The Libra Character -- The Seventh Sign Of The Zodiac

Libras don't do well as "singles." They feel incomplete without "another half" in their life -- meaning another person to whom they feel profoundly connected, with whom they feel intimately "involved." They deeply feel the need for other people in their lives, and so a well-functioning Libra will also be well-skilled in all the little social graces and interpersonal courtesies the make relationships work smoothly for everyone concerned.

Libras feel adrift and unfocused without a significant personal partner ... more so than any other sign of the Zodiac, and the keen observer of human commerce (itself a very Libra interest) will notice this constantly in the nuances of their behavior.

Libras often speak in terms of "we" ... as if they speak for "the partnership," even when the opinion, or the experience, or the anecdote to which they refer is theirs alone. They aren't comfortable with dissent in the ranks. They want agreement, accord, a united front to present to the rest of the world.

It's as if they feel naked without that kind of partnership support behind them to turn to and rely on. They are, therefore, more attuned than any other sign to the views, perspectives, beliefs, ambitions, desires, and foibles of the "other" in their lives.

This approach makes for an automatic intimacy between a Libra and the significant partner. But it also can indicate a strange kind of assimilation ... as if, indeed, two people no longer exist, but rather a composite has been formed ... and extrication back into two individuals instead of this strange new multi-faceted entity can be a sticky business, to say the least.

In an association with a true Libra, it can be hard for the partners to tell after a while where one leaves off and the other begins. Clearly this can lead to some significant boundary issues to work out, made all the more problematic because the "merging" -- even to an unhealthy extent --can feel so right to the Libra half of the pair.

Libras deal in compromise and cooperation ... the very things that smooth transactions with those all-important companions and partners. They are also concerned with issues of popularity and approval ... and have a "sense" of how to obtain these that makes them exceptionally fine at working with the public in general.

Libras, therefore, are natural arbiters, peacemakers, and strategists. They have unusually strong talents as writers and counsellors, because of their innate ability to see another point of view and work from it as clearly as they do "their own" ... when they know for sure what their own point is.

That's not as easy as it sounds. Indeed, the dividing line tends to blur quite often in their preoccupation with achieving consensus -- that common ground on which they always prefer to stand. For this reason, and because they often can hold multiple views at once and believe devoutly in whichever is more prominent, more vigorously promoted, or most convenient at the moment, Libras can be ambivalent and indecisive to the point of being wishy-washy.

The truth is, they value having options. To them, having another one to add to a growing stack is not at all the problem it would be for some signs. To the Libras, more options open up the horizons of more possibilities. And being one of the intellectual Air signs ... they find this all vastly entertaining.

Then, too, this trait inclines them to interest in matters of fairness, justice, 50-50 propositions and "everybody pulling his own weight and doing his own share." This makes occupations in which they serve as agents or representatives for "others" also a natural channel for their professional energies, including the fields of law, sales, advertising, and contract negotiation.

Then, too, Libras at their best can be beautifully cultured, charming, discreet, judicious, graceful and highly concerned with appearances -- which -- is always a plus in these endeavors. They want things to be "nice," pleasant, congenial and gracious. Serenity can be something Libras opt for, even at the expense of more important qualities and conditions in the long run. And they have to be truly careful not to smile and schmooze their way into really serious problems -- and those all important "compromises," all for the sake of not making waves.

Libras genuinely prize harmony and peace, and along with their sociable natures, go generous helpings of dignity, polish, and refinement. They are extremely conscientious people, but they can easily prefer tact over truth in the interests of not hurting anyone's feelings. And their devout concern with seeing all sides "win" in a given situation makes them wonderful diplomats . . . but these same traits make it hard for Libras to take a firm stand (especially an unpopular one, regardless of the principle involved -- unless the principle itself deals with matters of equity and justice) and stick unflinchingly to it.

They are often too willing to bend for the sake of "peace and goodwill." Abe Lincoln may have known you can't please all the people all the time ... but Libras keep on trying anyway.

Libras also believe in balance, but they do tend to go to extremes in their constant search for that elusive middle-of-the-road level playing field. This alone often keeps them from living that quiet well-ordered, companionable life they so greatly desire. For all their good intentions, they can be a trial to deal with over the long-term ... but as friends, hosts, or occasional companions, they can be most accommodating.

That relationships are so prevalent a theme in their lives means there will inevitably be issues to work through in anything considered "permanent." That just goes with the territory. But for an affectionate, considerate, gregarious, elegant, sympathetic, and romantic comrade on life's journey, someone interested in a partner who will be intensely interested in him could find a Libra soul ... is the perfect mate.

(c) 2007 Rebecca Brents, All rights reserved.