Libra Zodiac Sign: Personality Traits, Careers & More

Libra can be a confusing sign. It’s represented by a set of scales, but where did scales appear in Greek mythology? Even the name “libra” simply means “scales.”

Those born under this seventh sign of the zodiac are known for being balanced, fair, and just, but Libra’s energy goes much deeper than that.

About Libra

Libra spans from September 23rd to October 22nd in the tropical (western) zodiac, and November 4th to November 22nd in sidereal (Vedic) astrology. If Libra’s imagery confuses you, you’re not alone.

This sign has the distinction of being the only one represented by an inanimate object. All of the others are depicted by either animals or figures from mythology. Even the word “zodiac” means “circle of little animals!”

This may be because, to the ancient Greeks, Libra wasn’t part of the zodiac. Originally, they counted eleven signs total. Scorpio and its claws (“chelae”) counted as a kind of double sign, and its these claws that eventually became Libra.

How did the scorpion’s claws become a set of scales? The scales themselves were taken from the Greek representation of justice and divine law, Themis. She was one of the twelve Titans born to Gaia (the Earth) and Uranus (the sky).

In much of her mythology, she acted as a nurse-maid or advisor. She was said to have nursed Zeus when his mother hid him from his father, Cronus, created the Oracle at Delphi, and advised Aphrodite on how to make Eros grow. The Romans replaced the idea of Scorpio’s claws with Themis’ scales.

Libra was considered the time of year when the seasons and hours of the day and night were balanced.

Astrologically, Libra is an Air sign with a cardinal modality. Its ruling planet is Venus.

Libra Personality Traits & Characteristics

Libras are tactful, sociable people who can be great fun to be around. They’re known for having very balanced opinions, and a strong sense of right and wrong.

They’re charming, and wonderful listeners — the kind of person who can make their conversational partner feel like the most fascinating person in the world.

On the flip side, that deep-seated sense of fairness can manifest as indecision. Sometimes, it isn’t possible or desirable to be completely even-handed, which Libra may struggle with.

Libra Male Traits

Libra men are typically bon vivants. Not quite as hedonistic as Taureans, they nonetheless go from good time to good time. Sometimes, they may be superficial (or even vain).

In numerology, a Libra would be most akin to a 3 — someone who prefers lighthearted fun over deep connections.

When Libra men choose to settle down, however, they can achieve seldom-seen depths of self-knowledge. Their balanced approach to life leads to a wonderful sense of work, life, and spiritual equilibrium.

If the typical Libra man enjoys building castles in the clouds, then a settled Libra man can actually put foundations under them.

Libra Female Traits

Libra women don’t like being tied down. They’re adventurous and fun, and may instinctively avoid people they think bring down their vibes.

This can give them a reputation for superficiality — if a Libra woman thinks you’re dragging her down, she’s not likely to take the time to look beneath the surface.

As with Libra men, Libra women can be forces to be reckoned with when they decide to settle down and do some inner work.

They’re capable of creating very balanced, healthy, harmonious lifestyles for themselves. They are confident, effortlessly beautiful, and seem to draw others to them like moths to a flame.

Libra – Careers, Business & Money

Libra is well-suited to a variety of career paths. They’ll thrive in areas that offer them guided decision making — that is, the chance to flex their creativity within the constraints of an assignment.

The combination of self-expression and rules works wonderfully for them. Think fields like graphic design, interior decorating, or personal styling.

They also do very well in counseling positions. While they aren’t known for wanting to dive deep into problems, their listening skills are very helpful in fields like human resources, career counseling, or guidance counseling.

Lastly, unsurprisingly for a sign symbolized by the Scales of Justice, Libras may enjoy careers in law as attorneys or judges. Their sense of fairness can make them a tremendous asset in this field.

When it comes to money, Libras generally don’t worry much. As long as they have enough to have fun with, it’s fine for them.

To a Libra, lucrative careers are less attractive than ones that provide ample mental stimulation and creative opportunities. That said, they do enjoy luxuries and beautiful things, so they may have to compromise between money and fun in their careers.

Libra Love & Relationship Compatibility

Libras can pretty much get along with anyone, but there are a few signs that really bring out the best in them.

Two Libras can certainly pair well, though this relationship might not last. Even if it doesn’t go the distance, however, it’s guaranteed to be full of good times. For a lasting commitment, they’re better off pairing up with different signs.

Libra and Gemini are both Air signs, and they share some key traits. Geminis are creative and chatty, guaranteed to provide the mental and social stimulation that Libras enjoy. Libras are charming and wonderful listeners, which will captivate Gemini.

Aquarius and Libra are another good pairing. They have similar ideas about relationships. Aquarians can also intrigue Libras with their unique and offbeat ways, while Libra’s natural charm and grace will inspire them in turn.

Leos also pair well with Libras. They’re excellent for bringing out the best in each other — confident Leo can inspire courage in Libra, while charming Libra will be endlessly attractive to Leo. They both enjoy being centers of attention and the life of the party, and this relationship is likely to be full of fun and passion.

See also: Check out our full Libra Love, Marriage & Relationship Compatibility Guide here.

Libra Challenges & Obstacles

At their best, Libras are relaxed, happy, and balanced people, but it can take some time and work for them to get there. In the interim, there are numerous challenges inherent in this sign.

For one, they’re not good with conflict. They’re very sociable, which means they’ll almost inevitably be drawn into it at some point. Unfortunately, few things make a Libra want to run for the hills like arguments do. They’re very good at diplomacy, and often simply can’t understand why other people don’t just get along.

Some Libras can tend to be people-pleasers. This can turn their fairness into a detriment — if you try to please everyone, you’ll end up pleasing no one.

Superficiality and vanity can be problems for Libra, too. This sign likes fun and pretty things. Even when they look disheveled, it’s guaranteed to be in a purposefully effortless, “off duty model” way. It can make it hard for them to understand signs who don’t care as much about appearances.


Libras are lighthearted charmers. They’re good listeners, creative, and excellent at offering advice. As long as they can overcome some of their carefree ways to better balance themselves and their lifestyles, they can enjoy healthy, prosperous lives.

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