The Symbolism of Libra (SS Ep. 23) has been publicly released: youtu.be/FHzyfxyE7rc

Libra’s position as the “central” sign of the zodiac mirrors its correspondence with the middle region of the human body. Specifically, Libra is said to govern the kidneys, bladder, hips and lower back. This region serves as a point of division between the upper and lower body, symbolically distinguishing our “higher” and “lower” nature. Similarly, Libra divides the “light” and “dark” halves of the year, beginning when day and night are of equal length. It’s the “middle” or “center” of any system that maintains stability, which appears to be Libra’s symbolic role in the zodiac. Look no further than a pair of scales and notice how its central column is essential to their function. The kidneys, like all organs, are rich in symbolic meaning. Like the pans of a scale, there’s two, and they provide balance to our system in their ability to filter blood and regulate the body’s internal chemistry. In this way, they maintain equilibrium amid ever-changing conditions, a function consistent with Libra’s symbolic nature.

The middle path is the balanced path, where opposites are unified. Symbolically, a scale can only function because of its central support or handle, which creates a fulcrum (a point of pivot) between the two pans. It’s this “middle” point that allows the instrument to work in the first place. The Scales, being the sign of the fall equinox, also occupies a “central” position in the zodiac. Johfra Bosschart masterfully portrays the “balanced” nature of polarity and duality in his painting of Libra. The sun compliments the moon, Thoth stands opposite Hathor, and a masculine Sphinx faces their feminine counterpart. The pans themselves hold Maat’s Feather of Truth and a vase, an Egyptian symbol for the heart. In the middle of the painting, symbols of unity are on display: the yin yang symbol, several flowers and a “central” fire. A hand points upward toward the mid-point of an infinity glyph, drawing our attention to yet another display of unification. An extended index finger also doubles as “number one” which is the number of unity, the undivided or the monad. There’s certainly more to appreciate, but I’ll leave that for your wandering eyes.

Johfra Bosschart was a rare breed. Not only is he able to execute technical and beautiful works of art but his understanding of symbolism and mythology is equally impressive. This is his rendition of Virgo, the Queen of Heaven. A whole series could be made decoding the various elements of this piece. My favorite detail, however, has to do with the inclusion of Hermes-Mercury in the upper portion of the painting.  Virgo, as you know, corresponds with the planet Mercury. The Messenger of the Gods cradles his hands around the Milky Way galaxy which emanates a light upon the Virgin. This light creates a symbolic keyhole which aligns beautifully with Virgo who represents the receptive quality of earth.  What I find interesting is that some depictions of Mercury show him holding a wheel, not unlike the galaxy he holds here. Over the years, I’ve noticed that Mercury relates strongly to axis or “axial” symbolism which carries profound meaning. Notably, the world axis (or axis mundi) was imagined as a symbolic bridge between all realms above and below, which is what Mercury uses to travel from domain to domain.  There’s plenty more to appreciate about this piece, which I encourage you to study. What do you see? I’d love to know.