Al-Mīzan can be translated as “the balance” in Arabic. Libra is a latin name for “weighing scales” - it is the only sign that is not represented by a creature of some sort. It is the second of the air signs (the others being Gemini and Aquarius) and marks the beginning of fall with the Autumnal Equinox. This event is considered the moment when the seasons are balanced, as it is the first day since the Vernal Equinox (Navroz, or the first day of Spring) when the Sun is above the horizon for the same number of hours as it is below it. The scales Egyptian origins refer to the weighing of harvest following Virgo whereas the Babylonian conception of the scale refers to the weighing of vices and virtues after death.
In ancient Greece, the Scales of Justice was personified by Themis, “the Lady of Good Counsel” who represented divine order, fairness and natural law. Themis can be translated “that which is put in place” - essentially divine law.
Traditional Astrological influence
Librans find it more difficult to cope with loneliness than any other sign. The need for balance and harmony is paramount in order to be happy. They would rather sit on the fence when there is a problem to maintain peace and quiet rather than take a position on either side. Librans are not psychologically whole until they have reached a one-to-one relationship. This emphasis on balance and partnership is the reason the 7th house of the zodiac is considered one that characterizes our relationships, as Libra rules this house.
Amuli’s reading
The Qur’anic verse associated with Libra according to Amuli is the verse directly following that of Virgo - from Surah An-Nazi’ati (The Chapter of the Wresters). Again, the translations here are challenging in terms of accurately representing their English equivalent as well as understanding what or who is being referenced. According to the “Study Qur’an” by Syed Hossein Nasr, the varying interpretations can refer to different types of angels, modes of death, or types/phases of stars and other celestial bodies. In one interpretation by al-Tabari, it is believed the verses can be referring to all of the above as God is swearing by everything “that exhibits these characteristics.” Al-Razi interprets the first five verses of this Surah (which according to Amuli represent, in order, Virgo, Libra, Sagittarius, Scorpio and Aquarius) as the five phases in the return of the heart from what is other than God.
I am going to assume that given Amuli is building on the esoteric tradition of ibn Arabi, the verses are selected because they allude to the journey a soul must endure to return to its origin. And while Virgo, al-nazia’at, was about “wrest”- that one must strive to re-direct love away from the fleshy desires - Libra, al-nashitat, refers to the stage after this rather challenging process is over. Like Aries and Leo, this verse uses the same word twice, in two different conjugations of the same root - N-SH-T - and these are the only two times this root is used in the entire Qur’an. The exclusivity of the word makes it that much more challenging to assess its meaning, since it does not have any reference. Perhaps this is why we see such disparity in its translation. For example according to Mohammed Asad, this verse is translated as “(those stars” that move [in their orbits] with steady motion”. If “nashat” can be understood as “steady” or “gently”, and “nashitat” as “pulling” or “moving” then essentially we can agree this verse is referring to the quality of some celestial body that is capable of “gently moving.”
Can we find a relation to this in terms of our general understanding of Libra? It would seem to be a stretch if we take the verse to mean “by those who move steadily.” But if we take the translation closer to Nasr’s perspective - that nashita is to “draw out”, then this verse can be understood to be about the gentle extraction of the soul from the body, in contradiction to Virgo - the more aggressive extraction. In this context, the Libran character comes to light - the diplomacy, charm and harmonious nature enabling a smooth transition of the soul as it has come to surpass its worldy affixations and begins to assume the character traits of the divine.
Geometric Interpretation
Coming Soon