Welcome back to our ongoing Decan Walk! Today, we continue our journey through the zodiac by exploring the Sign of Libra. This is the 7th Zodiac Sign we’re exploring, a pivotal point in the astrological wheel where the focus shifts from the self to the other.

We’ll be examining the three Libra Decans and their corresponding Tarot cards: the 2 of Swords (Moon in Libra), the 3 of Swords (Saturn in Libra), and the 4 of Swords (Jupiter in Libra).

Libra Decans: Moon in Libra + Saturn in Libra + Jupiter in Libra

Libra, as the 7th Sign, sits bang opposite to Aries, in the Astrological Wheel. As temperaments go, where Aries is always eager to get things started and have an adventure, Libra is the total opposite. Libra tends to seek a balanced approach to everything. It’s fascinating how the energies of Aries and Libra are the complete opposite of each other.

We are going to dive in and explore the beautiful, complex energies of the Libra Decans, understand the essence of the Zodiac Sign of Libra, and then look at each of its three Decans, decoding the planetary influences and Tarot symbolism along the way.

Astrology: Libra ♎︎

The Sun typically transits the Zodiac Sign of Libra between the 23rd of September and the 22nd of October. Libra marks the beginning of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere, heralded by the Autumnal Equinox. The astrological glyph for Libra, while often interpreted as scales, is also said to represent the evening sun setting upon the horizon. 

Fun fact: The word “equinox” means “equal night,” a time when day and night are of nearly equal length, perfectly embodying Libra’s core principle: balance.

Libra is actually the only Sign not represented by a living being, whether human or animal. In fact, the symbol, a pair of scales, indicates that Libra is objective, impartial, and concerned with abstract principles such as justice, fairness, and equilibrium.

Venus in an Air Sign: The Aesthetics of Intellect

Libra is an Air Sign ruled by Venus, an Earth planet. Elementally, Air and Earth aren’t very compatible with each other. Venus is often associated with the earthy, sensual delights of her other domain, Taurus. Air, on the other hand, is the element connected with the intellect, communication, and social interaction. How do these energies merge?

In Libra, Venus expresses her love for beauty not through tangible possessions but through ideas, relationships, diplomacy, and social graces. Here, Venus is all about Art and Aesthetics. She seeks harmony in form, symmetry in design, and balance in human connection. Libran energy appreciates the aesthetic of a well-reasoned argument, the beauty of a just society, and the art of conversation.

This is why individuals with strong Libra placements are often found in fields that require a keen eye for aesthetics and a mind for strategy and relationships, such as artists, designers, architects, lawyers, mediators, and diplomats. They possess an innate understanding of perspective, proportion, and the delicate dance of compromise. This aesthetic sense is deeply tied to the concept of symmetry. We are instinctively drawn to symmetry, perceiving it as beautiful and whole, whether in a human face or a piece of architecture. This is the Venusian-Libran principle at work: beauty is a manifestation of balance.

Key Libra Traits: The Good, The Bad, and The Balanced

Like any Sign, Libra has its light and its shadow, its strengths and its challenges.

Positive expressions of Libran energy include:

• Diplomatic & Socially Graceful, they are masters of tact and charm, able to navigate social situations with effortless elegance.
• Fair-minded & Just, Librans have a powerful and innate sense of justice, equity, and fairness that drives them to be impartial and objective. 
• Artistic & Refined, Librans possess a sophisticated aesthetic and an appreciation for beauty in all its forms.
• Cooperative & Charming, Librans are natural peacemakers who excel at creating harmony and fostering compromise. They are often the glue that holds groups together.
• Intellectual & Strategic, especially as an Air Sign, Librans are thoughtful and can see multiple perspectives, making them excellent strategists and negotiators.
• Lovers of Love, Librans are pretty fond of flirting. They understand the nuances of all kinds of interpersonal relationships. Their superior communication skills enable them to be friendly with people from diverse backgrounds.

On the flip side, the shadow traits can manifest as:

• Indecisiveness that stems from their need to weigh every single pro and con, ad infinitum. Their desire to make the “perfect” choice can lead to no choice at all.
• Conflict-avoidant Librans despise discord so much that they often end up agreeing to unfair compromises or suppressing their own needs simply to maintain peace, which can lead to significant resentment.
• Superficial or Detached, to remain pleasant and objective, they can sometimes come across as insincere, detached, or overly concerned with appearances.
• Passive-Aggressive, because they avoid confrontation, their frustration can emerge in indirect, passive-aggressive ways.
• Idealistic to a Fault, Librans can become so attached to an idealized vision of harmony that they ignore unpleasant realities or suppress brutal truths.
• Percieved as Moody, Capricious, and Hypocritical, because of their ability to see both sides of any argument, Librans are often misunderstood. However, all they ever want to do is harmonize everyone.

