LIBRA ♎
24th September - 23rd October
When the sun enters Libra we have reached autumn equinox - night and day are in perfect equilibrium. Libra is a sign of balance with a keen eye for any imbalances that disturb her sense of aesthetics. Libra loves art and design and has a fine appreciation of artistic symmetry. Libra is an intensely idealistic sign, keeping as a fictitious measure the abstract state of ideal balance, though it may have no basis in actual reality. As a result Libra is often disappointed by the world's imperfections. Libra has an eye for beauty and pays a lot of attention to appearances. Libra may be prone to identifying with one side of the scales (the good) and projecting all evil on 'The Other', refusing to acknowledge any 'beast' within. Libra is a sociable sign that detests injustice and may be a noble fighter for humanistic causes. Libra can't stand the friction caused by imbalances and is always eager to iron them out. It is the sign of the master diplomat, who knows how to make people FEEL involved: Libra asks everybody's input, and then makes her own decision based on the premise that one can't please everybody all the time. But Libra does it very skilfully so as not to offend anybody, since it is desperate to be liked by everybody. Libras can have a tendency to be indecisive, endlessly weighing things up and in the end come to an irrational compromise that does not benefit either party. Libra defines her sense of self through her relationships with others, be it a partner or her role in the community. Without that role however, she is at a loss as to her own self-worth and identity. Libra benefits from Saturn, who helps to ground her idealism through practical application.

ASTROLOGY:
Know thyself - for character is destiny. To know one's abilities, one's passions as well as one's limitations and to be true to them is the key to a happy life, for it will be a life guided by purpose.
There are many things in life we cannot change. But the key to success lies not in the hand of cards we are dealt at birth (or in the stars), but in how we face with each challenge life throws at us. Astrology does not determine fate; on the contrary, it holds the keys to becoming masters of our own destinies.
Astrology is the key to self knowledge. It can give us insight into the essential nature and patterns woven into the structure of the personality. The natal horoscope is a map of the heavens drawn for the time and place of an individual's birth. It charts the positions and distribution of the planets in the signs of the Zodiac at birth, as well as their relationships to each other. Together they form an intricate web of interactions, the blueprint that indicates potential abilities and weaknesses. But time does not stand still, and the personality changes as the soul journeys along its path of self-discovery and individuation. Astrology also maps these cycles of time which may trigger challenges, change and growth - the voyage of transformation. In astrological jargon they are called 'transits'.

THE ZODIAC:
No astrological sign is good, bad or worse than any other. Each has a different way of seeing or doing things, but each is equally valid than the next. Ultimately, we all carry each sign within our soul. Our individual 'outlook' depends on the planetary emphasis as outlined in the natal horoscope.
The sun sign reveals but little of our total personality and yet, it is the essence of selfhood, the creative spark within our souls, the archetype that integrates (or struggles) with all the other parts of the personality. The 'sun sign' simply denotes the sign of the zodiac the sun traversed at the time of birth. It is the solar imprint on the soul.
The 12 familiar signs provide the backdrop of the cosmic drama. As the sun travels along its path through the Zodiac it highlights each section and shines its light through the particular 'lens' of that sign. This cycle repeats itself year after year, giving us our seasons. As in the heavens - so below: the changes that affect nature also affect us and are reflected in the symbolism of the corresponding signs of the zodiac.

USE:
Astrological incense consists of various herbs, gums and resins blended to create an aroma that reflects the ambiance of each zodiacal sign. They are magically charged with an infusion of herbs collected from the corresponding parts of the Glastonbury Zodiac in accordance to the phase of the moon and the appropriate times of the year.
In ritual settings they can be used to invoke the zodiacal or planetary archetypes. Attune in meditation with their lessons or energies to gain a better understanding as to how they manifest in your life. Burn the zodiacal incense, space aroma or candle corresponding to the natal sun sign in order to strengthen it while under a difficult transit, or, if you are familiar with your horoscope, you can work with the aromas that correspond to a transiting planet or area of the chart that is being transited in order to better understand and integrate their lessons.
Of course, Astrological incense and space aromas, candles and perfumes can enjoyed be used for pure pleasure and make wonderful birthday presents.

HOW TO BURN INCENSE:
Place a self-igniting charcoal disc on a fire-proof surface, well away from flammable objects. The charcoal disks can be ignited simply by holding a match or lighter to the rim. Be aware that these discs may occasionally spit and sparkle profusely upon ignition. Allow plenty of air to flow around the charcoal to ensure that it burns evenly. Some people prefer to open the window while the charcoal is igniting as it gives off quite a bit of smoke. Once the charcoal disc has finished sparkling it will start to glow, usually first on one side, then slowly spreading over the whole disc. When the entire disc is glowing red hot it is ready to use and you can place a little pinch of incense on top. As the disk glows through, the fire will concentrate in its centre. You may occasionally want to scrape off the ashes to expose the glowing centre and add fresh incense as desired.

CARE FOR YOUR INCENSE:
Incense keeps well and often improves with age if kept in a cool and dark place. Charcoal, on the other hand, does not, as it has a tendency to absorb moisture from the air. Once the packet has been opened, keep it in an airtight container to preserve its self-igniting properties.

CAUTION:
Keep incense and charcoal out of pet's and children's reach. Charcoal discs are highly flammable. PLEASE BE CAREFUL when igniting your charcoal disc. Once the disc has been lit do not touch it, as it will cause a burn. Make sure your incense dish is fire proof and does not conduct heat to the surface on which it stands. Glass (even glass ashtrays) will break. Do not dispose of the remaining ashes in a waste paper bin or plastic garbage bin as it may cause a fire. Do not hold the disc in your hand while lighting or burning.