Yes, astrology has a way of guiding you through your life, but knowing your zodiac sign is also a good way to understand yourself better. And if your birthday happens to fall between Sept. 23 and Oct. 22, that makes you a Libra.
When it comes to some key Libra traits, they’re known for being charming, social, and relationship oriented. Their knack for compromising and seeing both sides certifies them as the diplomats of the zodiac, but there’s so much more to a Libra personality than just being a socialite. The cardinal air sign happens to be extremely intellectual and loves to ponder and have deep conversations about anything from art to the mysteries of the universe.
While they yield cunning charm and sharp wit, though, there are some bad Libra traits too. For one thing, they have a hard time making decisions. They also have a tendency to play both sides, but it’s only because they want to make everyone happy. The social sign’s magnetism and desire for harmony are only a couple of Libra personality traits that mark them as the life of the party. Whether you are a Libra or want to know how compatible you are with one, knowing the key Libra traits is a must.
Experts Featured in This Article
Ryan Marquardt is a professional astrologer and tarot reader in California.
Narayana Montufar is a writer, astrologer, Akashic Records practitioner, visual artist, and the author of “Moon Signs: Unlock Your Inner Luminary Power.”
What Is a Libra?
Libra is the seventh zodiac sign. They’re associated with the corresponding seventh house in astrology, which deals with partnerships, including romantic, platonic, and professional connections. That, along with being represented by the scales of justice, makes a Libra personality diplomatic, fair, and relationship oriented. Plus, they’re ruled by love planet Venus, which speaks to Libra’s propensity for romance, beauty, and the finer things.
As an air sign, Libras are extremely intellectual and love to get deep in their conversations, especially with people they’re close to. Air signs tend to be curious and inventive, so don’t expect small talk with a Libra. Being the cardinal sign of the air-sign bunch means Libra is often the leader of the pack, taking initiative on their goals and making the first move in relationships.
What Are Key Libra Traits?
Libras are smooth talkers. As air signs, Libras are naturally good at communicating their bright ideas. But unlike Gemini and Aquarius, Libras are partnership oriented, so they know how to work a crowd and connect with others on an intimate level in order to charm their audience into getting behind their ideas. “Their social etiquette is top-tier. They have a knack for being able to word things in the most graceful way possible,” Marquardt tells PS. “When Libras have a point to make, you understand and appreciate what they’re saying.”
Libras are fashionistas. If there’s one thing a Libra will do, it’s make sure they’re the best dressed in the room. There’s a reason behind Libra’s impeccable sense of fashion. For one, they’re ruled by Venus, the planet of beauty and aesthetics. They’re all about the shiny, fancy things, nd whether they’re a minimalist or maximalist, they have a way of setting trends. “Venus is how we relate in general — not just to people, but to colors, shapes, and lines also,” Marquardt explains. “There are so many Libra style icons that showcase this: Kim Kardashian, Dita Von Teese, Gwen Stefani, Ralph Lauren, Isaac Mizrahi, Donna Karan, the list goes on and on.”
Libras love to compromise. Libras are great at negotiating because they crave harmony. They’re the type to make everyone feel part of the group, so when someone isn’t vibing, they need to compensate by striking balance. They’re so good at compromising that it often comes at a price of their own needs. Because Libras are all about fairness and harmony, they can often sell themselves short or make sacrifices in order to make everyone else happy. “For example, when Libras are in an imbalanced relationship, they struggle to assert themselves because they’re worried about rocking the boat even further,” Marquardt explains. “So instead of standing up for themselves, Libras will sit with that imbalance way longer than they should.” Marquardt adds, “Libras can give that icy, look-you-up-and-down vibe, and they’re not shy about judging other people if they don’t like what they see. But they know how to right the wrongs, especially when it comes to situations of injustice.”
What Are Libra Weaknesses?
Libras are indecisive. Because Libras strive for balance, they tend to get consumed with decision paralysis — especially if it’s a major life-changing decision like a career switch or making things official with a partner. “Due to fear of making the wrong decision or saying the wrong thing, it’s not uncommon for Libras to leave you on read,” Montufar says. “Learning to say, ‘No, thanks, I am busy,’ or learning to make hard decisions is one of their learnings!”
Libras are tragically selfless. While Libras are great at bringing harmony in their lives and others’ lives, Montufar explains that they tend to lose touch with their own needs or interests. Because of their craving for connection, Montufar says, they constantly need someone to mirror life back at them. “This can sometimes mean they see themselves through the eyes of either their friends or partners, failing to form their own philosophies,” she explains.
Libras are judgmental. Libras aren’t symbolized by the scales of justice for no reason. When they assume the mediator role, they know both sides of the story, giving them double the opportunity to criticize both parties. But it’s a double-edged sword — on one hand, being judgmental can pass off for a mean-girl type of vibe, but on the other, they can use it for good to instill balance and fairness during conflict.
Libra in Love Traits
Although they’re associated with air signs, who are notoriously less affectionate than other signs, Libras are naturally romantic because of their ruling planet. They love to be shown off and prefer their partner to mirror their aesthetic. Plus, their attentiveness and knack for conversation are part of what makes them great lovers. “Libras are great listeners, which is something their partners (and friends) love,” Montufar explains. “They are the kinds of lovers who will stay up late trying to get to make space for real dialogue.”
That said, Libras also require mental stimulation. “Libra is all about a true meeting of the mind, which also functions as an aphrodisiac!” Montufar says. Because of their effortless ability to compromise, “Libras are some of the best partners to have,” Montufar adds. “They are amazing at creating win-win situations, which creates reciprocity in their connections.”
While they make great leaders, friends, and party animals, Libras are lovers above all else. “They take as much as they give and reflect back what they receive,” Montufar says.
Brittany Beringer-Tobing is a freelance writer, mystic, and creator and a full-time Aquarius based in San Diego. She’s contributed to PS, Bustle, Well+Good, Frenshe, Thought Catalog, and more. She was an astrology writer at Bustle, where she covered all things mystical — from lunar forecasts and numerology to manifestation rituals and retrograde dos and don’ts. Brittany’s work lives in the lifestyle space and includes topics like astrology, wellness, sex, dating, and the intersections between them.