Libra + Tarot: The Justice Card

Libra is linked to the Major Arcana Tarot card of Justice. In the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, Justice is Major Arcana number 11, while in older systems like the Tarot de Marseille and the Thoth Tarot, it is Major Arcana number 8. A.E. Waite famously swapped Justice (8) and Strength (11) to better align the Major Arcana with the astrological sequence of the zodiac. This change remains a topic of debate but has given rise to its own valid system of interpretation.

11: Justice

8: Justice

8: Adjustment

Across most decks, the core imagery is consistent: a figure, often a woman, holding a double-edged sword in one hand and a pair of scales in the other.

• The Scales: This is the most direct link to Libra, symbolizing impartiality, fairness, and the careful weighing of evidence. It is the tool used to balance competing claims and find equilibrium.
• The Double-Edged Sword: This connects to the Air element of Libra and the suit of Swords. It represents the power of the intellect and the ability to cut through confusion to get to the truth. Its double edge is crucial; it signifies that every action has a consequence, and justice can cut both ways. It is a tool of clarity, but also of finality. The decisions made here are not to be taken lightly.
• The Seated Figure: Often depicted sitting between two pillars, much like the High Priestess, this figure represents authority and the stability of established law. She is not a passionate combatant but a reasoned arbiter.

In the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, Justice sits squarely, eyes open, looking directly at us. This is a call for conscious accountability. The decisions here are made with full awareness of the facts. The card is often associated with legal matters, contracts, and paperwork, but its deeper meaning relates to the universal law of cause and effect. Justice will be served, for better or for worse, based on past actions.

The Tarot de Marseille Justice card has a similar feel, emphasizing structure, fairness, and a developed moral conscience. It speaks to the importance of living in alignment with one’s principles.

The Thoth Tarot offers a fascinating variation. Here, the card is named “Adjustment,” and the figure stands on tiptoe, perfectly balanced. She wears a mask, suggesting that the real adjustment is not about what we see with our physical eyes but about an intuitive, impartial alignment with cosmic law. In her scales, we see the Greek letters Alpha and Omega—the beginning and the end—a reminder that all actions are weighed within the totality of existence. She is surrounded by blue and green orbs and spheres, symbolizing wisdom and contemplation. The Thoth card emphasizes the constant, active process of balancing and rebalancing that life requires. It is not a static state but a dynamic dance. 

In the Telos card image, we see the Justice holding a pair of scales, her eyes blindfolded, and an Ostrich feather in her crown. That feather links her to the Egyptian Goddess Ma’at, who is said to judge everyone who enters the Underworld. You place your heart on one scale, while Ma’at places the Ostrich feather on the other. If you have led a good life, then your heart will be lighter than that feather, and you will be taken to Heaven.

In the Rider-Waite-Smith and Tarot de Marseille card images, the Goddess of Justice has her eyes wide open, allowing her to see the truth in front of her. However, in the Thoth and Telos card images, she wears a blindfold over her eyes, suggesting that her judgment of the truth is more instinctive and intuitive. In both instances, you may often see a form of Karmic Justice being meted out.

The connection between Libra and the Justice/Adjustment card is profound. It’s about balance, truth, fairness, and the karmic reality that our choices create our world. It is the intellectual and ethical foundation upon which the entire Sign is built.

Now, let’s look at the three Libra Decans.

Libra Decan 1: Moon in Libra: ☾ in ♎︎: Harmonious Choices

In this first Libra Decan, we encounter the energy of the Moon in Libra, linked to the 2 of Swords in the Tarot.

The first Libra Decan spans 0° to 10° of Libra, covering the period from approximately 23rd September to the 2nd October. The ancient grimoire, the Picatrix, describes the image of this decan as: “a man holding an arrow in his right hand and the picture of an upside-down bird in his left hand.” The keywords associated with this are: legitimacy, justice, fairness, and the protection of the weak and needy.

The Telos Tarot image shows a figure holding a spear-like arrow and a book, with the scales of justice hanging from two crossed swords behind him. The card is about equilibrium, the balance of mind, and the peaceful reconciliation of opposites—a perfect introduction to the 2 of Swords.

2 of Swords: The Geometry of Measurement

The way the swords criss-crossed behind the man in the Telos card image reminded me of an instrument called the Divider that we used to have in our Geometry box, back in school. We had a similar instrument, called the Callipers, that we used in our Physics class. Both these instruments were used to get precise measurements of the distance between two points. In the 2 of Swords, especially given the Libra connection, it is fascinating to see this resemblance.

Perhaps, we can use those swords, the two different points of thought that go in different directions, and having measured the distance between them, find our balanced perspective and make the best choice.

Astrology: The Moon ☾ + Tarot: The High Priestess

Now, let’s look at the Moon. The Moon is not a planet but a satellite, ruling the watery Sign of Cancer. It governs our inner world: our emotions, instincts, subconscious mind, and memories. It is the Mother archetype, representing nurturing, security, and our connection to our past, our childhood, and our family traditions.

