Sun enters Libra

On September 22nd, the Autumn Equinox, the Sun begins its month-long journey through Libra, the Scales.  Libra a cardinal air sign is ruled by Venus and assigned to the Justice card of the tarot. Libra is the sign of balance and under the influence of Libra we seek harmony between the aspects of our life that are inharmonious.  Just as we cross the midway point of the seasonal year at this time, we also cross the midpoint of the Zodiac, which begins in the spring with Aries. It’s a time when we should pause, like the Sun, and consider how we can create more balance in our life. In Libra, the Sun is social, accommodating and fair-minded, but we must guard against becoming indecisive, self-indulgent and gullible. The Libra Sun encourages harmony between the individual self and the shared self.  It urges us to find the balance between remaining true to who we are even in a relationship, practice objectivity and be reminded that we are creatures who flourish when making connections with others.

Numbered 11, The Justice card depicts a woman as a judge. Justice arms herself with a double-edged sword, allowing her to cut through any fog or confusion standing in her way. This allows her to clearly identify areas in life that need closer examination - even when these truths may be uncomfortable to come to terms with. The sword points upward, signifying victory and restored balance. She maintains a diplomatic equilibrium through the scales of Karma in her left hand. And, nestled in her crown of authority is a sparkling green gem that acts as a third-eye chakra, allowing her to see simply and clearly what has before been hidden in the shadows of concepts and confusion.

Lady Justice can be traced to the Greek Goddess, Themis.  She was the Titan goddess of divine law and order, the traditional rules of conduct first established by the Gods. She was also a prophetic goddess who presided over the most ancient oracles, including Delphi. In this role, she was the divine voice who first instructed mankind in the primal laws of justice and morality. In Greek, the word themis referred to divine law, those rules of conduct long established by custom. Themis was an early bride of Zeus and his first counselor. She was often represented seated beside his throne advising him on the precepts of divine law and the rules of fate.

 

Tarot Meditations while the Sun is in Libra

The period when the Sun transits through Libra is an excellent time to meditate on tarot's Justice Card. We should ask ourselves whether we have been acting in a fair and just manner. Have we been blinded by our emotions and petty jealousies in making decisions that will affect the balance of our lives? Are we honoring our commitments? Do we need to make amends for past injustices?

To prepare for mediation, sit or lie in a comfortable place and allow your body to be free of tension and distractions. Pay attention to your breathing. Feel your breath go in and out as you inhale and exhale. If distracting thoughts enter your mind, simply observe them and allow them to float by as you gently return your attention to your breathing. When you have established a steady, comfortable rhythm of breathing rhythmically in and out, turn your focus to the tarot card. Observe the card and contemplate its images. Let your mind be open to the messages you receive from it. When you have completed your meditation, you may wish to record your observations in a notebook for review later on.