libra

Libra is the name of a constellation that is interpreted as representing a pair of scales. It is also known as the Scales or the Balance.

A constellation is a group of stars that appear near each other in the sky—especially a group that has been given a name. Libra is considered one of the 12 zodiacal constellations—constellations that appear within a particular portion of the sky called the zodiac.

In astronomy, the zodiac is the band of sky along which the paths of the sun, the moon, and the planets appear to move.

Despite its basis in astronomy, the word zodiac is mainly associated with and most often used in the context of astrology, the nonscientific practice in which the positions of heavenly bodies at certain times are thought to influence or be correlated with human behavior and events. In astrology, zodiac refers to a diagram (often a circular one) representing the zodiac belt and showing the symbols associated with each of the 12 constellations or sections, which are called the signs of the zodiac. Libra is one of these signs. It is situated between Virgo and Scorpio and is considered the seventh sign of the zodiac.

The other signs of the zodiac are Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces.

The position of the sun in a particular portion of the zodiac at the moment of a person’s birth is thought to correlate with their personality. This is what people are referring to when they talk about their zodiac sign (or star sign or often just sign). People whose sign is Libra are those born between September 23 and October 22.

The word Libra can be used as a noun to refer to someone who is born during this time, as in I was born in late October, so I’m a Libra. The word Libran can be used to mean the same thing. It can also be used as an adjective form of Libra.

Example: Oh, your birthday is in October? Are you a Libra?

People with the sign Libra are traditionally considered to be those born in the range of September 23–October 22. However, interpretations vary.

The first records of the word Libra in English come from the 1300s. It comes from the Latin word lībra, referring to a pair of scales. The word libra is also used to refer to an ancient Roman unit of weight. The abbreviation lb. for “pound” comes from this word.

Libra was once associated with the constellation Scorpio, being interpreted as the scorpion’s claws. It was later interpreted as a pair of scales.

In astrology, the different signs of the zodiac are thought to be associated with certain personality traits. Traits associated with Libra include diplomacy and vengefulness (the scales of justice). Libra and the other signs of the zodiac are often used in the context of a person’s horoscope. The word horoscope can refer to a diagram of the heavens that maps the relative position of planets and the signs of the zodiac. It can also refer to a prediction based (or said to be based) on a person’s sign and the location of other celestial bodies at the time they were born.

Get more insight into what really defines a Libra by visiting our article on the many traits of Libras. 

What are some other forms related to Libra?

• Libran (noun, adjective)

What are some words that often get used in discussing Libra?

• constellation
• zodiac
• sign
• sign of the zodiac
• zodiacal constellation
• September
• October
• balance
• scale
• justice
• astrology
• astronomy

The word Libra is used to refer to the sign of the zodiac, named after the constellation. In the context of astrology, people associate a number of different traits with the sign Libra.

my sign is Libra, and you?

— ًedward (@ddeonu_llkv) August 22, 2021

As a Libra I have to have my balance in life, it's a must!

— ℓσѕσ (@_KeeLoso) August 25, 2021

Where my fellow Libras?!?!

— Jaime Primak (@JaimePrimak) February 17, 2020

True or False?

People whose sign is Libra are born in September and October.