The Moon operates on instinct and intuition, not logic. Its energy is cyclical, waxing and waning, pulling on the tides of our feelings. In its positive expression, the Moon provides deep empathy, powerful intuition, and a secure sense of belonging. In shadow, it can manifest as moodiness, insecurity, anxiety, and being overly defensive.

In the Tarot, the Moon is linked to The High Priestess. In the Rider-Waite-Smith image, she sits before a veil, guarding the mysteries of the subconscious. In the Rider-Waite-Smith, the Tarot de Marseille, and the Telos card images, she holds a scroll of hidden knowledge (the Torah), embodying the wisdom that comes not from external study but from inner listening. 

2: The High Priestess

The High Priestess – Tarot de Marseilles

The High Priestess – Thoth Tarot

The High Priestess is the keeper of secrets, the voice of our intuition, and the bridge between the conscious and unconscious worlds. She perfectly captures the Moon’s mystical, reflective, and deeply intuitive nature. In the Thoth card image, we can see her literally weaving the threads of reality. In the Kabbala Tree of Life, the card of the High Priestess connects the Sephirot of Keter (Crown, the Divine Energy) with the Sephirot of Tipareth (Divine Consciousness). Essentially, the High Priestess represents a profound and powerful energy that enables you to connect with the Divine instinctively and intuitively. This mysterious energy instinctively opens you up to the esoteric wisdom that comes from deep within you. The inner reflection represented by the High Priestess is also mirrored in the way the Moon reflects the light of the Sun, showing us the way in the dark of the night.

Astrology: Moon in Libra: ☾ in ♎︎

When the watery, emotional energy of the Moon flows into the airy, intellectual Sign of Libra, a fascinating dynamic is created. Emotions are filtered through a need for harmony, balance, and social approval.

The Oracle of the Radiant Sun gives this combination the keyword ‘Companionship.’ The card image shows four classical feminine figures linking arms in friendship. Below that image, we see two hands clasping each other, similar to a handshake. We also see a Pomegranate, a symbol of fertility. Interestingly, we see a fair bit of Pomegranate imagery in the High Priestess card image, too!

In this combination, Moon is about Security, while Libra is about the sense of Justice and Beauty. People with this placement often find their emotional well-being deeply intertwined with the state of their relationships. They are highly sensitive to the feelings of others and can be profoundly affected by their environment. Their instinct is to be the peacemaker, to smooth over conflicts and create a harmonious atmosphere, as this is what they require to feel emotionally secure.

This can be a beautiful placement, creating natural counselors and mediators who are empathetic and fair. They have an intuitive sense of social dynamics and a deep desire to please. However, the challenge lies in not losing oneself in the process. The desire for harmony can lead them to suppress their own feelings or give in to tricky situations just to avoid conflict, potentially leading to them being treated like a doormat. Their emotional state can become a reflection of the people around them, making it crucial for them to learn emotional boundaries.

Additionally, this placement can also be about home decoration, business, contracts, seminars, forming new friendships, and teamwork.

The Number: 2

The number 2 represents duality, partnership, and choice. It represents the division of unity into two opposing yet complementary forces: yin and yang, light and dark, conscious and unconscious. Two is about balance, cooperation, and relationships. It presents a choice, an “either/or” situation that requires a decision to move forward.

Libra Decan 1 + Tarot: 2 of Swords: Moon in Libra: ☾ in ♎︎ : Harmonious Choices

Now, let’s bring all these elements together and see how they manifest in the image of the 2 of Swords in the card imagery of the Rider-Waite-Smith, the Tarot de Marseille, the Thoth, and the Telos Tarot.

2 of Swords

The Rider-Waite-Smith card shows a blindfolded woman, sitting before a body of water with a crescent moon in the sky. She holds two large swords crossed over her chest. The imagery is potent. The water represents her emotions (Moon), and she crosses her hands over her chest in an attempt to protect her heart. The blindfold suggests that she is either unwilling or unable to see the situation clearly. This is someone facing a difficult choice, and she is trying to figure out what to do. She listens to her emotions (Moon) while seeking intellectual balance (Libra). She has gone inward to make a decision. It’s a card of analysis paralysis, of weighing two options so carefully that no action is taken.

The Tarot de Marseille, the imagery of the 2 of Swords card offers a different perspective. Here, two curved swords frame a large, beautiful flower. When I first studied this, I compared it to all the other Swords cards in the deck, and this flower is the most magnificent. These swords aren’t necessarily about conflict; they are creating a boundary, a protected space for something precious to develop. This speaks to the Libran need to create a harmonious container and the Moon’s desire to nurture. It can be about setting limits to protect one’s emotional well-being or a budding creative project.

The Thoth deck titles this card “Peace.” Two swords cross over a blue rose, a symbol of mercy and peace. Two smaller swords, above and below them, align with the symbols for the Moon and Libra. The card’s design is perfectly symmetrical and balanced. Here, the stalemate is not one of anxiety but of achieved equilibrium. It represents a compromise, a fair negotiation, and the resolution of conflict. It is the peace that comes from having successfully balanced opposing forces.

