Libra (September 23 to October 23)

by: Alfred F. Seward

This sign indicates impartial justice, absolute fairness, rare good judgment, and a fine liberality of thought.

People born in this sign are usually tall and wellformed, inclining to slenderness. Their faces are oval, their mode of speaking quick and decisive, and their movements graceful and alert. They are very careful of their personal neatness and cleanliness, and greatly dislike hard and dirty work. Libra’s most marked characteristic is keen foresight, and people of this sign are exceedingly positive and decisive in all undertakings. They should execute their own ideas as they were originally planned, for the reason that they are susceptible to the minds of others.

The people born in this sign are qualified above all others, to fill worthily positions of authority, where they may be called upon to decide the affairs of others.

They are born leaders of mankind, holding their power over their fellows by sheer force of unassailable right, and meeting successfully the severest tests to which their pre-eminence exposes them.

Justice, strength and liberty are the guiding influences in their lives, and the true son of Libra never misuses the immense powers that are bestowed upon him at his birth.

Their minds are largely original in their operation, and their ideas too far advanced to permit them to rest content in subordinate places. They cannot successfully carry out the prearranged plans of others, in the making of which they have not had a large part, and their attempt to do so brings only disappointment.

They have the capacity for doing great things, but must do their work in their own way.

In affairs of state, in international matters of statecraft, and in all relations where supreme clearness of mind and purity of purpose are demanded, Libra men are distinguished for their ability. President Hayes and many other eminent statesmen came out of this sign.

This sign probably has produced more famous actors and actresses than any other one in the Zodiac. Sara Bernhardt, Mme. Modjeska, Peg Woffington, E. H. Sothern and many others are from Libra.

They always attract a numerous and loyal following. Their splendid magnetism, precision of thought and decisive action compel unhesitating allegiance, even in the face of strong opposition.

People born in Libra have deeply intuitive perceptions which seems to enable them to read the deepest consciousness of their associates and all with whom they come in contact.

They literally “feel” truth of falsity, affection or aversion, and are more likely to be influenced by the unexpressed thought of others than the utterances of speech.

They are extremely approachable, and are never “too busy” to give consideration to those who seek them. They hear each man’s plea with impartial patience, carefully weigh all the factors in the case, and from the depths of their profoundly judicial natures they speak the truth as it appears to them.

If they err at all in their conclusions, it is always in the direction of leniency and charity for the frailties of their fellow men.

They love humanity for itself alone, because of the measureless sympathy of their temperaments. For the afflicted and distressed, for the worthy unfortunate; no matter how lowly, they display the utmost tenderness; and their goodness does not content itself with mere expressions of sympathy.

Any worthy cause or individual appeals to them so strongly that they do not hesitate to make great personal sacrifices in order to be of practical assistance.

Those born in this sign, especially the women, possess souls so finely sensitive to harmony and inharmony that they instinctively recognize the one or the other as existing in any environment they may enter.

The effect of inharmonious conditions upon them sometimes cause them to seem sorrowful or disturbed or indifferent, giving color to the charge that they are disagreeable and inconstant. Such conditions subdue their high spirits and reflect a shadow upon their companions.

It being impossible for them to conceal the effect of their inward feelings, and equally impossible or inadvisable to explain the reasons, they prefer silently to suffer the unkind misjudgment of others.

Tenderness of heart is a marked characteristic of this sign. They have an innate horror of blood and cruelty, and are much distressed to know of brutal, inhuman treatment of dumb animals. Frequently it is found that the women of this sign cannot even bear with composure the sight of chicken killing.

The men are very self-reliant, seeking their own companions, amusements and occupations. Very frequently they learn to make working capital of their inspirations and considerable clairvoyance, in such cases often becoming speculators, stock brokers and even gamblers.

As a rule the men are of fascinating personality, especially to those of the opposite sex. They are quite apt to be reckless in the pursuit of pleasure and in gratifying their desires, just as they are when engaged in speculation or gaming.

They are always hopeful and strong, recovering quickly from reverses or disappointments, so that losses and disasters do not affect them deeply.

Libra women are a little more cautions than their brothers, but are prone to carelessness and financial affairs. They do not care for the details of money matters, and really prefer not to be bothered about such things.

