In astrology, every sign of the zodiac is associated with an physical organ and system in the body.
The functions of these organs and systems, both literally and metaphorically, inform the sign’s archetype. They also help us better understand the functions of that archetype within us.
This goes beyond astrology. Archetypal associations shape our understanding of the world and how we communicate.
Consider terms like “cold shoulder,” “put your best foot forward,” or “pissed off.”
You may know Libra as a sign of “balance” and “judgment,” but a look at its physical associations reveals much deeper nuance to this archetype.
Libra Body Parts and Systems
The sign of Libra is primarily associated with the kidneys and the bladder. It’s secondary associations are with the adrenals, which sit on top of the kidneys, as well as the lumbar/lower back area.
Kidneys and Adrenals: Regulation Through Balance
Kidneys
The kidneys’ role is to filter the blood and fluids. In a metaphorical sense the kidneys are the “waters” of the body; they are reservoirs that hold our life force. Kidneys balance the fluids, filter impurities, and maintain equilibrium.
Kidneys govern our vitality and willpower, and are crucial for maintaining regulation in the nervous system. Kidneys also represent our ability to make decisions and stay in balance. The kidneys are associated with our primal survival instincts; the emotion associated with them is fear.
Think about what happens when little kids are afraid: they pee their pants — a release of control when the body feels unsafe.
When kidneys are functioning well, we are decisive. Our discernment is strong. When things are out of balance, we might be indecisive and paralyzed in fear or, at the opposite extreme, we can become overly people-pleasing.
The kidneys are also like reflective pools, which relates to Libra’s theme of relationships serving as a mirror for our experience.
Adrenals
The adrenals sit on top of the kidneys. They play a role in the nervous system’s fight-or-flight response — the surge of adrenaline and cortisol that we get when under stress.
The adrenal response is a primal judgment: it’s a visceral, autonomic response based on whether we feel safe or unsafe on a subconscious level.
A surge of adrenaline can emerge as a burst of willpower and drive to get things done, but adrenal overdrive can lock us in a sympathetic (overactive) nervous system state, draining our reserves, depleting energy, and causing burnout.
How Kidney and Adrenal Function Shape the Libra Archetype
It’s not hard to see how this informs the Libra archetype.
Libra is the sign of balance and judgment. The scales of Libra speak to weighing options, and a desire to keep things in balance.
When in alignment, Libra is like a courtroom judge, weighing the facts, exercising discernment, and filtering out what isn’t relevant. It makes clear decisions, and exerts strong boundaries. This is the sign where Saturn — the planet of boundaries and structure — is exalted. This represents Libra at its best.
When out of balance, however, Libra can become indecisive, paralyzed in fear, and people-pleasing. It hesitates to cut out options or do things that might hurt others. This fits with the fact that Mars — a planet that wields its sword to cut things out — is debilitated in Libra.
Bladder: Regulation Through Rhythm
With the kidneys and adrenals, the bladder plays a role in regulating the nervous system, maintaining fluid balance, and structural alignment.
As a literal container, the bladder symbolizes boundaries. It’s linked with releasing tension, stored emotions, and issues of control.
Both literally and metaphorically, too much “holding it in” creates tension; too much release reflects a lack of control.
Consider the language we use in daily life that relate to bladder functions:
Anger and irritation move through the bladder as pressure that demands release. When we attempt to control this pressure, we “hold it in.” When we’re really angry we get “pissed off.” And once we can no longer contain it, we “break the seal” and let everything flow out.
The bladder also relates to flow and timing.
Here’s a fascinating fact I learned only when researching this topic: the bladder doesn’t just function as a container that needs to be emptied when full.
Rather, the bladder’s function is cyclical. Urination is tied to the circadian rhythm. The bladder even has its own inner clock that directs its activity.
When the clock works properly, we pee less during the night and more during the day. Overnight, the bladder expands its capacity so that we don’t disturb our sleep.
How Bladder Function Informs the Libra Archetype
While the kidneys and adrenals speak to Libra’s pursuit of regulation through balance, the bladder reflects Libra’s pursuit of regulation through rhythm and “right timing.”
This aspect adds another nuance to why Saturn is exalted in Libra. Saturn is the planet of both structure and time.
Libra is a place where we are particularly focused on finding regulation through multiple paths: balance, structure, flow, rhythm, and right timing.
Love it? Hate it? What do you think? Don't hold back...