The Telos Tarot, as we’ve seen earlier, synthesizes these ideas. The card imagery includes the man from the Picatrix description, the crossed swords, the scales of justice, and the crescent moon. This card is about equilibrium, peaceful reconciliation of opposites, and inner peace. The similarity to the Divider or the Callipers refers to precisely measuring the distance between two points of view and perhaps determining the perfect, precise point of balance between those two opposing ideas or feelings.

Across the decks, the Moon in Libra energy is clear. It’s about the intersection of emotion and intellect, the need for peace, and the complicated process of making a choice. Whether it’s the anxious stalemate of the Rider-Waite-Smith, the protective boundary of the Marseille, or the achieved harmony of the Thoth, the 2 of Swords asks us to find a truce within our own minds.

We now move into the heart of Libra, the second decan, where we encounter the formidable energy of Saturn in Libra.

Libra Decan 2: Saturn in Libra: ♄ in ♎︎: Enduring Realization – Painful Breakthrough

This decan is ruled by Saturn in Libra and is connected to the unforgettable 3 of Swords.

The second Libra Decan covers 10° to 20° of the Sign, from around 3rd October 3rd to 13th October. The Picatrix describes this face of Libra with the image of “a black man leading a wedding,” and associates it with relaxation, wealth, good living, and security.

This is one of those moments where the traditional decan description seems wildly at odds with the associated Tarot card, forcing us to dig deeper to find the connection.

The Telos Tarot image provides a bridge. It depicts a black man opening his cloak to reveal a winged heart, pierced by one sword and flanked by two others. The meaning here is about self-realization through sublime yet painful truths and sorrow that leads to enlightenment. 

3 of Swords: The Geometry of Position

When I looked at the way the 3 Swords in the Telos Tarot image were drawn, I was immediately reminded of a device called a Sextant. This is a device used by Sailors to determine their location by measuring the angles to the different celestial bodies in the sky. Once you know the angles of the relative positions of certain fixed stars in the sky, you can determine your specific location on a map, down to the latitude and longitude.

Perhaps the three swords in the card imagery are there to help you determine your exact position on the map of life, especially in relation to the fixed points of view that exist in your mindscape. Based on that, you can determine precisely where you stand in the journey of your life. And that can often be a painful discovery or a painful breakthrough, or both.

Astrology: Saturn ♄ + Tarot: The World

Saturn is the great teacher of the zodiac, the planet of structure, limits, responsibility, discipline, and karma. Classically, it was the outermost known planet, representing the boundary of our solar system and, symbolically, the boundaries of our lives. Saturn rules Capricorn and, traditionally, Aquarius. Its lessons are learned through adversity, hard work, and time.

Saturn is not malevolent; it is simply the voice of reality. It asks us to be honest with ourselves, to drop our egos, to face our limitations, and to build strong, enduring foundations. It brings maturity through trials. Where there are weak structures in our lives, Saturn will test them until they either break or are reinforced. Its keywords include discipline, patience, ambition, tradition, and personal authority. Its shadow side can manifest as restriction, delays, struggle, pessimism, and being stuck in old ways.

In the Tarot, Saturn is linked to The World card. At first glance, this appears to be another contradiction. The World is a card of joyful completion, success, and integration. It’s the final card of the Major Arcana, representing the successful end of a long journey. However, the connection to Saturn lies in how that success is achieved. The World is not an easy, overnight victory. It is the culmination of having gone through all the preceding 21 stages of the Fool’s Journey. It is success that has been earned through discipline, perseverance, and the mastery of life’s lessons—the very domain of Saturn.

21: The World

The World – Tarot de Marseilles

The laurel wreath on the card can even be seen as a symbol of Saturn’s rings, the boundaries that, once mastered, lead to ultimate freedom and accomplishment. The depiction of the World Dancer, floating in the middle of the laurel wreath, blissfully one with the World, is quite at odds with the somber vibe of Saturn. However, from her vantage point in the sky, the World Dancer can see the bigger picture. From up there, she can see how all the different aspects of your life fit together. This position helps her gain valuable perspectives on why the various storylines of life are structured the way they are. That is a distinctly Saturnian angle that can be seen in this imagery.

Astrology: Saturn in Libra: ♄ in ♎︎

Saturn is exalted in Libra, meaning its energy is expressed in its highest and most constructive form here. This is because Saturn’s principles of structure, law, and justice align perfectly with Libra’s ideals of balance, fairness, and order.

In Libra, Saturn’s stern nature is softened by Venusian grace, and Libra’s potential for indecisiveness is given structure and resolve. This combination fosters a profound sense of social responsibility and a genuine commitment to fairness in relationships.

The Oracle of the Radiant Sun gives this combination the keyword: ‘Devotion.’ In fact, the card image depicts a dove sitting in a tree, while its partner lies motionless on the ground. This dove is so devoted to its partner that it won’t leave its side even though its partner is dead.

