LIBRA   By: JaniceJ
 .
 The rulership of Libra by the planet of love, coupled with its symbol, the
 scales of equality and balance, suggest that for all mankind love is still
 the great equaliZer.
 .
 In ancient myth, Venus, Goddess of Love, is reputed to have sprung full
 grown from the foam of the sea. This beautiful Goddess, when not busily
 involved in romantic turmoils of her own, roamed the hills and valleys of
 Greece (accompanied by her son and side-kick, Cupid) stiring up the
 populace with her matchmaking skills.
 .
 Her best known match was between the shepherd Paris and the beautiful
 but, sadly already married, Helen.  Helen's previous commitment was a
 matter of small consequence to the Goddess, an attitude not shared by
 Helen's unceremoniously dumped hubby, who promptly launched the Trogan
 War.
 .
 More modern day Librans can fully understand Helen's predicament. Love is
 love, and it refuses to discriminate.
 .
 At times for Librans the mere impossibility of a romantic situation can
 make the object of their affections SO much more appealing.
 .
 Librans of both sexes can become helpless victims of soap-opera addiction.
 These television shows appeal to Libra's love of the romantic feuds and
 fusses of life.
 .
 Venus's sign is the sign of peace, but Libra, and the house it rules in the
 natural Zodiac (the 7th), also holds sway over war and public enemies.
 Libra's dual rulership of both love and hostility may seem contradictory
 until one considers that the Trojan War is only one example of the sort
 of mischief that falling in love can lead to. Crimes of passion are known
 in any society. To Librans, however, such unfortunate side effects are
 all part of the game and, all things considered, love is still worth the
 price of admission.
 .
 The glyph which represents Libra's ruler, Venus, is easily recognizable as
 the symbol for women. (Like this, only upright: O+ ) This symbol also has
 powerful meaning to the women's liberation movement. What tends to get
 lost in the occasional shuffle between the sexes is the fact that love, in
 the true Libran sense, liberates all people.
 .
 Libran's love of all things beautiful, cultured and lovingly expressed can
 also be traced to their rulers glyph which, upon close inspection, looks
 somewhat like a hand-held mirror.  Librans tend to see themselves
 strongly reflected in what and who they most dearly value so it is not
 too surprising that Libra wants those things to be as pleasing to the
 senses as possible.
 .
 Finding their own identity, separate and apart from the loves in their
 life is, at times, difficult for these children of Venus, but it is a most
 necessary part of their growth.