Nature exists in a state of reciprocity, dynamic interchange that nourishes, sustains, and potentially grows life. We are no different, for we are nature. Our body-mind systems are in constantly changing relational states, endeavouring to maintain balance, harmony, and health on every level.
In the astrological system as it relates to human development, Libra is the zodiac sign that represents relational states. Its symbol, the scales, stands for balance, harmony, fairness, justice, and the law. It’s where two individuals make active connection in a co-creative, potentially cooperative way. As second air sign, Libra develops the more fluid connections of airy Gemini into the sustained state of being ‘in relationship’. This might be an intimate partnership, a marriage, a business commitment, or a prolonged project that has a specific relational purpose, such as the teacher/student relationship.
Relationship works on the interplay of polarity: giving/receiving, attraction/repulsion, independent/dependent., masculine qualities/feminine ones.
Just like our lungs are in a fluid state of breathing in/breathing out, human relationships require interchange to work well. In Libra, this state of reciprocity is like the scales gently shifting on their balance point – sometimes towards one, other times to another. Subtle movement is necessary to maintain balance, for equilibrium is not a static state; it’s a constantly shifting tension. Just like standing on one leg, adjusting in subtle ways is needed to maintain that state of balance.
Relationships are a dance of polarity. The tension of difference as well as affinity creates the spark that brings people together. In Libra we learn about co-creativity, cooperation, and compromise. We discover how far to let the scales tip and the effort required to reaffirm balance when they swing to extremes. Astrologically, Libra and its polar sign Aries have been a focus since July 2023. Now we enter a deeper phase as Dark Feminine archetype Black Moon Lilith moved into this sign of harmony and diplomacy on 29 June. She remains here until 26 March 2025.
The tension of partnership seems to involve two people. If we’re wise, we understand it is far more complex. For in any connection, we also face the shadows of our parental relationships, previous partners, and potentially our sibling or other close family bonds. We see what is happening now through subtle projections from our past. When Lilith is involved, this mix of internal relationship dynamics and projection gets even more complex.
Lilith is a Soul Mother archetype. She works through the attraction of what we need to heal as well as the love we’d like to create. With Lilith we face the inner workings of good girl/bad girl, the enigma of loving/loathing and the paradox of desiring yet pushing away. I recall being really struck by the book title – I Hate You, Don’t Leave Me! – as so resonant of Lilith in Libra. She expresses the contradictory push/pull of attraction and repulsion.
We can’t talk about Lilith in Libra without mentioning Eve, for both archetypes spring from western creation myths and their overlay of patriarchy. They dance within us as the extremes of naturally loving supportive partner and the feisty disruptive truth-telling provocateur.
Lilith’s time in the sign of relationships (read much more about this in my book Her Sacred Fire) brings the collective themes of conforming/rebellious female up strongly in our psyche. Questions such as: How far do I take cooperation and support? Where do I compromise my knowing for the sake of peace? Where do I play small to avoid conflict, or for a pay-off? Where do I rock the boat unnecessarily through fear of intimacy or being vulnerable? Where have a simply had enough but am afraid to act on it?
Lilith is fierce and fiercely independent. She often erupts when we least want her to, especially when it comes to inequality, as her mythology demonstrates. Her calling to truth can express compulsively as she demands we stand up and name the game. Yet her reactions can also be distorted or self-sabotaging due to past pain and shame. We express what we feel is truly happening, especially within the manipulations of a patriarchal culture, then are judged as ‘overly emotional or worse, feel small, unheard, or put down. Yet we must be brave. If we are not, nothing changes.
The dilemma with Lilith is we must go through her darkness however it plays out for change to happen. In standing up for truth, even though there may be no supportive response, we claim the right to speak out that so many women are denied or fear. That act is utterly supportive if we see and claim it as such. For to act is to honour every woman, to feed the psyche with what is true.
Power struggles, feelings of isolation, not being understood or heard, are Lilith’s play in Libra. Yet when there is core honesty in our relationship dynamics, the potential is Lilith’s gift of conscious co-creative relating can arise, where two can meet in a field of union whilst dancing in their uniqueness. Where dark and light are honoured without judgment as the dance of polarity that keeps the fires of connection burning and alive. In the interplay, discovering ways to encompass ‘both/and’ rather than the polarity of black/white, good/bad perspectives is key.
Libra’s association with justice, the law, contracts, diplomacy and what’s fair or right gets expanded with Lilith in residence. Traditional systems, or ‘it’s always been this way’ must move aside to make way for what is ‘deeply right.’ Lilith is connected to ‘sacred law’, her mythology demonstrates her alignment to man and woman as ‘equal but different’
She brings skill in transmuting entrenched traditional relationship values into what is most equitable now. It’s about transcending duality (with its potential of conflict) whilst accepting its existence. This is particularly relevant in late August when Lilith connects with the Lunar South Node of karma. Family, ancestral, cultural ways of injustice, division and conflict have a potential to uplift. With Venus appearing as Evening Star, our creative Feminine energies are called into co-creativity within the collective field. What is the unique gift you bring to your family or cultural background? It may be something that rocks the boat but is necessary – recognise and honour it as such!
A key question for the next nine months could be: What honours difference yet promotes connection or synergy?
It’s not an easy path yet it’s a soul-full one. Lilith in Libra connects us to the innate union of life itself. She brings mediation to anywhere polarity is playing in your life. Called towards two different paths or between two choices? Ask for Lilith’s soul magic to expand that duality! Then be open to what calls you.
The Astrology
Black Moon Lilith in Libra 29 June 2024 to 26 March 2025
