Page:Star Lore Of All Ages, 1911.pdf/349

Rh constellations to the twelve tribes of Israel, ascribe the Balance to the tribe of Asher.

According to Serviss, Libra seems to be identical with a Mayan constellation, with which was associated a temple where dwelt a priest whose special business it was to administer justice, and to foretell the future by means of information obtained from the spirits of the dead.

The Peruvian asterism corresponding to Libra was entitled "Rainbow Lightning," "Sacred or Divided River," and "the Earth." These titles in a measure indicate the tempestuous nature of the weather when the sun was in this sign.

To the early Christians, Libra represented the Apostle Philip, and Caesius identified it with the balances of the book of Daniel, in which Belshazzar had been weighed and found wanting.

In astrology Libra is the House of Venus. Those born from Sept. 23d to Oct. 23d are said to be ruled by this sign. The natives of this constellation are tall and well made, says Proctor, elegant in person, round faced, and ruddy but plain featured. When old they are of sweet disposition, just and upright in dealings. It governs the lumbar regions and reigns over Austria, Alsace, Savoy, Portugal, India, Ethiopia, Lisbon, Vienna, Frankfort, Antwerp, and Charleston.

It is a masculine sign and fortunate. Vulcan was the deity that watched over it. The significant flower was the violet, the precious stone the diamond.

The southern scale meant bad fortune, the northern on the contrary was eminently fortunate.

Only two of the stars in the constellation are specially interesting, α Libras was called by the Arabs "Zubenelgenubi," meaning the southern claw. It is a wide double and culminates at 9 on the 17th of June. It marks the Hindu lunar station signifying "Branched."

It is a curious fact that the Peruvians of the western world had in connection with Libra a ceremonial