Libra is the only inanimate sign of the zodiac, all the others representing either humans or animals. Many modern astrologers regard it as the most desirable of zodiacal types because it represents the zenith of the year, the high point of the seasons, when the harvest of all the hard work of the spring is reaped. There is a mellowness and sense of relaxation in the air as mankind enjoys the last of the summer sun and the fruits of his toil. Librans too are among the most civilized of the twelve zodiacal characters and are often good looking. They have elegance, charm and good taste, are naturally kind, very gentle, and lovers of beauty, harmony (both in music and social living) and the pleasures that these bring.

They have good critical faculty and are able to stand back and look impartially at matters which call for an impartial judgment to be made on them. But they do not tolerate argument from anyone who challenges their opinions, for once they have reached a conclusion, its truth seems to them self-evident; and among their faults is an impatience of criticism and a greed for approval. But their characters are on the whole balanced, diplomatic and even tempered.

Librans are sensitive to the needs of others and have the gift, sometimes to an almost psychic extent, of understanding the emotional needs of their companions and meeting them with their own innate optimism - they are the kind of people of whom it is said, "They always make you feel better for having been with them." They are very social human beings. They loathe cruelty, viciousness and vulgarity and detest conflict between people, so they do their best to cooperate and compromise with everyone around them, and their ideal for their own circle and for society as a whole is unity.

Their cast of mind is artistic rather than intellectual, though they are usually too moderate and well balanced to be avant garde in any artistic endeavor. They have good perception and observation and their critical ability, with which they are able to view their own efforts as well as those of others, gives their work integrity.

In their personal relationships they show understanding of the other person's point of view, trying to resolve any differences by compromise, and are often willing to allow claims against themselves to be settled to their own disadvantage rather than spoil a relationship. They like the opposite sex to the extent of promiscuity sometimes, and may indulge in romanticism bordering on sentimentality. Their marriages, however, stand a good chance of success because they are frequently the union of " true minds". The Libran's continuing kindness toward his or her partner mollifies any hurt the latter may feel if the two have had a tiff. Nor can the Libran's spouse often complain that he or she is not understood, for the Libran is usually the most empathetic of all the zodiacal types and the most ready to tolerate the beloved's failings.

The negative Libran character may show frivolity, flirtatiousness and shallowness. It can be changeable and indecisive, impatient of routine, colorlessly conventional and timid, easygoing to the point of inertia, seldom angry when circumstances demand a show of annoyance at least; and yet Librans can shock everyone around them with sudden storms of rage. Their love of pleasure may lead them into extravagance; Libran men can degenerate into reckless gamblers, and Libran women extravagant, jealous and careless about money sometimes squander their wealth and talents in their overenthusiasm for causes which they espouse. Both sexes can become great gossipers. A characteristic of the type is an insatiable curiosity that tempts them to enquire into every social scandal in their circle.

On your birthday, the Sun (your inner self) was in the masculine sign, Libra. The seventh sign of the Zodiac, Libra is ruled by the planet of love, beauty and social grace, Venus. A cardinal sign, creative Libra governs partnerships, the arts, and making sense of self in relation to other. It is an air sign, so Libran people seek aesthetic pleasure, balance in relationships and a harmonious environment. And although you can always see both sides of any issue, this often leads down the slippery slope to procrastination and vacillation.

The Sun, the ruler of our inner nature, falls in Libra, the exaltation of Saturn. justice, combined with the need to be fair and even-handed contributes to that characteristic difficulty you find in making decisions quickly. You should beware of falling for flattery, because you love to be admired, especially for your taste, charm and appreciation for excellence in the arts, including personal adornments, dress, home decor, hair styling and so on. You graciously accept praise for your achievements and will gladly give praise to others, when they deserve it.