Saturn in Libra is about the ambition to create just and enduring structures, whether in law, society, or personal relationships. It speaks to a profound devotion, a willingness to work hard and maintain responsibilities while upholding commitments. This can manifest as long, enduring partnerships, often entered into with great seriousness and dedication. It can signify a late marriage or a partnership with an older, more established (Saturnian) person. The devotion is unstinting, but it comes with expectations; they work hard to maintain the balance and expect their partner to do the same. Legal agreements can lead to meaningful partnerships with this placement.

This combination can also cause dithering indecision, because while Libra wants balance and fairness on the mundane plane, Saturn requires Justice on all planes, including the Karmic. This is also a combination where one can overpromise and underdeliver.

The Number: 3

The number three represents the synthesis of the energies of one (masculine, assertive) and two (feminine, receptive).

It is the number of creation, growth, expansion, and manifestation. Three is the first number of true creativity, the child born from the union of opposites. It represents the initial fulfillment and expression of an idea.

3 is also the number of both loss and gain.

With all this context, let’s confront the 3 of Swords. How does the energy of Saturn’s exaltation in Libra and the number of creativity show up in the Tarot card imagery?

Libra Decan 2 + Tarot: 3 of Swords: Saturn in Libra: ♄ in ♎︎: Enduring Realization – Painful Breakthrough

3 of Swords

The Rider-Waite-Smith image is iconic and needs no translation: a heart floating in the air, pierced by three swords, as rain falls from grey clouds behind it. It is the universal symbol of heartbreak, betrayal, sorrow, and painful separation. Let’s look closer through our astrological lens. Notice the two outer swords crossing at an angle, representing the balanced but opposing forces of the 2 of Swords. The third sword comes down directly in the center, piercing the heart. This is the clarifying, unavoidable truth (the third element) that shatters a previous state of balance or blissful ignorance. Saturn is the planet of truth, and Libra is the Sign of balance. Sometimes, restoring a higher balance requires a painful, sobering truth to cut through illusion. This is Saturn’s difficult lesson: you cannot build an enduring structure on a false foundation. The pain you feel is the pain of reality breaking through. It’s the consequence of a situation, the karmic bill coming due. The betrayer and the betrayed will both suffer the pain. The one who has been betrayed will face heartbreak, and the one who has betrayed will have to live with the knowledge of what they have done. That kind of pain eats away at your heart, bit by bit.

The Tarot de Marseille imagery of the 3 of Swords builds on its imagery of the 2 of Swords. The two swords still form a boundary, but the third sword has now pushed past that protective barrier, its tip jutting out. Below it are two crisscrossing olive branches, symbols of peace. This suggests a breakthrough. A stalemate has been broken by a third, intervening idea. It can represent overcoming opposition or the intervention of a third party. The peace offered by the olive branches is the peace that comes after the conflict, the clarity that follows the painful breakthrough. 

The Thoth deck names this card Sorrow. It shows a large yellow rose (representing beauty and harmony) being destroyed as the points of three swords converge upon it, causing its petals to fall. This is the moment when painful knowledge (the swords) strikes the heart and shatters a previous state of harmony. The background is dark and calamitous. This is the loss of the delicate peace from the 2 of Swords. It is disillusionment, the painful insight that changes everything.

Finally, the Telos Tarot directly shows us the winged heart pierced by the swords, held by the man from the decan. The meanings relate to karmic bindings, unavoidable perceptual insights, and sobering truths that lead to clarity. An interesting interpretation here is about sustained marriages and long-term commitments. This seems counterintuitive until you consider the Saturn in Libra energy. True, long-term devotion isn’t about avoiding pain; it’s about enduring it together. It’s the acceptance that any deep, lasting relationship will have moments of heartbreak and difficulty. You learn to live with the sword in your heart because the relationship itself provides a deeper structure of meaning. You accept the pain as part of the unavoidable truth of commitment.

The 3 of Swords, in its highest expression, is a spiritual sextant. It is the painful realization that allows you to find your exact position in your life’s journey. It’s the sobering, humbling moment of clarity that, while heartbreaking, ultimately enables you to navigate forward with truth.

We now arrive at the final ten degrees of Libra, the third decan. Here, the expansive, optimistic energy of Jupiter blends with Libra’s balance, manifesting in the Tarot as the 4 of Swords.

Libra Decan 3: Jupiter in Libra: ♃ in ♎︎: Temporary Respite – Balanced Generosity

The third Libra Decan spans 20° to 30° of the Sign, between the 13th of October to the 22nd of October. The Picatrix gives us another wild image: “a man riding on a donkey and a predatory animal in front of him.” The keywords are equally perplexing: “sinfulness, impudence, sodomy, singing, entertainment and enjoyment.” It’s a mix of the profane and the celebratory, which is not entirely out of character for the excessive nature of Jupiter.

The Telos Tarot again provides a key. The image shows a man on a donkey, with a predatory animal (a wolf) lurking ahead. He is holding a curious device. When I did a quick Google image search, I discovered that this device was a Gyroscope.