With all the keenness of their sense of justice, they cannot understand why one from whom they may borrow money should be at all disturbed or annoyed by their failure to repay it at the time agreed upon.

This peculiarity does not arise from the slightest intention to defraud. These people are the soul of generosity. The larger half of anything they have to divide always goes to the other party, but the son of Libra would not expect the same treatment were he the receiver and someone else the divider.

Libra people seem irresistibly attracted toward the busiest throng, and they enjoy visiting the halls of justice, the theatre and other places where people congregate.

On the lower plane of life, Libra people, by their recklessness, impatience and dissipation of vital forces, make themselves liable to serious disorders of the digestive organs, and to nervous prostration and similar affections. Immunity from these troubles, and from all others, will come to them when they have found the true way and walk therein.

They are sometimes very impatient and this causes them to lose much of their vital force. Strange as it may seem with their admirable composition, they easily become confused. They are nervous and excitable over so familiar an act as crossing a crowded thoroughfare. Careless of their belongings, also, they often misplace or actually lose things.

Enveloping and investing these people are the most wonderful magnetic forces, which impart animation and vigor to them. Their natural ability to acquire occult powers and intuitive knowledge is often phenomenal. With their exceedingly rare and keen perception, there is no human attainment beyond their capacity if they become spiritualized.

Libra people, in view of their remarkable natures and immense possibilities, should earnestly undertake to comprehend their own natures, to develop their higher tendencies, and completely to annihilate the ignoble and baser characteristics that too often accompany this sign.

Their chief fault, perhaps, is the tendency to be too strongly attracted by the material side of life. When they have been brought to realize that their only hope of true happiness and prosperity lies in yielding to the dictates of the higher consciousness and denying the claims of their lower tastes and desires, they become the most loyal and lovable friends, husbands, wives and parents.

In the very openness and generosity of their dispositions, these people often waste their powers and strength, dissipating their forces broadcast. Desiring to help all humanity, and to do it at once, they fail to perceive that in order to be really helpful they must first learn to husband their own strength and resources.

They are inclined to be egotistical, vain, proud, and to place undue value upon the applause and approbation of the multitude. They cannot brook criticism, even though they know it is just.

Intuition often tells them when they are the subjects of unfavorable or unfriendly thought in the minds of others, and this knowledge makes them miserable.

While they do not become angry very often, when this does occur, it is cyclonic in its fury, and from its evil effects they do not recover for a long time.

Their excess of enthusiasm frequently leads them to exaggeration, which, while not so reprehensible as willful untruthfulness, should be carefully avoided.

Trifling affairs, of absolutely no consequence sometimes cause them deep distress. Their feelings are easily hurt, or perhaps it is truer to say that their vitality is easily wounded.

For the removal of all these weaknesses the Libra people should spend some time daily in seclusion, where they may meditate deeply upon their own character and from high resolves for better living. Patience, humility, repose, self-control, purity of thought and deed should be their constant aim and desire.

They should, in their spare time, devote themselves to the study of art, literature and the occult sciences or metaphysics.

Music is a powerful agent for good to the Libra nature, and every musical tendency should be carefully and persistently cultivated. The influence of good music, even where the Libra person is sunk in the depths of sensuality, will often inspire them with better impulses and raise them to the point where they can see and realize the better things of their existence.

Libra is distinguished from the other eleven signs of the Zodiac in that it is the only one that is characterized by three distinct and differing types of personality, each one of these types possessing peculiarities and tendencies which make it quiet unlike the other two.

In one of these types the subject has a straight, narrow forehead, and the strongest trait of this type is an unusually fine judgment in commercial and mercantile affairs. These people display remarkable foresight, apparently; as a matter of fact, it is their great power of intuition that serves them so well. They excel as buyers; they seem accurately to forecast the probable extent to which any deal may profitably be carried, and seldom overestimate their own capacity for handling such deals. As salesmen, also, they are without superiors, their intuition helping them to gauge the inclinations, tastes and temperaments of their customers and so to advance the proper arguments to bring about the sale.

