The sign for this constellation was most likely picked because of Libra’s location in the night sky. They were considered to represent the scales used to weigh night and day, which were perfectly balanced on the equinox date.
The two claws of the constellation Scorpius (the Scorpion) were turned into the arms of Libra by the Romans. To the poet Aratus and others of classical times, Libra was once known as “the Claws” of Scorpius the Scorpion.
In fact, two of Libra’s stars, Zubeneschamali and Zubenelgenubi, have Arabic names that indicate “Northern Claw” and “Southern Claw,” respectively. Zubeneschamali also has a subtle greenish hue, making it the only green star visible to the human eye. Scorpius’ two claws were eventually fashioned into Libra’s arms.
After I gave a night sky display and pointed out Libra to my audience, one of the long-time lecturers at New York’s Hayden Planetarium chastised me. “Listen, the correct pronunciation is “L-bra,” not “Lee-bra,” he explained. It’s important to remember that you’re going to a “L-brary,” not a “Lee-brary!”
I didn’t trust him at first, especially since I knew that the word library came from the Latin word “libraria” (which meant “book”), but Libra meant “balance” – two completely different things.
When I got home and did some research, I discovered that the World Book Encyclopedia (Field Enterprises Educational Corporation) recommended LY-bruh, while The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language (Houghton Mifflin Company) accepts both L and L.
Now, everytime I see Libra, I think of my former Hayden colleague, and I emphasize the L as a tribute to him.
Have you ever wondered why the term pound is abbreviated as “lb”? It’s in honor of Libra’s first and third letters, the Scales.
In This Article...
Does Libra have any special stars?
Libra is the only constellation in the Zodiac that represents an inanimate thing, as it is Latin meaning weighing scales. Libra is the 29th largest sign in terms of area, with 538 square degrees. It is relatively weak but not difficult to see with the naked eye because it lacks any first magnitude stars.
What constellation is Libra?
Libra (Latin: “Balance”) is a zodiac constellation in the southern sky that lies between Scorpius and Virgo, at around 15 hours 30 minutes right ascension and 15 degrees south declination.
What Libra means?
The scales (interestingly, the only inanimate thing in the zodiac) represent Libra, an association that underscores Libra’s preoccupation on balance and harmony. Libra is fixated on symmetry and strives for balance in all aspects of life. The zodiac’s aesthetes are the air signs: Libras admire fine art, intellectualism, and connoisseurship, and are ruled by Venus, the planet of love, beauty, and money. Suave Libras need to be surrounded by beautiful things and build situations that reflect their refined tastes. As a result, these air signs make great interior designers, art critics, and stylists.
What goddess is a Libra?
Aphrodite (Libra) You are cosmically tied to the Greek goddess Aphrodite if you are a Libra. Many of the characteristics associated with the Libra zodiac sign can be found in this lovely Goddess of Love. Aphrodite and those born under the sign of Libra are charismatic, passionate, and communicative.
What animal do Libras look like?
They like courtship that leads to a serious relationship and hope that when they find the perfect person, their partnership will continue a long time.
The gray wolf is Libra’s spirit animal. Gray wolves, like their star sign, are devoted creatures.
In addition, Libras despise being alone and, like their spirit animal, prefer to accomplish things in couples or groups.
Horoscope for love Sagittarius: 2020 relationship predictions for the zodiac sign Sagittarius
What is the story of Libra?
Astraea (daughter of Themis), who went up to heaven and became the constellation Virgo, and carried the scales of justice, which is the constellation Libra, is related to the Greek Goddess of Justice, Themis, the Greek mythology version of Atalanta (meaning balanced), and Astraea (daughter of Themis), who went up to heaven and became the constellation Virgo, and carried the scales of justice, which is the constellation Libra.
Libra is also linked to the goddesses Eris/Discordia & Harmonia/Concordia, Dike, Themis, Hera/Juno, Ishtar, Freyja, Persephone, Frigg, and Forsetti the god Xolotl.
What does the Libra stars look like?
Libra is a small yet distinct constellation in the evening sky, located adjacent to the constellation Virgo. It appears in the northern hemisphere between April and July and resembles a lopsided diamond or crooked box. In June, Libra is most visible directly overhead around 12 a.m.
How did Libra get its name?
Because of its apparent appearance in the night sky, the Libra constellation earned its name from the Latin term for weighing scales. Libra is a faint constellation in the night sky, with no first-magnitude stars, yet it can be seen with a telescope on a clear night. Beta Librae is the brightest star in the constellation, with an apparent magnitude of 2.61 and a distance of 185 light years from Earth. Libra is the only constellation in the night sky that represents an inanimate item, and it is the 29th largest constellation in the sky, covering 538 square degrees.