This card is about finding balance and stillness amidst the whirling maelstrom of extremes. It’s a temporary truce, a moment of rest before facing the danger that lies ahead.

4 of Swords: The Geometry of Alignment

The imagery of the Gyroscope is a clever way to bring in the energy of alignment, especially since there’s a predatory wolf right in front of the rider. The flat plate in the center of the Gyroscope is mounted on a gimbal so that it spins around the axis.

The device enables one to maintain and measure their orientation and angular velocity. In other words, a Gyroscope allows you to determine your alignment relative to the ground.

You’ll find Gyroscopes used in aircraft, ships, submarines, spacecraft, and rockets. All of these need to be able to align themselves with the Earth’s plane. Another place you’ll find Gyroscopes is in our smartphones. They are used to enable motion control and stabilize images for rotation and tilt.

The 4 of Swords energy allows us to find our bearings. We can align with the earth, find our stability, and perhaps take a moment to orient ourselves, especially since there’s definitely trouble up ahead with the wolf lurking about so openly.

Astrology: Jupiter ♃ + Tarot: The Wheel of Fortune

Jupiter is the “Great Benefic,” the planet of expansion, growth, luck, optimism, and wisdom. It rules Sagittarius and, traditionally, Pisces. Jupiter’s domain is the expansion of our world through higher education, philosophy, law, spirituality, and long-distance travel. It encourages us to have faith, to trust in life, and to search for meaning.

Jupiter is about abundance, generosity, and a grand, optimistic vision. Its energy is buoyant and hopeful. Jupiter is about wisdom, ideals, and values.

The shadow side of Jupiter is excess: over-optimism, extravagance, grandiosity, and a lack of moderation. It can lead to over-promising and under-delivering.

In the Tarot, Jupiter is connected to The Wheel of Fortune. This card represents the cycles of life, the ups and downs, luck, destiny, and karma. The Wheel is always turning; sometimes you’re up, and sometimes you’re down. Jupiter’s connection is found in the element of fortune and the search for a higher perspective on these cycles.

The figures often surrounding the wheel represent the four fixed signs of the zodiac, holding books of wisdom. This suggests that while we are subject to the turns of fate, we can gain wisdom and understanding (a Jupiterian pursuit) by observing these patterns. The Wheel of Fortune reminds us that no condition is permanent and that there is a larger cosmic order at play.

10 – The Wheel of Fortune

The circular movement of the Wheel talks to us of cause and effect. Actions have consequences, and you have to bear them, no matter what. With this knowledge, you can proactively determine how the cycles of your life can reward you. If you do good deeds, you will be rewarded with good results. However, bad deeds will have a negative consequence, and your luck may leave your side.

Astrology: Jupiter in Libra: ♃ in ♎︎

When Jupiter’s expansive energy meets Libra’s desire for balance, it creates a powerful force for social justice and harmony. This placement expands one’s life through relationships, partnerships, and social interactions.

The Oracle of the Radiant Sun gives this combination the keyword ‘Negotiation.’ Jupiter (gain) combines with Libra (sense of justice) to create skilled diplomats, lawyers, and counselors who can see the bigger picture and work towards mutually beneficial solutions. They have a strong concern for moral principles and can acquire both material and spiritual well-being through their cooperative and charitable efforts.

In the card image, we see a maiden standing on the Earth, holding up her hands to the Sun and the Moon, respectively. She is the link that connects the Emotions of the Moon, the Creativity of the Sun, and the Possessions of the Earth.

Everything about Jupiter has to be grand and big. The challenge, in this placement, lies in Jupiter’s tendency toward excess. The desire to please others (Libra) combined with Jupiter’s grandiosity can lead to promising more than they can deliver. Their optimism can also fuel indecision, as they see the potential value in every single possibility, making it difficult to commit to just one. This placement can also make one vulnerable to speculative schemes that may spoil the good life that they have built.

The Number: 4

The number 4 is associated with stability, structure, order, and a solid foundation. It represents the four corners of the earth, the four seasons, and the four elements. Four creates a solid, stable base. It is the number of the builder.

However, this stability can sometimes tip into rigidity or stagnation. It creates a box, which can be a secure foundation or a restrictive prison.

Let’s now combine these elements to understand the 4 of Swords. How does Jupiter’s expansive energy manifest in the Libran environment of Balance?

Libra Decan 3 + Tarot: 4 of Swords: Jupiter in Libra: ♃ in ♎︎: Temporary Respite – Balanced Generosity

4 of Swords: Dealing with Hurt

The Rider-Waite-Smith card depicts a knight lying on a tomb in a church. Three swords hang on the wall above him, representing the sorrows and conflicts of the 3 of Swords. A single sword lies beneath him, representing the core issue he is contemplating. His hands are in a position of prayer. This is not a card of death, but of strategic retreat. He has withdrawn from the world to rest, heal, and find perspective. The stained-glass window shows a scene of a person confessing and receiving a blessing, suggesting a process of seeking forgiveness. He is dealing with his hurt and pain and looking for acceptance from himself.