Another type of Libra sign is marked by a rather receding forehead, and, in the language of phrenology, they have well developed powers of perception and, usually, a large degree of conscientiousness. These persons are best adapted for speculative pursuits. They should restrict their dealings to “short turns”; that is, to such articles or commodities as can be bought and sold quickly, and that will not require to be carried on hand or kept in stock any length of time. In short, they should always try for “quick action.” The intuitive faculty is very marked in all people born in Libra, but the people of this second type are peculiarly gifted with ability to discover defects and weaknesses instantly. They are indeed seldom deceived when they trust their own individual judgment. If they will cultivate moral habits of life, these people will always have plenty of money.

In the third class of Libra people, the heads are much broader through the temples and the foreheads are well rounded. Those of this type are better fitted to become expert accountants and bookkeepers. They have a natural inclination to acquire several languages, and should be able to hold good positions as interpreters and foreign correspondents with exporting concerns. They possess inquisitive minds, and are always interested in closely examining every sort of intricate or ingenious device they may encounter. They are fond of scientific learning, and their libraries usually comprise numerous volumes on such subjects. The greatest natural mechanics in the universe are found in this class of Libra people, and the higher the development of their inherent talents the greater success they will achieve. The author’s researches among the records for those of this type have disclosed the fact that many eminent actors, orators and authors have been in this class.

A Libra person should never contract marriage with one born under Pisces (February 19 to March 21) yet strange as it may seem, Pisces usually selects Libra for a partner in a matrimonial attempt. The two natures are absolutely incompatible, and their union is invariably attended by distressing results.

Pisces always insists on knowing the whys and wherefores; must be given reasons for every action, motive, and deed. Libra cannot give these reasons and does not think it worth while to try, consequently quarrels and turmoils are naturally the outcome. Virgo (August 22 to September 23), is almost as unsuitable as Pisces as a mate for Libra.

On the other hand, the union of Libra and Sagittarius (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21) is certain to be happy, (other things being congenial), and the children are sure to be talented. Children of Libra and Aquarius (Jan. 20 to Feb. 19) are sure to be talented. Children of Libra and Aquarius (Jan. 20 to Feb. 19) are strong and possess keen intellects. Libra also harmonizes with Aries and Gemini.

When children are born under Libra their management, training and education are matters of grave moment. Great patience and care are indispensable.

These children are either very good and true, or the exact opposite. Parents are often astounded at the sayings and doings of these little ones. As a matter of fact, they are very susceptible to psychological influences, and are scarcely to be held to account for their peculiarities.

They should early be taught the fundamental truths of nature, especially those of the function of generation, and should not be deceived by prudish or conventional instructions.

Tenderness, gentleness and patience must be exercised in correcting them when this is necessary, and they are generally amendable to such methods.

They have natural inventiveness and much originality, and often more real knowledge than their parents. They give utterance to the most unexpected thoughts, and it is always best to listen to them with loving attention. Ridicule or laughter often drives them to deception.

Libra people excel in music, dramatic art, mathematics and inventions, and are well qualified for successful buyers and salespeople.

They display unusual aptitude in the handling of metals, and should be classed among the most skilled workmen. They show much originality and as pattern makers they excel.

On the lower plane of life, Libra people, by their recklessness, impatience and dissipation of the digestive organs, and to nervous prostration and similar affections.

These people are fond of the pleasures and good things of life. Over indulgence in eating as well as their uncontrolled sex nature is the cause of most of their troubles. Often through excessive worry and impatience, many serious ailments are brought on.

Libra people are most susceptible to diabetes, Bright’s disease, nephritis, suppression of the urine, lumbago, corruption of the blood and eczema; are also apt to suffer from pains in the back and head, kidney and stomach troubles. They should be careful taking cold as it usually settles in the lumbar region. The use of cosmetics should be guarded against by the fair sex, owing to the tendency of this sign to produce cutaneous disorders. Harmony and congenial surroundings are essential; plenty of fresh air, mild physical exercise and a well-balanced mind are required to keep the system in good order. As a rule, disease only comes to those who live on an animal plane of life and when they rise above their animal desires and passions, they have perfect health and are possessed of exceptional vigor and vitality.

The occupations to which Libra people are best suited are positions required great tact and judgment without physical labor. They are unusually skilled as pattern makers, many stage and musical directors are found under this sign, as well as speculators, buyers and salesmen.

About the Author

Alfred F. Seward