Libra.
Libra
The only zodiac constellation depicting an inanimate object — the scales of justice.
Sep 23 – Oct 22
Libra · 538 sq° of sky, brightest star Zubenelgenubi
Libra (Libra) covers 538 square degrees of the southern sky. Its two main stars, Zubenelgenubi ("the southern claw") and Zubeneschamali ("the northern claw"), take their names from Arabic — a relic of the time when Libra's stars belonged to Scorpius.
Libra is the only zodiacal constellation representing an inanimate object rather than a living creature. Its two main stars, Zubenelgenubi and Zubeneschamali, take their names from Arabic terms — "the southern claw" and "the northern claw" — a relic of the time when Libra's stars belonged to Scorpius.
The Romans separated Libra from Scorpius and named it for the scales — the balance held by Astraea, the goddess of justice, who weighed the souls of the dead.
"Astraea was the last immortal to leave a corrupted earth — and took her scales with her into the stars."
Astraea, last of the immortals to leave the corrupted earth, took her scales with her into the heavens. The constellation marks the autumn equinox, when day and night are themselves in balance.
Where this comes from.
Mythology
- Aratus Phaenomena 89-95
- Cicero De Natura Deorum 2.43
- Hyginus Astronomica 2.26
Paintings & illustrations
- Astraea Departs from the Earth — Salvator Rosa (c. 1665) · Wikimedia · PD
- Libra — Sidney Hall (engraver), Jehoshaphat Aspin (text) (1825) · Wikimedia · PD
For fun · sources cited. We don’t publish horoscopes, personality readings, or compatibility takes — just astronomy + classical mythology, with public-domain art where available. See all 88 constellations.