The Tarot de Marseille image of the 4 of Swords shows four swords creating a more restrictive enclosure than in the previous cards. The central flower is now just a small bud, its growth constrained by the rigid structure. This emphasizes the shadow side of the number four: stagnation. It’s a stable situation, but one that limits potential and offers little room for maneuvering. It can represent working under pressure or feeling blocked by existing constraints.

The Thoth deck names this card Truce. At the center of the image is the St. Andrew’s Cross, a symbol of suffering and martyrdom. Four swords meet at their points in the center, over a 49-petaled rose (7×7, representing wholeness and divine love). The card represents a standstill, a temporary pretense of peace. The background is filled with restless, chaotic patterns, suggesting that this calm is just the eye of the storm. It is a compromise made to avoid conflict, a much-needed break before the inevitable next phase. 

Finally, we return to the image of the Telos Tarot and the Gyroscope. The LWB says that there are contradictory significations in his Decan, both joy and wicked acts of lust. The key is to find the balance and the stillness at the center of the world’s whirling maelstrom of extremes. That does explain the presence of the Gyroscope. After the disorienting pain of the 3 of Swords, the gyroscope represents the need to reorient and stabilize oneself. The journey is not over—the predatory wolf is still up ahead—but this is a moment to find your center, to recalibrate your internal compass. This is temporary refuge within a structure, a time to postpone problems to recharge and gain perspective.

It is somewhat difficult to see the energy of Jupiter’s expansive abundance in this image. What I can see, though, is that the 4 of Swords does create a stable space that allows you to deal with the hurt and make your peace with the way things are, and perhaps reconnect and realign your core philosophy with your new reality.

Libra Decans + Tarot: The Supporting Cards

Ace of Cups + Page of Cups + Queen of Swords + Knight of Cups

With Libra, we now have a new set of supporting Aces and Pages. This group of 3 Signs is Libra, Scorpio, and Sagittarius, and the central Sign, Scorpio, is a Fixed Water Sign, we have the Ace of Cups and the Page of Cups as the base for all the 9 Decans (3 X 3).

The Ace of Cups is typically the most beautiful, most ornate, and most decorated Cup in the entire Suit of Cups. In the Rider-Waite-Smith, Thoth, and Telos Ace of Cups, we see streams of water emerging from the cup. The Tarot de Marseille Ace of Cups is quite a beauty as well. This is a closed cup that almost resembles a castle or a cathedral. The symbolism of the Dove carrying the wafer into the Rider-Waite-Smith cup is also quite intense. The Ace of Cups is the Root of the Powers of Water. This is where the power of the element of Water is most potent and at its peak. Bliss, inner joy, harmony, fulfillment, finding one’s true calling, and a yearning for the unattainable — all are powerful manifestations of this energy.

The element of Water is all about feelings, emotions, intuition, and creativity. Everything is deeply felt and intensely experienced. Thus, this card describes intensely emotional experiences — both joy and sadness. Intuitive insights are powerful. Creative urges are potent. In fact, this card is occasionally an indicator of Pregnancy. However, one of the core meanings of this card involves deeply immersing oneself within one’s emotional core and experiencing a particular kind of joy that can be likened to Spiritual Enlightenment. Here, you truly understand that unless you are happy from within, you can never be satisfied in the outer world. You may feel as if other things or people make you happy or are the source of your happiness — but that would be illusory and fleeting. Your true happiness will only ever be found inside of yourself. And when you have that, you can happily share it with others, experience it with others, and need not rely on others to give you happiness.

The Page of Cups is a lovely card, depicting the pure energies of the Water element when manifested in people and personalities. Here, we encounter a young person, or one who is emotionally young, who is truly open to receiving all that the Ace of Cups has to offer.

The Rider-Waite-Smith Page of Cups wears a shirt adorned with images of Lotus flowers, holding a cup with a fish inside. This links to the story of Jesus, where he fed a massive crowd of his followers from a basket of fish that never ran out. Here, the Page is open to receiving all the insights that the Universe has to offer. He has pure faith in the ability of the Divine to provide for all his needs. The image of the Tarot de Marseille Page of Cups depicts a young man undergoing an inner transformation. He is shy and unsure, and may unintentionally cause hurt. He cannot express his feelings adequately — because he doesn’t have the proper vocabulary to express them. But he feels everything quite intensely. Meanwhile, the Princess of Cups in the Thoth Tarot holds a delicate shell with a turtle in it. She is a dreamer, a daydreamer, a romantic, an intuitive, and a seductive person. Similarly, the Princess of Cups in the Telos Tarot is a tender young lady who is helpful and emotional at heart.

Together, the Ace of Cups and the Page of Cups provide the elemental foundation for the 3 Libra Decans.

Additionally, the first two Decans are supported by the Queen of Swords, and the Knight of Cups supports the last Decan.

