Libra Season: A Harmonious Fall

Libra season spans from September 23rd through October 23rd, marking the official beginning of Autumn.

This time is ruled by Venus, the planet of love, beauty, and harmony.

It begins with the fall equinox, a moment of balance between light and dark, before the Sun enters its period of “fall” in the sky.

This point of balance in the year also prompts reflection on the internal balance we must maintain as we move into the darker, more introspective half of the year.

The shift from outward growth and expansion during the warmer months, to the inward focus of the cooler months, shows us how the natural world maintains the necessity of recalibration.

Just as the days grow shorter and the nights longer, we are called to assess how we manage the balance between the our own light and shadow—the parts of ourselves that are expressed outwardly and shared with the world around us, and those that remain hidden and privately kept for us.

The Balance of Giving and Receiving

The Scales, Libra's symbol, represents this need for equilibrium in our relationships and also within ourselves.

Around us there’s an energy urging us to assess whether we're establishing fair exchanges of energy and resources in our connections.

This is essential as we prepare for the season when the harvest, both metaphorically and literally, must be divided between our own needs and those of our community.

We begin to realize that in any exchange—whether between partners, friends, or within a community—there must be reciprocity for harmony to thrive.

When we give too much without receiving, we deplete ourselves, leading us to resentment, exhaustion, and imbalance.

On the other hand, when we take without giving, we become detached from others, and this can create dissonance and misunderstandings.

Greed is defined as expecting the benefits of community, without contributing to it, and this kind of greed can be crippling to communion with the environment around us.

Nature shows us that we have to learn this balance to exist harmoniously with one another, and share resources to prepare for the coming winter.

This season invites us to really assess whether we are giving out of genuine desire or obligation, and whether we are open to receiving from others with gratitude.

The Kidneys and Lungs

Libra rules the kidneys and, by extension, the body’s fluid balance.

The kidneys filter waste from the blood, maintaining the equilibrium of fluids within the body.

When the kidneys are healthy, they can help regulate our entire inner ecosystem.

When we experience emotional distress—whether from giving too much of ourselves or receiving too little—the balance of yin (cooling, receptive energy) and yang (warming, active energy) within the kidneys can be disrupted.

During Libra season, as we reflect on the balance of our relationship to the outside world, we may be called to process some grief that can arise from losses or imbalances in our connections.

Grief, when unprocessed, can stagnate, much like body fluids that are not properly filtered by the kidneys.

The lungs also play a role here, as they are responsible for dispersing and descending fluids and energy throughout the body.

If we’re holding onto grief or failing to fully process emotional experiences, the lungs may become imbalanced, leading to respiratory issues or a sense of emotional heaviness and wetness.

By supporting both the kidneys and the lungs during Libra season, we can help create both the emotional clarity and physical fluidity we need to be healthy.

Saturn’s Exaltation: Discipline and Boundaries

Saturn, the planet of discipline, boundaries, and time, finds exaltation in Libra because ultimately, true balance requires structure and order.

In any energetic exchange, there must be limits, boundaries, and a firm foundation in order to connect and share.

In relationships, this means understanding when to say no, when to set clear limits, and when to stand up for what’s right, even when it disrupts superficial feelings or representations of peace.

Without the discipline of Saturn, Libra's natural inclination for keeping the peace and harmony can actually lead to an avoidance of conflict or the suppression of our true feelings.

But we find that lasting balance requires both Venus’s sweetness and Saturn’s structure.

Herbs and Foods for Libra Season

The plants and foods associated with Libra often have soft, rounded, or fluid shapes, which is reflective of Venus’s rulership.

Herbs that grow in open spaces, like meadows or fields, embody the air element that rules Libra.

They often have space to spread out, reflecting Libra’s expansive and social qualities. These herbs help cleanse the lymphatic system, encouraging smooth flow within the body, much like the flow of air.

Nettle (Urtica dioica)

Historically, nettle has been used by humans for quite some time. The Romans used it to stimulate circulation and warmth in the body by rubbing it on the skin, a practice called “urtication”, which they believed to relieve any joint pain.

In medieval Europe, nettle was commonly used as a diuretic to help the body get rid of excess fluid, and was also used to treat urinary issues, kidney stones, and bladder inflammation.

Recipe: Nettle Pesto

Blanch clean nettle leaves in boiling water for about 30 seconds to remove the sting, then drain and cool. In a food processor, combine the blanched nettle leaves with a handful of raw nuts like walnuts or pine nuts, a clove of garlic, some fresh lemon juice, olive oil, and salt to taste. Blend until smooth, adding more olive oil as needed to reach your desired consistency.

Goldenrod (Solidago spp.)

This golden plant has been used widely on Turtle Island for its diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Indigenous cultures see goldenrod as a plant of resilience, thriving in poor soils and open spaces, symbolic of its ability to help the body endure and adapt to stress while maintaining some healthy balance.

It can be applied to wounds and used to treat respiratory issues, making it a a great ally for clearing blockages and helping the body eliminate excess fluids.

As a diuretic, goldenrod can also be used to support the kidneys, helping flush toxins from the body while keeping our urinary tract healthy.

The Lakota and other Plains tribes also use it to treat wounds, applying it topically to reduce swelling and prevent infection.

