Libra (तुला)

Libra, the sign of balance and harmony, is ruled by Venus. It is the sign where the most imbalance in life is created, prompting one to take initiative to achieve balance in order to realize the value of peace. It is represented by the symbol of a scale, showcasing that the distribution of equal weight over each area can only help one attain balance. But a human’s life is often most imbalanced due to the lack of spirituality and soul introspection that lies in Libra, and so the planet Sun debilitates here, while the planet of earthy material attainments, Saturn, exalts. Saturn is the disciplinarian, the responsible one; when Saturn exalts through the energy of Libra, it shows the balance that can be attained through Saturn’s energy.

Negative, tamasic qualities can develop in this sign due to the nakshatra of Rahu, Swati, which mixes with the energy of Venus, creating addictions to drugs and other substances. As it also sits in the natural 7th house of sexual desires, Libra has the energy to engage in such pursuits. Chitra (Mars) falling in Libra builds great material desires, but after attaining it all, Vishakha is the nakshatra where the transformation of the soul to a selfless, self-sacrificing being manifests, and one is able to attain the balance one was longing for.