The Queen of Swords is a unique combination of logic and compassion, being Water of Air. She is understanding, but also enforces her boundaries strictly and gently. She has presence of mind, independence, and doesn’t live by other people’s rules. She can be quite cynical and calculating, and has a talent for negotiation. She is observant, clever, and perceptive.

All of these qualities can really support the energies of the 2 of Swords (Moon in Libra) and the 3 of Swords (Saturn in Libra). The Water element aligns with the Moon, the Air element aligns with Libra, and the overall personality aligns with Saturn.

The Knight of Cups is a combination of Air and Water. In the Rider-Waite-Smith and the Tarot de Marseille, we see a Knight on horseback, holding a cup and steadily advancing towards his goals. He is kind and steady. A romantic at heart, he is helpful and sincere. In the Prince of Cups, we see a young man riding a chariot pulled by a bird. In the Telos, the bird resembles an eagle—a symbol of Scorpio. In fact, the Telos card image also shows us the stinging tail of the Scorpion towards the back of the chariot. These Princes of Cups hide their intense inner dispositions under a calm exterior. They desire power and can be wily and lacking in conscience.

These cards support the energy of the 4 of Swords, where the healing energy does come in handy. The intensely power-seeking energies reflect the unsettled, restless, and predatory energies that lurk in the vicinity.

Libra Decans: The Tools of Reorientation

The 3 Libra Decans form a beautiful and coherent story of mental and emotional processing. We begin with the 2 of Swords, a moment of internal stalemate where we must balance two opposing forces. Then comes the 3 of Swords, the painful but necessary breakthrough of truth that shatters the previous equilibrium. Finally, the 4 of Swords offers a period of strategic rest and reorientation to integrate the lesson and prepare for the road ahead.

The Telos Tarot’s imagery for this journey is particularly brilliant, offering us a trio of navigational tools.

• In the 2 of Swords, we have the calipers, measuring the precise distance between two points.
• In the 3 of Swords, we have the sextant, finding our relative position by triangulating with higher truths.
• In the 4 of Swords, we have the gyroscope, stabilizing our orientation in a turbulent world.

This is the work of Libra. It is not just about seeking a simple, static balance. It is a dynamic, intelligent process of navigating our inner and outer worlds with grace, truth, and wisdom. The Libra energy, supported by the Moon’s intuition, Saturn’s realism, and Jupiter’s perspective, guides us on the path towards truth.

Libra Decans: Putting it All Together

📸 The Infographic + ⬇️ The Download

Libra Decan 1: Moon in Libra: ☾ in ♎︎: Harmonious Choices

Libra Decan 2 + Tarot: 3 of Swords: Saturn in Libra: ♄ in ♎︎: Enduring Realization – Painful Breakthrough

Libra Decan 3 + Tarot: 4 of Swords: Jupiter in Libra: ♃ in ♎︎: Temporary Respite – Balanced Generosity

📚 Homework

📓 Things to Think (or Journal) about the Libra Decans

After walking through these three complex and powerful energies, take some time for introspection. The Swords of Libra ask us to engage with our minds and truths in a balanced way. Use these prompts to explore what this means for you.

2 of Swords: Moon in Libra: The Truce of the Mind 

• Describe a decision you are currently facing where you feel stuck or at a stalemate.
• What are the two opposing thoughts or feelings you are trying to balance?
• If you were to put on the blindfold and listen only to your intuition (the Moon), what message would you receive?

3 of Swords: Saturn in Libra: The Sobering Truth

• Reflect on a time when a painful truth led to necessary growth (a “Saturnian” lesson).
• How did this “heartbreak” ultimately create a more honest or stable foundation in your life?
• What did the sorrow teach you?

4 of Swords: Jupiter in Libra: The Sanctuary of the Mind

• In what area of your life do you need to call a “truce” and enter a period of rest and recovery?
• What would a personal sanctuary for your mind look like?
• What specific actions can you take this week to create space for mental and spiritual convalescence?

Moon + Saturn + Jupiter + Libra: The Flow of Balance

Looking at the progression from the 2 to the 3 to the 4 of Swords, how do you see the pattern of stalemate -> painful breakthrough -> necessary rest playing out in your own life cycles? Where are you in this pattern right now?

Let’s Talk About This…

I sincerely hope this in-depth exploration of the 3 Decans of Libra was helpful and illuminating for you. In the true spirit of Libra, let’s collaborate! Please share your thoughts, insights, and personal connections to these cards in the comments below. What do you think about the subtle Jupiter energy in the 4 of Swords? How does the Saturn-in-Libra connection in the 3 of Swords resonate with you? I love reading your messages and learning from your perspectives. 

Together, let’s explore how the beautifully balanced perspectives of Libra within the 3 Libra Decans can lead to the realization that even seemingly stuck, painful, and temporary situations can offer profound insights that shape our mindscape and help us reorient our thoughts towards truth and clarity. ⚖️✨