Libra is the seventh sign of the zodiac, a cardinal air sign ruled by the planet Venus. Libra season runs from approximately Sep. 23 to Oct. 22, so if your birthday falls in that window, your sun sign is Libra. The sign’s symbol is the scales, and its reputation is built on kindness, fairness and a lifelong search for balance.
Libra also marks the official start of fall in the Northern Hemisphere, bringing peace, relaxation and comradery after the studious energy of Virgo season and ahead of the moodier vibes of Scorpio season. You may already know that Libras are kind, generous and in love with balance, but keep scrolling for our full breakdown of the sign, from its dates, element, symbol, modality, ruling planet and house to its strengths, weaknesses, love life and famous Libras.
Born right at the start or end of the season? Our guide to the cusps of the zodiac explains how a neighboring sign can color your personality, and our breakdown of the Libra decans shows how the three ten-day stretches of the sign change what a Libra is like.
Also read about: Zodiac Signs: Personality, Compatibility, Horoscopes and More
Libra Zodiac Sign at a Glance
- Sign order: 7th sign of the zodiac
- Dates: approximately Sep. 23 to Oct. 22
- Element: Air
- Modality: Cardinal
- Ruling planet: Venus
- Ruling house: The 7th house
- Symbol: The scales
- Polarity: Masculine (yang), which you can learn more about in our guide to masculine and feminine zodiac signs
- Fellow air signs: Gemini and Aquarius
Libra Dates: When Is Libra Season?
The sun moves into Libra around the fall equinox, so Libra season runs from approximately Sep. 23 to Oct. 22. The exact days can shift by a day depending on the year. That makes Libra the seventh sign of the zodiac, arriving with the start of fall festivities in the Northern Hemisphere. It follows the more focused and detailed energy of Virgo season and precedes the moodier Scorpio vibes to come.
Libra’s Element: Air
Like Gemini and Aquarius, Libra is one of the air signs of the zodiac. All three are known for being fun-loving, free-spirited and clever. Often, they’re said to be defined by their relationships with others, in part because communication is so important to them. At the same time, they can be a little bit unpredictable. While they’re friendly, they can also be a bit distracted at times. It’s important to them to make others happy and keep things light and fun when they can.
Libra’s Symbol: The Scales
While many other signs of the zodiac get animals or people as their symbol, Libra gets a set of scales. This may sound a little boring, but it couldn’t be more appropriate, as Libra is the sign of justice and balance. It’s highly important to them that people play fair and that everyone gets their due. They can’t stand seeing inequity in the world and do everything they can to ensure that no one gets left behind. They can also struggle with indecision, wanting to make sure every angle has been thoroughly considered and that they’re doing the right thing before committing to any choice.
(via Shutterstock)
Also read about: 8 Sweet and Sentimental Types of Gifts Any Libra Will Love
Libra’s Modality: Cardinal
Libra is said to have a cardinal modality, sharing this quality with Aries, Cancer and Capricorn. This means that they’re doers who love to get new things started. Cardinal signs often have a strong sense of leadership and prefer to be in charge of things, kicking off each new season of the year. For Libra this often means helping people come together, uniting them in order to bring new ideas to fruition and create real change in the world.
Libra’s Ruling Planet: Venus
Libra shares its ruling planet, Venus, with Taurus. The second planet from the sun is said to govern everything from love and beauty to wealth and material possessions, which makes sense for peace- and comfort-loving Libra. It’s a planet that brings harmony, and that’s the most important thing to Libra.
(via Shutterstock)
Libra’s Ruling House: The 7th House
Libra is said to be ruled by the 7th house, which is all partnerships and togetherness. It reflects a movement away from the ego and self-interest and instead investing fully in others, especially as a means of teamwork. It reminds us that we’re stronger together than apart, and just how much we can accomplish through collaboration and companionship with others. The 7th house also pertains to official unions, such as marriages and other partnerships that involve commitment and contracts.
Also read about: 20 Harmonious Taylor Swift Lyrics That Make Perfect Insta Captions for Libra
Libra Strengths
As we’ve mentioned, Libra’s kind and fair natures are some of their biggest strengths. They’re very generous with their time and energy, working hard to ensure that others feel happy and supported, and they prioritize balance and peace over just about anything else. They strive to create harmony in their lives, with an ability to easily ease tensions and an optimistic approach to everything they do.
Those people skills pay off at work, too. If you’re curious where a Libra’s gifts shine brightest, see our list of the best careers for Libra zodiac signs.
