While we tend to focus on the outer world when talking about peace and harmony, justice and fairness, these qualities cannot exist outside of ourselves if we do not embody them internally as individuals. When we create the necessary balance and integration among the sometimes conflicting parts of ourselves, our deepest wants, needs and desires, we exemplify the best expressions of Libra.
In astrology we view the planets as representations of archetypal forces within the human psyche. Our personality has many facets, each with their own drives, principles and urges. The planets in your birth chart describe the different facets of your multi-dimensional personality. Like characters on a stage, they each have a specific role to play in the development and expression of your character. One archetypal part of your psyche may get along fine with some of the other archetypal forces, but have difficulties with others. Astrologers examine planetary aspects in the horoscope to get insight into this.
Learning how to implement, balance and integrate the different archetypal forces within us into a healthy, balanced and cohesive whole can be challenging. We must find ways for each of the different parts of our personality to express themselves and function in a productive manner. If we utilize only some parts of our planetary personality constellation and repress others, we feel out of sorts, incomplete, unfulfilled. Repressed or unexpressed facets may erupt at inappropriate times or in extreme forms, or may be projected onto others instead of owning them ourselves. The inner conflict between our “characters on the stage” is then played out in our outer relationships and experiences.
Alternatively, we may strongly identify with specific parts of our personality, mistakenly thinking this is the only way we are supposed to be. This can lock us into limited ways of thinking and behaving, and keep us from fully utilizing our potential. When we successfully engage and express all parts of our personality in balanced ways we experience satisfaction and a state of peace, wholeness, and completeness.
Each of our personality facets, the “characters on a stage,” must play out their roles. We can allow them to work collaboratively by finding common ground where they can cooperate. If they cannot share the spotlight, perhaps they can take turns being center stage, or in different parts of our life. Ideally we want them to come together in a respectful “meeting of the minds” where we can listen to each of their viewpoints and honor the contribution they can each make to our current situation or endeavor. Learning to value and trust the unique gifts and skills they provide is a first step in integrating and balancing the different facets of our complex psyche.
“Happiness is not a matter of intensity but of balance, order, rhythm and harmony.” – Thomas Merton