Libra is the seventh Sign of the Zodiac. The first six Signs represent personal development, while the second six represent man's turning outward to other people. Libra is the first Sign in this half of the Zodiac, and thus it's the first Sign of reaching out to others -- they strive to create balance and harmony between self and other. It represents marriage and partnership, the most basic ways for people to come together. As the seventh Sign, Libra also rules the seventh House: House of Partnership.

The Astrological Symbol of Libra is the Scales. Like the scales of Justice, Librans are objective and just. They abhor unfairness and conflict, striving above all for peace; but at times they are easily deterred from their beliefs. Librans are able to see all sides of an argument, but as their mental scales sway back and forth they may never find balance and become fickle and indecisive. Sometimes they are so eager to avoid conflict that they give in to avoid argument, even when they know they are right, and this may make them seem insincere. Diplomatic and cooperative, they are skilled at initiating group projects. In this way, Libra exemplifies the Cardinal Quality assigned to it. When Librans set goals for themselves, they are determined to succeed. Within the Zodiac, Libra is oppositeAries, the Sign of Self, so Libras tend to be about other people rather than personal development. They tend to be socially inclined and charming, but they may have a need to be liked that makes them too compliant to others' wishes.

Libra is ruled by the Planet Venus. In ancient Roman mythology, Venus (and her Greek equivalent, Aphrodite) was the Goddess of Love, Beauty, and Pleasure. She represented joy, happiness, and appreciation of beautiful things. On the negative side, her appreciation for sweets and luxury could result in overindulgence, and she could be materialistic. Venus rules both Libra andTaurus. Libra is the masculine, or day, aspect of Venus; Taurus is the feminine, or night. Both Signs have a great appreciation for beauty, but while Taurus appreciates the beauty of things, Libra is more interested in the beauty of other people. Librans are happiest when they're in a relationship. They are seductive and attractive, and their cultural awareness and talkative nature make them help them shine in the social situations they so enjoy. Because of their social nature, they can be vain or overly dependent on others' approval. Many people born under Libra have strong artistic tendencies and a refined sense of style, but they can also become lazy and apathetic if bored. They are usually controlled and rational, but at times they may be self-indulgent.

The Element associated with Libra is Air. Air Signs are intellectual: they tend to respond to the world through intellect, rather than physical action, practicality, or emotion. Libra's intellectual orientation to the world around them makes them skilled at communication and abstract reasoning, and their intelligence combines with their interest in other people to become an intellectual exploration of the people around them. Because their efforts are mentally rather than emotionally motivated, Librans tend to be very judicial; they are good at diplomacy and compromise. Because they are generally reluctant to face confrontation, people born under Libra learn to be persuasive, courteous, and adaptable. But this may also make them seem cold and unemotional or manipulative. They are team workers, skilled at cooperative action, but they can also be self-doubting. Open minded and always polite, they have a strong sense of loyalty because of their ability to put themselves into other people's shoes.Librans love to debate but not to quarrel; a fine distinction that is nonetheless very important to people born under this Sign. They are kind and considerate, and they rarely display anger. Instead they may employ subtle means of getting even when their strong sense of fairness and legality or refined sensitivities are violated.

Romantic Profile : Libra, as befits the sign of the Scales, revers balance and harmony above all. If this can be achieved with a partner, even better, for Libra rules the House of Partnerships and revels in things that come in twos. The Scales are sociable and shine in social situations, where their gift of communication is an attraction to many. Librans also want to be liked, even loved, by those who cross their path, and it can be very hard to resist the Scales when they are at their most charming and magnetic selves. It's not unusual for Librans to possess an easy grace and sense of style and move languidly throughout a room. Behind that pretty facade is a smart, often smoldering soul who knows how to get what they want, and would love nothing more than to do so fairly and justly. When the Scales find the partner they've been searching for, it could be a match made in hot heaven. "Make love, not war" is a phrase which must have been coined with a Libra in mind. Those born under this sign love to talk and find agreement with a partner as opposed to angrier alternatives. Romance for these folks can often be a sexy tug-of-war, with Libra letting someone get close but not too close. Courtship where Libra is concerned is a beautiful affair, as befits someone ruled by Venus, the Goddess of Love, Beauty and Pleasure. Hearts and flowers are a must, and Libras showered with a sea of beautiful things are likely to be most receptive to amorous entreaties. While Libras can appear cool, calm, even aloof to a lover, they are incredibly playful and romantic once they relax. A lover who plays fair is a must for Libra; if not, subtle manipulations, despite the Scales' best effort, may surface.