(via Shutterstock)
Libra Weaknesses
On the flip side, many of Libra’s weaknesses are tied directly to what people love most about them. Their dislike for conflict can make them avoidant of tough issues, and they often struggle with disagreements or uncertainty. They don’t know what to do with themselves when they can’t properly defuse a situation. The sign’s constant need for perfect balance can also make them highly indecisive and wishy-washy, and their desire to help others can lead to people-pleasing, forsaking their own wants and needs in the process.
Libras in Love
Libras are known for being quite lovey-dovey in their relationships. They’re warm, friendly and affectionate, going above and beyond to make their partner happy. At the same time, they can sometimes lose themselves in their relationships, changing themselves to suit the other person and struggling with their own happiness along the way. This is why it’s best that they find a partner who will encourage them to be themselves and step up to the plate, rather than someone who might take advantage of this generosity.
Libras are typically most compatible with fellow air signs Gemini and Aquarius, as well as outgoing and gregarious Leo. They can also struggle a bit in relationships with emotionally demanding Cancer and the rigid, critical earth signs Virgo and Capricorn.
Also read about: How to Know If Your Libra Crush Likes You Back
Libra Season Energy
Libra season is synonymous with the start of fall, and you’ll likely feel the cozy, social energy this period in late September and October brings with it. We recommend doing some fall cleaning and decluttering ahead of celebratory gatherings with friends and family. This is also the perfect time to focus on work-life balance, as well as how much time you dedicate to yourself versus what you put in for others. Don’t be afraid to indulge a little, embracing the comfort and nostalgia of the fall weather as it arrives.
(via Shutterstock)
Famous Libras: Celebrity Birthdays
With their proclivity toward perfectionism and finely honing their craft, Libras are some of the most talented celebrities out there.
These Libra musical artists, actors, athletes and more include:
- Anthony Mackie – Sep. 23
- Joe Locke – Sep. 24
- Will Smith – Sep. 25
- Catherine Zeta-Jones – Sep. 25
- Donald Glover – Sep. 25
- Bella Ramsey – Sep. 25
- Teddy Swims – Sep. 25
- Lilly Singh – Sep. 26
- Serena Williams – Sep. 26
- Jenna Ortega – Sep. 27
- Lil Wayne – Sep. 27
- Avril Lavigne – Sep. 27
- Hilary Duff – Sep. 28
- Lauren Spencer-Smith – Sep. 28
- Halsey – Sep. 29
- Maddie Ziegler – Sep. 30
- T-Pain – Sep. 30
- Kieran Culkin – Sep. 30
- Priah Ferguson – Oct. 1
- Dakota Johnson – Oct. 4
- Leigh-Anne Pinnock – Oct. 4
- Travis Kelce – Oct. 5
- Jacob Tremblay – Oct. 5
- Addison Rae – Oct. 6
- Lewis Capaldi – Oct. 7
- Bruno Mars – Oct. 8
- Megan Moroney – Oct. 9
- Bella Hadid – Oct. 9
- Thomas Day – Oct. 9
- Marina – Oct. 10
- Cardi B – Oct. 11
- Josh Hutcherson – Oct. 12
- Hugh Jackman – Oct. 12
- Jimin – Oct. 13
- Caleb McLaughlin – Oct. 13
- Rowan Blanchard – Oct. 14
- Eminem – Oct. 17
- Zac Efron – Oct. 18
- Doja Cat – Oct. 21
- Glen Powell – Oct. 21
Libra Zodiac Sign FAQ
What sign is Libra?
Libra is the seventh sign of the zodiac. It’s a cardinal air sign ruled by Venus, and its symbol is the scales.
What are the Libra dates?
Libra season runs from approximately Sep. 23 to Oct. 22. If you were born in that window, your sun sign is Libra. If you were born within a day or two of either end, our guide to the zodiac cusps can help you sort out where you land.
Is Libra an air sign or a water sign?
Libra is an air sign, along with Gemini and Aquarius. Air signs are associated with communication, ideas and relationships.
What planet rules Libra?
Libra is ruled by Venus, the planet of love, beauty and harmony.
What are Libra’s strengths and weaknesses?
Libras are kind, generous, fair-minded and peace-loving. On the flip side, they can be indecisive, avoid conflict and slide into people-pleasing.
Which signs are most compatible with Libra?
Libra tends to get along best with fellow air signs Gemini and Aquarius, as well as Leo. Our guide to Libra’s most and least compatible signs goes deeper.
Looking for the right words for a Libra in your life? Here are 15 sweet birthday messages to send a Libra.