Recipe: Goldenrod Honey

Pour raw honey over the flowers until the jar is full, making sure the flowers are completely submerged. Stir to remove any air bubbles, then seal the jar tightly. Let the honey infuse for 4-6 weeks in a warm place, gently shaking the jar every few days. Once infused, strain out the flowers and enjoy the goldenrod honey on toast, drizzled over fruit, or added to a salad dressing.

Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon)

Historically, cranberries have been a crucial part of Indigenous life. Tribes like the Algonquin and Wampanoag have used them for both food and medicine. Cranberries can be combined with dried meat and fat to make pemmican, a nutrient-dense, long-lasting food that is used to sustain people through the harsh winter months.

Medicinally, Native Americans recognized the cranberry’s value for treating urinary tract infections, long before modern science confirmed its efficacy.

Recipe: Cranberry Chia Pudding

Blend fresh or frozen cranberries with a small amount of water and a natural sweetener, such as maple syrup, to create a smooth puree. Next, stir the cranberry puree into a bowl of chia seeds and plant-based milk, like almond or coconut milk. Let the mixture sit for several hours, or overnight, in the refrigerator to allow the chia seeds to absorb the liquid and thicken into a pudding-like consistency.

Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)

In Indigenous medicine, mullein has been used by many tribes for its healing properties. The Navajo, Cherokee, and other groups use mullein for lung conditions, burns, and skin irritations.

In folk magic, mullein was often hung in homes or worn as a charm to ward off evil spirits or negativity. Its towering height and resilience in harsh conditions have made it a symbol of strength and protection. Despite its soft, gentle appearance, mullein grows in challenging environments, often flourishing in poor soils and disturbed land.

Mullein leaves can be made into poultices to treat respiratory conditions like asthma and bronchitis, while the flowers are used in oil infusions for treating earaches.

Mullein’s association with clearing blockages in both the lungs and kidneys mirrors its ability to clear stagnant energy and toxins from the body, making it a valuable ally in promoting overall fluid balance.

Recipe: Mullein Oil for Skin or Ear Infections

Place clean and dry mullein leaves in a glass jar and cover them completely with a high-quality carrier oil, such as olive oil or almond oil. Seal the jar and let it sit in a warm place for four to six weeks, shaking the jar occasionally to help infuse the oil. After the infusion period, strain out the plant material and store the infused oil in a dark glass bottle.

Pears (Pyrus communis)

Pears are rich in dietary fiber, especially a substance called pectin, which is great for digestion and helps regulate our blood sugar levels. Pears are also high in antioxidants, vitamin C, and copper, which protect cells from damage and support immune health.

The fruit's high water content, combined with its mild diuretic properties, makes it super effective for promoting hydration and supporting the kidneys.

Recipe: Poached Wine Pears

Peel four ripe but firm pears, such as Bosc or Anjou, leaving the stems intact for presentation. Cut a small slice off the bottom of each pear so they can stand upright when served. In a large saucepan, combine one bottle of red wine, such as Merlot or Pinot Noir, with one cup of water and half a cup of sugar, adjusting the sweetness as needed. Add one cinnamon stick, two or three whole cloves, a split vanilla bean or a teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a strip of lemon zest. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely. Place the peeled pears into the wine mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged. You can add more water if needed. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan. Poach the pears gently for 20 to 30 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure even cooking. Drizzle the reduced wine sauce over them.

Celery (Apium graveolens)

The history of celery dates back to at least 850 BCE, when it was used for medicinal purposes in Egypt, and it was also woven into the funerary wreaths of ancient Greek athletes, symbolizing great honor and hard won victory.

In medieval Europe, celery continued to be used as both a food and medicine, especially for treating issues that were related to digestion and inflammation.

Recipe: Celery Apple Salad

Slice several stalks of fresh celery and combine them with thinly sliced green apples. Add a handful of walnuts or pecans for texture and a light crunch. To dress the salad, whisk together fresh lemon juice, a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. Drizzle this dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat the ingredients.

Corn Silk (Zea mays)

Although we often throw this away as a byproduct of harvesting corn, these silky strands have been used medicinally for centuries, especially in Asia, Abya Yala, and Turtle Island. Corn silk is highly valued for its ability to support the kidneys and urinary system, regulate fluid balance, and cool the body.

Corn silk is considered cooling and sweet, making it a valuable remedy for clearing heat and promoting the smooth flow of fluids through the body.

Recipe: Corn Silk Broth

In a pot, combine the corn silk with a few cups of water, along with vegetables such as onions, carrots, and celery for added flavor. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about 30 minutes, allowing the corn silk to release its nutrients into the broth. Strain the corn silk and vegetables from the liquid, leaving behind a clear, slightly sweet broth.

Elderberry (Sambucus nigra)

The history of elderberry is rich with myth and medicine. In ancient times, the elder tree was sacred, associated with various Goddesses and female deities because of the plant’s protective and nurturing qualities.

Ancient societies used elderberry as a remedy for colds, flu, and inflammation, recognizing its ability to support the immune system and promote sweating, which helps to detoxify the body.

Recipe: Elderberry Syrup

Simmer one cup of dried elderberries with three cups of water, along with spices like cinnamon sticks, cloves, and ginger for added warmth and flavor. Simmer the mixture for about 45 minutes to an hour, until it reduces by half. Once the liquid is reduced, strain out the elderberries and spices, and let the syrup cool slightly. Once it has cooled to a warm temperature, stir in half a cup of raw honey to sweeten and preserve the syrup.