SPIRITUAL GROWTH OF LIBRA

"The wisest and best of men is he who has gathered and learned to manifest within himself the lessons found in all the signs."
Swami Kriyananda

"What is night for the worldly person is day for the yogi.
What is day for the worldly person is night for the yogi."
(Bhagavad Gita II, 69)

In what is night for all beings, that is the time of wakefulness for the disciplined soul; and when all beings are awake, that is the night for the sage who sees.
The autumn equinox marks the beginning of Libra, a time when the gaze turns inward in search of inner light: in darkness, those blinded by their Ego cannot see this light, which for a yogi is so strong that it makes the daylight appear as night.

It is therefore a time for inner search, for the exploration of one's identity, of the Self beneath the Ego. In this sense, even Libra's typical aesthetic taste is not an end in itself, but the pursuit of beauty is aimed at nourishing the soul, like a quest for harmony that finds expression in beauty and draws nourishment from it. Indeed, the purpose of Libra is the search for inner harmony, and individuals of this sign exert their influence on the world by externalizing their own sense of inner harmony. They are natural mediators and peacemakers, and being ruled by Venus, they exert their authority not through intellect but on the plane of feelings. It is extremely difficult for a Libra to make decisions or take action if they are not certain that it stems from their own solid sense of harmony.

But beware, because Libras seem extremely altruistic, especially with those closest to them. However, the desire to create a comfortable environment for others, seemingly at the expense of their own interests, arises from their very personal need for inner harmony: if someone does not conform to this, Libras can unexpectedly reveal themselves to be as selfish as any other zodiac sign.

Among the risks of this sign is the tendency, as an air sign, to rise to a golden ideal detachment, losing touch with reality, shunning its contradictions and vulgarity. Instead, it is important for individuals of this sign to fulfill their earthly duties as much as finding time for their spiritual quest. Another risk for Libra, who has not achieved a proper detachment from the Ego, is that the pursuit of external balance may lead them to constantly change their opinions and attitudes depending on the situation. Opportunism and indecision are therefore the great risks of this sign, which in its concern to constantly shift weights and measures risks being overwhelmed by anxiety, becoming totally unstable and thereby losing the inner harmony it so yearns for.

Harmony is a delicate balance that cannot be sought by force and can hardly be created with intention. Harmony must be allowed, preparing to receive it by tuning into higher realities, and moderation in all things is the main way to achieve this delicate balance. Moderate detachment from worldly things, whether they be joys or sorrows, and from their emptiness, is another necessary action: as mentioned at the beginning, one must turn one's gaze inward to search for one's true identity, which should not be identified with momentary successes or failures, but rather by seeking unity amidst the apparent diversity of life.

"Do not seek peace, do not seek any other state than the one you are in now; otherwise you will create an inner conflict and unconscious resistance. Forgive yourself for not being at peace. The moment you completely accept your non-peace, your non-peace is transmuted into peace. Whatever you accept completely will take you there, will take you into peace. This is the miracle of surrender. When you accept what is, every moment is the best moment. That is enlightenment." -E.Tolle-

MEDITATION FOR LIBRA

The stones of Libra are linked to good taste, elegance, and harmony: lapis lazuli and rose quartz resonate in harmony with this, while jade, especially green jade, is a powerful lucky charm and guide for the mission of individuals born under this sign.
A mala made of lapis lazuli, rose quartz, or jade can support the meditation of the sign very well.
According to the suggestion of Swami Kriyananda, it can be useful for Libras to find a quiet place to meditate that has a view of the sea - or at least a clear horizon, in order to contemplate that thin line that divides one thing from another, to focus one's attention on that apparent separation.

"Dios descansa siempre sobre la línea del horizonte que divide todos los opuestos"
Paramhansa Yogananda

In a comfortable position and wearing your mala made of lapis lazuli, jade, or rose quartz, gently close your eyes and bring your attention to the point between your eyebrows, the seat of superconsciousness.
If you are facing the ocean or a clear horizon, observe that thin line.
If you do not have the opportunity to meditate in a suitable place, you can lift your gaze upwards with semi-open eyes and focus on the horizon line that divides the darkness above from the light below.
Breathe regularly and let your mind flow towards this line of subtle separation, try to immerse yourself in it, becoming captivated by it and preparing to receive that state of ecstasy which is the true nature of the soul.
When you are ready, gently close your eyes and bring your attention back to the point between your eyebrows.
Now slowly bring your attention back into your body and then into the room. Wear your mala or place it where you will see it often when you are not wearing it.

"There is a thin line where the sky touches the ocean. So it is with God. He dwells subtly between good and evil, between light and darkness, between sickness and health, and between all other dualities. That's why I love to watch the sky kiss the water: it reminds me of His hidden presence." -Paramhansa Yogananda

LIBRA'S BIRTHDAY RITUAL

On your birthday, sit comfortably and silently wearing your mala made of lapis lazuli, green jade, or rose quartz, bringing your attention to your breath without altering it.
Imagine a bubble of light expanding from the crystals and enveloping your entire body, forming a shield of protection, dissolving your worries.
Bring your hands and attention to your center below the navel, appreciate the silence and deep calm of your tanden, an infinite source of balance and energy.
Now let the energy of your center ignite your creativity and power of manifestation. Imagine everything you desire for yourself flowing into the next year of your life.
When you feel it is the right time, slowly and gracefully bring your attention back to your body and the room. Place your mala where you will see it often when you are not wearing it.

SANKALPA FOR LIBRA

A certain detachment from earthly things, not being overwhelmed by emotions and feelings related to the often uncontrollable events of life, but rather turning inward to find in unity with all things the source of one's balance, is fundamental for the spiritual evolution of Libra.

Since a sankalpa must always be present and positive - if you don't know why, I invite you to read here -, it can be helpful for individuals born under this sign to adopt these intentions:

"My balance is steady"
"I see that all things are one"
"My true being is detached from the events of life"
"I observe my successes and failures with detachment"
"I embrace the inherent balance of nature"
"My actions arise from Truth"
"Sincerity and honesty are manifestations of the absolute nature of being" -Adyashanti, The End of Your World

Jade, especially green jade, is a perfect stone for cultivating serendipity, the ability, or luck, to make unexpected and happy discoveries. In the quest to discover one's true self, jade will assist Libra natives by strengthening their intuition towards a deeper connection with themselves and their inner balance beyond life's events.