Relationships: Where the Scales are concerned, they love looking at all sides of an issue and can easily "walk a mile in another man's shoes." This kind of magnanimous outlook is a boon in relationships and makes those born under this sign a pleasure to deal with in the give and take of affairs of the heart. As befits their beautiful world, Librans love to be loved and lusted after, although they may initially do so from a safe distance (at least internally). Talk about teasing! Even so, in a relationship, Librans can alternate between being the dependant and dominant partner, based in part on what their sense of fair play tells them. Above all, the diplomatic-to-a-fault Libra would rather not argue with their lover, preferring instead to talk things out in the hopes of achieving sybaritic harmony. The ideal Libra soulmate talks a great game and has the confidence (and dazzling good looks) to deliver the goods.

Love: There is no doubt that Libras enjoy being in love and the sexy, shimmery sheen which this blessed state can bring. Love is a beautiful affair for the Scales, and as one who admires beauty in themselves and others and seeks pleasure, it's hard to imagine a better place to be. A Libran is a stylish conquest and as such, can make the art of love a sensual state for both partners. Librans tend to prefer a lover stronger than them, perhaps one who can teach them about themselves and help make them a more evolved lover. It's all in keeping with the Scales' desire to appear fair and do what's best for everyone.

Sexuality: Sex is often mental for Air signs, and Libra is no exception. These great communicators are possessed of a strong intellect, and these mental fireworks often manifest themselves in the thorough exploration of a lover. Only the brave need apply! Since the Scales like to be in balance, though, they are often thinking of what both partners want. A marked distaste for confrontation can sometimes be perceived as disinterest on Libra's part, but it's more often just a deep-down desire to please. Libras love foreplay and plenty of talk leading to some hot action. If this is all achieved in the right, luxurious setting, watch out! Scales which are swathed in riches are a pleasure to behold. Libra loves the thought of a gifted and attractive partner, since they feel their partner is receiving just that. Safe to say that a little erotica goes a long way with the Scales, since these folks can be oh-so-playful with their toys.

What Libra Needs: The partner who can encourage Libra to be honest, open, trusting and free is on the right track. The Scales crave someone who can give them feedback and support, and affirm that they are a treasure to behold. Wooing them with gifts can be the right stimulant. Some long talks, along with a lesson in give-and-take, can also work wonders. Anyone who can bring Libra to an open state, who can get them to think less and feel more, will be rewarded with a grateful and passionate lover.

The Libra lover is a harmonious soul who adores love, beauty and the romance dance. Anyone who can take this pleasure principle and make it seductively mental is bound to be at the top of their list. Blissfully partnered Libras exude a sex appeal which is off the charts!

Love Compatibility: Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius & Aquarius

Libra Career Profile : If it's the truth you seek, you'll want to work with a Libra. The Scales will look at all sides of an issue, then make a careful and deliberate decision once they're sure it's the right one. The sense of justice and fair play attached to those born under this sign is remarkable. Librans enjoy the leader's role and will work hard to be worthy of the privilege. Librans crave the exchange of ideas, conversation and chatter, and if all this takes place in a social situation, even better. The schmoozer of the Zodiac has arrived! The Scales, of course, would prefer to be known as a networker, tasteful appellation that it is. Harmony is important to Librans, as these charmers enjoy beautiful surroundings which are pleasing to all; they also appreciate the concept of "go along to get along," important to peace and mutual understanding in business as well as life. The mediator in Libra likes bringing people together, but the Scales also enjoy having a partner at their side. People all around are fun, but one true ally in the trenches is priceless. Librans are motivated to keep their partnership sailing smoothly, and it's also likely to be a pretty ride, since they enjoy being in a beautiful world. If there's one thing the Scales could use, it's a bit of grit when it comes time to making tough decisions. That swinging back and forth can't go on forever! When it comes to crisis management, however, the Scales can spring to amazing action, even if it's a place they'd rather not be. Librans are well suited as diplomats, judges, public relations consultants, counselors, psychologists (no Freudian slips here!) and artists.