The Origin of the Constellation of Libra
The Libra constellation is the only constellation in the Zodiac not represented by a living creature. Instead, a set of scales is anthropomorphized to represent justice, fairness, balance, and equality. So how did a set of scales come to be placed amongst the other constellations within the starry sky? And what makes this constellation so unique to represent civility for those born under this sign?
Libra History
Before the Ancient Greeks the Ancient Babylonians associated the constellation of Libra with balance. This was due to the timing of the constellation of Libra in the night sky. According to the Babylonian Mul Apin during the constellation of Libra’s reign the seasons as well as the days are all equal in length. However, the Babylonians associated Libra as the claws belonging to the constellation of Scorpio as well as the Sun God Shamash who was patron of truth and justice.
The Ancient Greeks also associated the constellation of Libra with the claws belonging to the constellation of Scorpio. However, the constellation of Libra was also closely associated with the scales held by the goddess Astraea also known as Virgo. This was because the goddess Astraea was patron to law, fairness, justice, and civility.
The Ancient Romans too closely associated the constellation of Libra with the scales of justice and the constellation of Virgo. However, it was the Ancient Romans who first began to depict Libra as a constellation of scales notwithstanding any other constellation. It is also attributed to the Romans in which we have the word Libra as a synonym to the word ‘balance’ derived from the word “equilibrium.”
Libra Born People
Because Libra people are born at a time of year that the seasons as well as days are in perfect balance of one another, Libra born people naturally carry a sense of equality within them. This sense of equality also translates into a sense of justice, fairness, and balance with their environment and individuals that surround them. Leave it to a Libra to find the middle ground in almost any dispute that involves two parties at opposite extremes.
For a video presentation please click here: The Origin of the Constellation of Libra
For a video presentation to better understand the constellation of Virgo please click here: The Origin of Virgo: The Virgin Constellation
Sources:
Cosmic Balance: Origin of the Constellation Libra, the Scales.
http://www.space.com/26088-libra-constellation-scales-origins.html
Libra Constellation: Constellation Guide
http://www.constellation-guide.com/constellation-list/libra-constellation/
Libra Constellation: Facts About the Scales.
http://www.space.com/21597-libra-constellation.html
