More Than A Generalization

“All you do is avoid conflict. You never actually engage.” This was yelled at me by an ex of mine. To which I replied.

“This is pointless, regardless of what I say at this point you can no longer hear me.”

“Typical Libran.” Was his refrain.

Which honestly was the part of that argument that offended me most. How dare someone boil me down to characteristics developed for some arbitrary understanding of stellar phenomenon. Now that I have triggered all true believers, let us begin.

I personally hold nothing against those who believe in astrology. If you can find a way to make this insanity that is the human existence make some sense all the more power to you. It is not for me personally, but who is to say my opinion is right.

Do I avoid conflict? At times yes, when a conversation is no longer working in both directions your stance in that instance can be rendered moot. Also why engage in conflict if it is an argument for the sake of argument or a contention of little importance. Having said that, should the conflict be one that has the ability to flow on and negatively affect others I will fight until the bitterest end. In all things I believe in consideration for other points of view. Whether I agree with those points of view or not are not entirely the point. Rather than argument I seek mediation and compromise. A typically Libran mentality I’m told. I do not believe my mentality is necessarily attached to celestial placements at the time of my birth; but perhaps it is in some way mankind cannot currently comprehend. Here is where all astrologers would likely make a point about the indecisiveness of these statements. However, as someone who believes in the scientific method I cannot say conclusively that I am correct only that I am supported by scientific findings that astrology is a pseudoscience. If one wishes to see that as indecisive by all means do so.

Known for passivity as Librans often are, I am certainly an outlier. I study martial arts and enjoy sparring. You never feel quite as alive as you do when you pit your skills against a worthy opponent. I have also abandoned conversation in place of physical violence in order to protect those I feel are unable to defend themselves. One thing that I never permit of myself is to be the one to instigate a physical confrontation. The one who throws the first punch is wrong. This was something I heard from a teacher when I was young, and it resonated with me. Being the first one to lose control, the first to resort to fisticuffs rather than communication cannot be considered in the right. As a child I was often subjected to violent situations beyond my control, and when I see that happening to others I can barely contain myself. Perhaps one would attribute that to the Libran distain for injustice. Whatever reason you choose to give I believe that it is innately human to want to do what is right for others, even if that means speaking with your fists.

“Even a broken clock is correct twice a day.” This sentiment to me says as much about astrology itself as it does about an individual. A generalization about a personality can be correct, but it need not necessarily be the most important aspect about a person. Diplomacy is considered a Libran trait, but I believe that anyone, no matter their star sign, would seek a diplomatic solution as they invariably allow all parties to obtain something. Concession is an important thing humans must learn to do as they grow. To simply steam roll all those who oppose you often leaves you with unfortunate labels like sociopath or psychopath. It is unlikely that this attribute is solely possessed by those born within the same celestial calendar. I would argue that all people who seek to understand those around them and live in harmony with the world around them would share these views.

Another trait that I seem to fly in the face of is ‘holds a grudge.’ I am incapable of holding grudges. I learned through the chaos and unfortunate circumstances of my own childhood, that holding a grudge, like hatred, requires work. It takes effort to hate someone or hold a grudge. You have to remind yourself of the slights you have experienced and remind yourself of the pain that it caused you and bathe yourself in that darkness. That takes for more effort than I ever intend to put into the events of a single moment. I refuse to hold a grudge and forgiveness is more for the self than for any other person. Having said that I will not forget. It is important to remember our darker moments, that way we can truly appreciate the brighter ones when they come our way.

Fairness is another Libran trait that seems to encourage people to proclaim, “I’m such a Libran.” Sure, or in order to operate in society education aims to instruct people that fairness is an ideal that should be aspired to. I would argue the concept of fairness is far more a social construct than an astrological imperative. The idea of fairness is also different depending on where you go, as is correctness and the concept of the rights of the individual. I personally enjoy fairness, I think it is a necessary part of human evolution, but I cannot conclusively say that I have more of an affinity for fairness than a Leo, Scorpio or Gemini. My parents were great advocators of fairness and encouraged debate about what the ‘fair’ thing was in any given situation. I would more happily attribute my appreciation for fairness to the teachings of my parents.

Librans are lovers of nature. Whilst I certainly feel this is very true in my case. I am most at peace when I am in a natural environment. Although, I am also from the country and so I grew up among rolling green hills near the ocean. I can remember fondly as a child enjoying running in the black mud of our farm and feeling the warm rain soak me to the core. Did I enjoy that simply because I am Libran? For me, to say yes would be quite reductive. My appreciation for the natural world was something that was nurtured in me as a child. Caring for animals and going into the bush to look for native wildlife with my younger brother was a treasured pastime. My parents instilled in me a great respect for nature and the world around me. Rather than the position of a star I think my appreciation came from a nurturing and supportive encouragement to explore and wonder at the marvels of the natural world.

Beyond the Libran attributes I am an artistic, crass, neurotic, obsessive, blunt, stubborn, perfectionist with a level of insight that when focused on a single individual can be used to either understand them or destroy them. I tend towards understanding because destruction takes work and I am deeply lazy. I will invariably find the easiest way to do something simply because I believe in working smarter and not harder. Juxtaposed to that I am also incredibly hard working and cannot do a job if I do not at least try to do it well. I also cannot understand the simplified version of something. My brain will not allow it. I must understand the entire concept to apply a single part of it. I find organization deeply satisfying and disorder deeply disturbing, perhaps that has more to do with my OCD than an astrological formation. However, am I expecting too much of a star chart prediction? Am I missing the point? Is my willingness to explore the very minutia of it all far from the purpose for which it was designed?

So perhaps I have successfully explained how I am far more than a randomized generation of attributes based on celestial bodies; or perhaps I have only succeeded in confirming those notions. Regardless, who I am is based on a multitude of factors within my own sphere of experience. I do indeed have a deep appreciation for balance, fairness, justice and nature but I am hardly alone in that regard. I love a dirty joke, a well organized filing cabinet and doing the least amount of work for the biggest pay off. Nothing in my sign could possibly tell you that about me. But is it meant to? Is what I have written a clear argument as to why my astrological sign has little bearing or does it simply reinforce it? Ultimately who we are is far more than our sign, but, just like a broken clock, can be right twice a day.