The Connection Between Zodiac Signs and Chinese Earthly Branches: Why Libra Corresponds to Chen

Years ago, I encountered a Libra friend whose personality left a lasting impression on me. This individual displayed remarkable persistence, yet also experienced mild depression and required careful handling to avoid emotional triggers. Through extensive research comparing Libra with traditional Chinese systems, I’ve discovered some fascinating connections worth sharing.

Libra Personality Traits (September 23 – October 23)

Libra individuals typically seek balance and harmony in all aspects of life. They possess exceptional social skills and emotional intelligence, making them adept at reading people and situations. This ability often earns them numerous genuine friendships, as they approach relationships with sincerity and authenticity.

However, their most notable challenge lies in decision-making. Libras often struggle with indecisiveness, weighing options extensively before committing. Libra men may sometimes focus excessively on their own needs, while Libra women typically value companionship and shared experiences.

The Autumn Equinox Period (September 23 – October 8)

Ancient Chinese texts describe the Autumn Equinox through three distinct phases: “First, thunder ceases its voice; second, insects prepare their winter shelters; third, waters begin to dry.” This reflects the transition from yang energy dominance to yin energy prevalence in traditional Chinese philosophy.

The term “Equinox” itself means “equal division,” representing the balance between day and night. During this period, the sun reaches 180 degrees of celestial longitude, directly above the Earth’s equator, creating equal 12-hour periods of daylight and darkness worldwide. In Chinese tradition, the Autumn Equinox marks the midpoint of the 90-day autumn season, perfectly dividing it into two equal parts.

Cold Dew Period (October 9 – October 23)

As described in ancient texts: “The ninth month brings cold dew, where moisture begins to freeze.” This period sees temperatures dropping significantly, with morning dew approaching freezing conditions.

Traditional observations note three phenomena during Cold Dew: wild geese migrating in formation, sparrows disappearing while clams appear abundantly on shores, and chrysanthemums blooming in golden splendor. These natural transitions reflect the deepening of autumn and preparation for winter’s arrival.

The Chen Month in Chinese Metaphysics

Chen represents late spring in the Chinese calendar system, characterized as damp earth that nurtures all living things. While strong wood energy (Jia) weakens during this period, softer wood energy (Yi) maintains vitality, and water energy (Ren) finds its resting place.

Chen is metaphorically described as a “marsh” or “wetland” – a place where waters gather and life flourishes. Positioned slightly southeast in traditional systems, it serves as the reservoir of water energy, hence its association with fertile, nurturing environments.

The Mysterious Connection: Libra and Chen

At first glance, Western zodiac signs and Chinese earthly branches appear unrelated. The traditional correspondence between Libra and Chinese months doesn’t clearly explain Libra’s characteristic traits of balance, justice, and relationship-building.

However, deeper investigation reveals an astronomical connection through the Twenty-Eight Lunar Mansions system. When the Big Dipper’s “spoon head” points toward the Libra constellation in the celestial sphere, its “handle” simultaneously indicates the Chen month in the Chinese calendar system.

This celestial alignment creates a fascinating bridge between systems: the Chen-You combination in Chinese metaphysics corresponds to the directional harmony between the Big Dipper’s two key components when pointing toward Libra. This astronomical phenomenon provides the missing link that connects Libra’s Western astrological significance with its Chinese metaphysical counterpart.

The Chen month’s nurturing, balanced nature beautifully mirrors Libra’s core characteristics – both represent harmony, growth, and the bridging of opposites. Just as Chen serves as the reservoir that sustains life, Libra acts as the social connector that maintains relationship equilibrium.

This discovery opens fascinating possibilities for understanding how different cultural systems might be observing the same cosmic patterns through different lenses. What are your thoughts on the connection between Libra and traditional Chinese systems? Share your perspectives and experiences in the comments below!