Horoscope

It's all about people early this week. Sales, service and schmoozing should be the order of the day on Monday and Tuesday, and you'll be irresistibly charming to practically everyone you meet. You might feel that you've bitten off more than you can chew by midweek, so take some time to slow down, organize and delegate responsibilities. Progress will be slow, but you shouldn't have to worry about moving backwards. Your close coworkers will be especially important Friday (and probably through the weekend), so do whatever it takes to make them happy.

Libra is the seventh Sign of the Zodiac. The first six Signs represent personal development, while the second six represent man's turning outward to other people. Libra is the first Sign in this half of the Zodiac, and thus it's the first Sign of reaching out to others -- they strive to create balance and harmony between self and other. It represents marriage and partnership, the most basic ways for people to come together. As the seventh Sign, Libra also rules the seventh House: the House of Partnership.

The Astrological Symbol of Libra is the Scales. Like the scales of Justice, Librans are objective and just. They abhor unfairness and conflict, striving above all for peace; but at times they are easily deterred from their beliefs. Librans are able to see all sides of an argument, but as their mental scales sway back and forth they may never find balance and become fickle and indecisive. Sometimes they are so eager to avoid conflict that they give in to avoid argument, even when they know they are right, and this may make them seem insincere. Diplomatic and cooperative, they are skilled at initiating group projects. In this way, Libra exemplifies the Cardinal Quality assigned to it. When Librans set goals for themselves, they are determined to succeed. Within the Zodiac, Libra is opposite Aries, the Sign of Self, so Libras tend to be about other people rather than personal development. They tend to be socially inclined and charming, but they may have a need to be liked that makes them too compliant to others' wishes.

Libra is ruled by the Planet Venus. In ancient Roman mythology, Venus (and her Greek equivalent, Aphrodite) was the Goddess of Love, Beauty, and Pleasure. She represented joy, happiness, and appreciation of beautiful things. On the negative side, her appreciation for sweets and luxury could result in overindulgence, and she could be materialistic. Venus rules both Libra and Taurus. Libra is the masculine, or day, aspect of Venus; Taurus is the feminine, or night. Both Signs have a great appreciation for beauty, but while Taurus appreciates the beauty of things, Libra is more interested in the beauty of other people. Librans are happiest when they're in a relationship. They are seductive and attractive, and their cultural awareness and talkative nature make them help them shine in the social situations they so enjoy. Because of their social nature, they can be vain or overly dependent on others' approval. Many people born under Libra have strong artistic tendencies and a refined sense of style, but they can also become lazy and apathetic if bored. They are usually controlled and rational, but at times they may be self-indulgent. .

The Element associated with Libra is Air. Air Signs are intellectual: they tend to respond to the world through intellect, rather than physical action, practicality, or emotion. Libra's intellectual orientation to the world around them makes them skilled at communication and abstract reasoning, and their intelligence combines with their interest in other people to become an intellectual exploration of the people around them. Because their efforts are mentally rather than emotionally motivated, Librans tend to be very judicial; they are good at diplomacy and compromise. Because they are generally reluctant to face confrontation, people born under Libra learn to be persuasive, courteous, and adaptable. But this may also make them seem cold and unemotional or manipulative. They are team workers, skilled at cooperative action, but they can also be self-doubting. Open minded and always polite, they have a strong sense of loyalty because of their ability to put themselves into other people's shoes.

Librans love to debate but not to quarrel; a fine distinction that is nonetheless very important to people born under this Sign. They are kind and considerate, and they rarely display anger. Instead they may employ subtle means of getting even when their strong sense of fairness and legality or refined sensitivities are violated.

In their leisure time, Librans tend to have less energy that other Signs, and they have a definite lazy streak, preferring to read and go out with friends. Exercise generally appeals to them only if it allows socializing at the same time, but some have a particular affinity for activities that let them get out in nature, such as hiking and horseback riding. In love relationships, Libra is playful and romantic.

Libra rules the kidneys and lower back. People born under Libra may be more susceptible to back pain or strain than people of other Signs. Libra's colors are ivory, pink, and light blue; these three colors are harmonious in all their combinations, and they all appear in the sunset sky that Libra represents.

The great strength of the Libra-born is in their drive for peace and harmony. Their ability to obtain balance and cooperation from a disparate group is unparalleled. Their skill at seeing all sides of a situation makes them one of the most just characters of the Zodiac.

It should come as no surprise that the Scales like things to be in balance -- the checkbook, their lives. Librans revel in beauty and harmony and are often striving for perfection. This quest can lead to bouts of indecision, for although Librans love to please, they hate to make the wrong choice! Ever the conciliator (Librans are often diplomats), the Scales prefer to achieve a happy medium, whatever the "price." These folks are at their best with a partner, ideally someone who can keep them from swinging wildly in either direction and help them achieve their goals.

Librans thoroughly appreciate money and what it can buy: the best that life has to offer. Fortunately, there is usually enough cash around to keep the Scales in the style to which they've become accustomed. It's comfort and luxury which the Scales crave, and they also feel it's their divine right! No need to eat hamburger when you can dine on filet mignon. The Scales also like to be romanced, so prospective partners are well advised to keep that platinum card handy.

Making the financial decisions is something that the Scales would rather not do as they consider it a bit tedious. Those born under this Sign are attractive and charismatic, and as a result, are accustomed to having things come to them rather easily. This could make for a poor work ethic, but then Librans would rather work at creating a beautiful world for those around them!

The Scales will pay the bills on time in one of two ways: by sheer luck or with the aid of a responsible partner. Face it, it's much more fun to be at the symphony! Short on cash? A Libran will charm a pal into a loan. They won't hesitate to make a loan, either, as long as it's to a good risk. If it's their partner that needs the dough, though, they'd part with their last dime.

It's not uncommon for Librans to blow the bank on one exceptional item, be it a work of art or a jaunt on the Concorde. If they choose to do so, however, they will have saved up for the splurge since life is perfect when that bankbook is in balance!

What your Libra pet wants, above all, are friends! This is an animal that doesn't want to be left alone. Companionable to the max, your Libra pet could easily act as social director for the other animals in the neighborhood, being the most playful pup in the park. If this pet's social circle is too small, it could easily start to whine, even cry. Your Libra pet wants to live in a happy world, so harmony at home is pretty important. This animal can pick up on bad vibes! Living in a beautiful world is important, too, which is why you should brush Kitty regularly or take Fido to the groomer and have him leave with a big red bow around his neck. In keeping with this penchant for the good life, your Libra pet also wants to eat well, so be sure the food you feed 'em is both fresh and tasty. Your Libra pet travels like a champ and loves to hit the road, so be sure that you bring this pet along whenever possible. Even if it's just a quick walk to the corner store for a pint of milk, they want to make the journey! Hey, Fido's girl could be there. Lastly, this is a pet that is very eager to please. If you're nice to your Libra pet, they'll give you plenty in return!