Herbal Medicine through the Zodiac: Libra (Venus, Air, Cardinal)

LIBRA September 21st - October 20th

Balance, harmony, relationships. Duality. Yin & Yang. The Masculine & Feminine.

For the first six signs of the zodiac, the vital life force expresses itself through the Yang Seasons of Spring and Summer. Beginning with Aries, we see the evolution of the Self; the individual ego, the “I”. In Libra, the vital force continues its evolution, now moving into the collective; into the “we”.

There is a need for The Other, for the mirroring; the vital force seeks to continue its evolution through interaction with both other individuals and with the environment.

The symbol of Libra is naturally the scales. We have reached the middle point of the zodiac, the middle point between the Yang and the Yin seasons, the balance between the inner and the outer worlds. Libra represents harmony and equilibrium.

Libra is a Yang sign, carrying the qualities of Cardinal and Air. This may seem paradoxical when it is Libra that initiates the Yin Seasons (cool, moist, dark). However, as the symbol of balance, Libra often contains both dualities and paradoxes.

HUMAN CORRESPONDENCES

Libra has primarily a Yang force moving through it, which we see in a general Vata type constitution (thin, slender, small frame, fine features). Libra is ruled by Venus, so it’s not unusual to see graceful features, beautiful skin and hair. The primary energetics are cold/cool and dry.

The primary organs associated with Libra are the kidneys. The primary functions of the kidneys is to regulate the fluid and mineral balance in the body, as well as the acid/alkaline balance. The kidney correspondence is a potent correspondence, as we see 2 kidneys, and we see 2 sides of the scales . Due to its relationship with Venus, Libra also has a strong correspondence with the veins, the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the female hormonal system.

HEALTH & HEALING

As the kidneys are responsible for maintaining the balance of fluid, minerals and ph, these are areas of disease Libra’s are more prone to. Acidity in the body is a precursor for systemic inflammation which furthermore is the root of many chronic health issues. We also see the potential for toxicity in the body when there is poor detoxification, such as a low metabolism and poor excretion of waste products.

A simple, effective remedy to keep in mind for Libra’s is to drink plenty amounts of good, clean water, and to take the necessary steps to maintain their mineral balance. As with all the signs, diet is important, as this is where we really can help the body regulate its acid/alkaline balance.

~ A supportive remedy for Libra can be to heat up a small amount of sesame oil with a few drops of sandalwood. Massage this onto the kidney area as a remedy for adrenal fatigue, exhaustion and nervous burnout. ~

THE EVOLUTIONARY PROCESS

As mentioned, Libra is ruled by the planet Venus, and it’s symbol is the Scales. When we put these two together we understand that much of the evolutionary process of Libra lies in finding balance; between polarities and dualities, and the the inner and outer worlds. Much of this process happens through their interactions and relationships (Venus). Libra’s are often very relationship oriented, and this aspect of their lives tend to be their greatest teacher. The harmony and balance Libra seeks comes from their ability to see both sides of things. They understand the dynamics of polarity and paradox, and how all things in life are composed of opposites; light and dark, masculine and feminine, Yin and Yang. Their work lies in maintaining tranquility and equilibrium, and to find their centre. This can be challenging due to their ability to see both sides of each situation. In relationships, it is essential for Libra’s to learn to hold their own, and the be honest, vulnerable and authentic in their communications. Finally, Libra’s can have a tendency to get too consumed or identified by a relationship. This is where they must work find balance, cultivating their inner sanctuary and relationship to self.

BOTANICAL CORRESPONDENCES

The plants that physically corresponds with Libra have a strong correspondence to Venus and the Waters. As the governor of the Kidneys, and therefore the Waters of the body, Libra plants may be plants with a high water content, or grow in and around water.

We see Plants with symmetrical features and balance, and that has an affinity for the kidneys. Again, with Venus as the planetary ruler, we may observe beauty in the plants showy features and bright colours, a typical example being the Rose.

Venusian plants also tend to be astringent, helping to bring tightness and tone to tissues that are lax.

ENERGETICS

Sympathetic- cold and dry

Anti-pathetic- hot and moist

The most helpful remedies for Libra are, like mentioned in Virgo, not necessarily the remedies that have correspondences with Libra. Often, we are seek remedies with the opposite qualities (anti-pathetic remedies).

Generally speaking, diuretics (influences the kidneys), astringents (for the female reproductive system), relaxants and nervines (to relieve stress, tension and anxiety) have proven to be helpful for various imbalances related to Libra.