality to “work the room” and make connections that are hopefully mutually beneficial.
Let your inner social butterfly free!
This Libra season offers us the opportunity to reflect on how we relate to others and whether those relational patterns are mutually beneficial or to our detriment due to people pleasing and over compromising.
With the new moon total eclipse in Libra powering up this astrological season and impacting us personally and collectively for up to a year, the revelations of this moon empower us to acknowledge what we require not only in relation to others but for ourselves.
The last week of the astrological month, I’ll be offering an Astro Season lesson. Each zodiac sign has its specific experiences and lessons that when integrated leads to soul growth and awareness.
Libra starts off the Astro Season Lessons series with discussion of Libra’s major lesson of acknowledging light and dark for internal and external balance.
Stay tuned for the premiere astrology lesson the week of October 20th.
Make sure to tune in to The Alchemical Cosmos Podcast for the Astro RunDown on Thursdays for an overview of the weekly planetary energies.
Check out the Cosmic Musings weekly on Saturdays for some profound spiritual and esoteric talk.
You don’t want to miss it.
Take care,
Candice