In spite of your need to be liked, and reluctance to face confrontations, you are surprisingly strong-willed. You set out to accomplish your chosen goals and will find ways to succeed one way or another, usually by using your wit and charm. The "iron fist in a velvet glove" approach is one key to your success. If you become convinced nothing more is to be gained no matter what you do, you won't hesitate to walk away from a situation with no further explanation or thought of returning. The Balance is Libra's astrological symbol and you require balance in your life. In relationships, you invariably give back in kind what you have been given.

Emotional, physical, and psychological pleasure comes to you from beauty in all its forms. Books, music, flowers, and perfume are typical delights. If your environment is less than pleasing, you can become unhappy without even realizing that your surroundings may be responsible for your despondency. Social grace begins with good manners, extends to high level diplomacy, and ends with abhorrence of disagreeable confrontations. You promote peace and harmony, and usually opt to bypass hostile confrontations whenever some other method can be employed.

You can exert impressive physical energy at times, but your stamina tends to run in cycles. You work hard and play hard, then collapse into inertia until nature restores the balance. Addicted to luxuries and creature comforts, your inclinations sway to the slothful, especially when the subject of physical exercise rears its ugly head. That fondness for rich food and sticky buns means you actually need proper physical exercise. Tennis, hiking, horseback riding, skating, and aerobics have some appeal, but the virtues of physical fitness may indeed fail to attract you; watch you don't turn into a couch potato.

Libra colors are ivory, pink (or rose), turquoise, and blue. A traditional birthstone for Libra is the blue sapphire, but another useful stone for you is the opal. This unique gem consists mostly of ordinary sand and water. Just as hidden water in opals cause the fire in the gem, there is more emotional content than is apparent behind the brilliant flashes of the Libran intellect. Libra rules flowers in general but particularly appropriate blooms for Libra include roses (white or pink), daisies, violets, asters, and orchids.

You are the focal point of elegance and chic in the zodiac. Ruled by Venus, the planet of love and sensual delight, you seek relationship with an avid fascination. Libra lives for love - and style! You are so much in love with love, you sometimes fail to notice how many admirers you are holding on a string... Charming Libra loves exploring every facet of relationship, being always on display and always on the lookout for Mr/Ms Right (even if already involved, love-loving Libra is ready to jump ship should something a little brighter appear on the horizon).

The way to the Libran heart is through appreciation and admiration, for you, a living work of art, always present yourself in your best light. Libra is the soul of relationship; you do not feel complete unless you are in at least one probably several) potentially long-term and upwardly mobile involvements, centred on the sharing of good taste and the appreciation of your undeniable talents. After all, when you have perfected the art of being you,it seems such a shame to waste yourself on those who may be incapable of appreciating art for art's sake.

Libra, a masculine (yang) sign, often seems contradictory. Ruled by Venus, the soul of love and sensuality, yet the exaltation of Saturn, the planet of high seriousness and lofty ambition, flirtatious Libra is likely to be attracted to or involved with more than one partner at a time. Because diplomatic Libra finds identity in relationship, you seek to harmonise yourself with your partner, even to the extent of adopting the other's interests and lifestyle. This can create strains in the event that one of your attractions is a conservative stock-broker and another a wild, edge-dwelling rock musician.

Your creativity is primarily directed at shaping the relationship and generating the most exquisite accoutrements for the mating dance. You prefer to be the pursued, rather than the pursuing (unlike your opposite sign, Aries, who must be the hunter, and who loses interest should the game appear to be won). The more attention your mate pours upon you, the more you just lap it up. Indeed, should the attention become attenuated for any length of time, you'll quickly lose interest and gravitate towards a warmer flame. You have a reputation for being unable to make up your mind and easily led, but in the event you are thwarted, a sterner side can emerge, much to the surprise and consternation of the less finely attuned.

Libra is a cardinal sign, so you are best involved with a special person who understands your need for romance and your search for the perfect environment. You are co-operative, imaginative and willing to experiment with all manner of relationship styles, although you can become furious should your foolish paramour seem to be attracted to someone who fails to meet your standards of dress.