The Scales
Thomson.
Of the zodiacal signs Libra is the only one not Euphratean in its origin, the figure having been imported from Egypt. It is also the only zodiacal constellation that represents an inanimate object. It represented originally the balance of the sun at the horizon between the upper and under worlds, and secondarily the equality of the days and nights at the equinoxes.
The title "Libra," the "Balance," we owe to the Romans, but it is not known definitely how far back into antiquity the symbol goes. The constellation is anciently represented by the figure of a man holding a pair of scales. The human figure is omitted in all Arabian zodiacs, as it was held unlawful by the believers in the Koran to make any representations of the human form. On Burritt's Atlas also the Scales appear alone.
The Greeks combined this constellation with the Scorpion, and the stars in Libra formed the claws of the creature. Greek writers mention "Chelæ Scorpionis" (the claws of the Scorpion) in the place of Libra.
Libra seems to have been made an individual constellation, and separated from Scorpio, in the time of Julius Cæsar, for the Romans placed here the figure of Julius Cæsar holding a balance in his hand, instead of the Claws, and among the titles "Libra" was commonly employed. In after time, the figure of the Emperor was taken away, and the Scales only were retained as we now see them.
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