Often these are referred to as the Scales of Justice. Most often, artwork for the symbol is limited to the scales alone, though sometimes they are shown being held by a woman (see myth below).
Libra glyph The glyph for Libra is two parallel horizontal lines. The top line has a half-circle coming off the top, resembling a sunset on the horizon. Some artists depict the top line as the Greek symbol Omega with a second line underneath.
Libra tattoos can be of the image, glyph, or combination of both.
Libra is an air element sign, and is ruled by the planet Venus. Often, it is linked to the ancient Greek story about the goddess of justice, Astraea, whose scales held in balance the weights and deeds of humans on earth. Others stories say the image is that of Astraea’s mother, Themis, who also was a goddess of justice and common sense. Legend has it that both Persephone and Aphrodite wanted to raise the orphaned Adonis. Themis determined that they would have joint custody. Because of the confusion with all the characters involved, and since both Astraea and Persphone are possibly the woman depicted in the constellation Virgo, the image of Libra focuses on the scales more so than whoever it is holding them.
The Libra personality believes in doing things right. Just as scales have two sides, the Libra believes in balance, e.g. work hard then relax, eat heartily and then diet. They are sometimes unable to make up their mind and may be easily persuaded. Libras can not live without warmth and contact with others. The lists below show a number of characteristics, both positive and negative, that different sources attribute to Libra:
Positive: likable, harmonious, elegant, orderly, peaceful, helpful, gentle, artistic, sensitive, spiritual, perceptive, affectionate, aware of others
Negative: impractical, lazy, untidy, “lost in the clouds,” unable to cope, dependent
Characteristics associated with Libra, which may be customized into a unique Libra tattoo design:
- Body Part: Lower Back
- Color: Green
- Metal: Copper
- Flower: Violet
- Gem: Diamond (Opal)
- Food: Strawberries
Famous Libras include author Oscar Wilde, Verdi, Gandhi, and actress Bridgette Bardot.
