In his commentary to the Rosh Hashana prayer service, Rabbi Jonathan Sacks explains that in the ancient temple sanctuary, the holiest item was the ark, which contained the tablets of the 10 commandments.
Above the ark were two figures, called Cherubim, whose faces were turned toward each other.
Rabbi Sacks explains that God’s presence is everywhere, but we are not always ready or able to receive it.
The message of this symbolism was that God speaks where two people turn toward each other in love, embrace, generosity, and care.
We discover God’s image in ourselves by discerning it in another.
This concept is also a useful frame for understanding the Libra archetype in astrology on a deeper level.
Libra is the seventh sign of the zodiac. Its symbol is the scales, and it therefore gets most attention for being a sign about finding balance, equality, and fairness. But those significations are only part of Libra’s archetype.
Libra sits on the same axis as Aries, which is all about the individual. After the first six signs, which are all about the personal, Libra is the first to introduce the idea of relationship with others.
- Aries is “me”, Libra is “we.”
- Aries is independence, Libra is interdependence.
- Aries says it can go faster alone, Libra says they can go farther together.
As an air sign, Libra is a humanistic and social sign. Ruled by Venus, this is a place where we seek to create harmony and unions. It’s a sign of diplomacy and sharing ideas.
In contrast to Gemini, which is motivated purely to share information regardless of what it is, the Libra archetype wants to learn and understand. This can only happen in relationship with others.
Libra wants to be in conversation. By understanding someone else’s position on something, we broaden our own perspective of that issue.
Other people are our mirrors. What we see in them reflects what we see in ourselves. And the reflection we receive from others shapes our understanding and perspective.
By talking about our beliefs and ideas with others, we come to a deeper understanding of those beliefs and ideas.
Through others, Libra finds not just perspective but a sense of place in the world — a reason for being that extends beyond the self.
This anecdote about the holy temple underscores the value of this archetype as being the path to connection with the divine. It stands in contrast to the image of the monk or prophet who is alone on the hill communing through meditation.
It is not our separation from others that brings us closer to God, but our ability to connect with others that opens us to receive God’s presence.
Libra shows us that meaning and purpose are not solitary pursuits. They are born in relationship, in the love and care we offer and receive, and in the sacred space between us.
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