Libra (Tula)

Number

7

Element

Air

Ruler

Venus

Astronomical Introduction

The Libra constellation (tula-mandala) has five principal stars, three of which form an isosceles triangle, while the remaining two appear to be holding up the beam of the scales (tula-danda). Tula rashi (the zodiacal sign) is reckoned to include the latter half of the Chitra nakshatra (lunar mansion), the whole of the Swati region, and three-quarters of Vishakha, though in truth nearly all the stars of Vishakha are seen within Tula rashi itself.

Puranic Description

Tula finds mention in the Vajasaneyi Samhita (30/17). The Shatapatha Brahmana (11/2, 7, 33) speaks of a person's sinful and meritorious deeds (paap and punya) being weighed out for this world and the next; it was on this basis that the rite of tula-dana, the giving away of gold or goods equal to one's own weight, was conceived. The equilibrium of Tula rashi rests upon the wondrous creative balance between the attraction and repulsion of the cycle of creation (srishti-chakra), a balance that this very sign embodies.

Nature

Dark-complexioned, this rashi takes the form of a man seated in the marketplace with a balance in his hand. Its lord (swami) is Shukra (Venus). It is the sign of exaltation (uccha) for Shani (Saturn) and of debilitation (neecha) for Surya (the Sun). In the body it holds sway over the waist, the vasti (the bladder and pelvic region), and the kidneys. Its temperament is thoughtful, justice-loving, fond of knowledge, and adept in statecraft.

Places

This rashi dwells in cities, bazaars, shops, mandis (wholesale markets), commission-agency (aadhat) and trade centres, business establishments, venues of adornment and display such as fashion shows, courts of law, storehouses, and public places.

Substances

Its substances are urad (black gram), til (sesame), fine and beautiful cloth, ghee, mustard, wealth and property, and cosmetic and fragrant substances.

Effects

If the janma rashi (the birth, or Moon, sign) or the naam rashi (name sign) is Tula, the native (jataka) is handsome, strong of body, with an upturned nose, intelligent, reflective, honoured by all, and dear to the king. He is devoted to his father, his guru, and the deity, and undertakes many pilgrimages (tirtha-yatra). The native is skilled in matters of management and takes interest in undertakings such as the founding of large institutions. His renown grows greater still after his death.

He enjoys friendship with those born under Mithuna (Gemini), Kanya (Virgo), Makara (Capricorn), and Kumbha (Aquarius), and enmity with those of Karka (Cancer) and Simha (Leo). Under inauspicious influence, however, the native turns angry, malicious, and given to adultery. He is one who has few sons.

Diseases

Disorders of the abdomen; stones (calculi); diseases of the kidneys; arthritis; pain in the back and waist; urinary complaints; diseases of the skin.