Libra is the sign of justice, balance, and harmony, and is represented in the Zodiac by a symbol of scales. According to astrologists, individuals under the Libra sign are gifted with an uncanny ability to see both sides of every issue.
By far, the two most popular Libra symbol tattoos are the Scales of Justice and the Libra Glyph, while the other Libra symbol worth considering is one of the Libra constellation tattoos.
These stunning Libra tattoos take some interesting technical directions or create cool illustrative designs deeper than the over-traditional symbolic meaning, as well as simple, effective pieces designed for clarity and crisp delivery.
For a serene Zodiac sign perspective on Libra tattoos, check out the 57 astrological designs on offer below to fire your inspiration for a new tattoo idea.
1. Illustrative Libra Tattoo Ideas
The Greek goddess Themis is regularly shown holding the scales. She was the original purveyor of unbiased counsel. As the planet that watches over Libra, Venus is another common element to showcase.
Another older representation of the Scales of Justice that is often depicted in Libra tattoos comes from Ancient Egypt. In the Hall of Two Truths, the god of the Dead Anubis weighed the heart of a person against the feather of Ma’at, the goddess of Truth depicted as an ostrich feather.
These more illustrative Libra tattoo designs offer variations of these perspectives but on a grander scale (pun intended) than some of the other options found below. The symbolic meaning of each tattoo is the same; they’re just depicted in a much more artistic fashion that may require more study than a simple stamped glyph.
Seen here would seem to be the Greek goddess Themis, or a similar Lady of Justice, once again. This time she is blindfolded as she has often been depicted. She is holding a miniature set of scales as her hair blows in front of her calm, even-tempered face. Some of the little details, such as the lips or the creases in the blindfold, make tattoos like this one all the more enjoyable to view.
This is a rather interesting Libra tattoo, one of a large and somewhat-muscular figure. This figure has his arms outstretched and each is holding a chain. Each chain holds a bowl below, effectively making the figure, combined with the chains and their respective bowls, one big representation of Themis-like Scales of Justice. With this being a well-known symbol of Libras, it is fitting that the platform the figure is standing on has the basic Libra symbol carved into it on at least two sides.
Featuring a set of scales and an all-seeing eye in black ink and heavy gray shading, this tattoo is quite similar to and, at the same time. vastly different from many other Libra tattoos. Aside from the lines and circular shapes forming around parts of the scales and much of the triangle encapsulating the eye, the contents of each side of the scale immediately stand out upon a close investigation of this piece.
The left scale is holding something that looks like a heart. On the other scale, a feather is clearly seen almost floating above the bowl space, tying it to the Egyptian Scales of Justice.
2. American Traditional and Neo Traditional Libra Tattoos
Symbolic references, such as the Libran Glyph and Scales of Justice, can be enjoyably incorporated into the American Traditional tattoo art style – old school ink loves a symbol – however, these days, the neo-traditional design allows for wider use of color and expansive constellation tattoo imagery.
Pictured here is an interesting and unique set of scales made out of wood. Most notably dominant in this piece is a large owl perched on the top of the scales. This beautiful bird bears an array of well-chosen colors in its foliage, including a shade of teal blue, multiple shades of brown, a bit of black, and a few well-placed segments of red.
One possible meaning of the presence of this owl is the old association of such mysterious birds with great wisdom. Perhaps the scales combined with the owl are a depiction of the need for wisdom in decisions regarding justice, such as those of law and order, or simply the marriage of wisdom with level sensibilities.
3. The Glyph Libra Tattoo Design
The Scales of Justice represent the balance of the individual against the needs of society and a fair balance between the interests of one individual and those of another. The Libra Glyph, which is essentially two parallel lines with the topmost one having a hump, is a simplified version of the Scales of Justice.
Along with fully realized Scales of Justice designs, the Libra Glyph is the most popular type of Libra tattoo idea.
Below is a slightly different take on the symbol for Libra but is also detailed with a few warped or serrated portions. This tattoo design contains the years 1964 and 2005, making this a piece quite likely done in remembrance, most likely for a Libra and perhaps even on the skin of a fellow Libra.
Another interesting touch is a section of the top of the sign that seems to dissolve and turn into a small flock of birds. Perhaps this is symbolic of a loved one departing this life and traveling to whatever is next.
This simple black Libra shape is minimalistic and unassuming but still stands out and provokes thought as it sits comfortably on the subject’s back just below the neck. This would also be a fine piece even in an area where the tattoo artist doesn’t have a great deal of room, such as behind the ear or on the hand.
Shown here is the classic and possibly the most basic, fundamental symbol for the Libra sign. It is quite small and fits easily on the wrist. This depiction of the famous symbol is a bit frazzled as it appears to be made more of small wisps and strands put together rather than straightforward, solid linework. It is certainly an interesting little flare added to an otherwise simple design.
This is a big version of the Libra symbol done boldly on the inner arm. This is a great tattoo for guys, and as relatively simple as this symbol is, it could most likely be done on various body parts.
4. The Scales of Justice Zodiac Tattoo
The astrological sign of Libra is the sign of justice, balance, and harmony, as represented in the Zodiac by a symbol of scales. The Libra scales are the most popular Libra Zodiac symbol tattoo and are based on a representation of the Greek Goddess Themis, the arbiter of divine law and order who held the Scales of Justice.
According to astrologists, individuals under the Libra sign are gifted with an uncanny ability to see both sides of every issue, and fairness is always a crucial factor in their decision-making. Based on this background, these enchanting Librascale themes are also popular tattoos among lawyers and legal workers.
This piece displays the scale that so often serves as a symbol for the Libra astrological sign, only it is formed by the body of a man as he leans forward deeply with his head down, his arms outstretched on either side and his legs form a diamond shape as they join at the feet. Tied to each of his wrists are strings that are tied together to hold a shallow bowl on each hand. In this way, the figure of the man’s body plus the bowls make up an exceptionally unique human set of scales. This could also be seen as a reflection of the human element of justice, and how it is determined and handed out.
Here is quite a simple representation of the scales that weigh elements of justice or perhaps depict the subject’s level-headed disposition. It is composed of a small set of lines of various lengths placed together so that it is clearly identifiable as a scale, thus giving it the identity of a Libra tattoo. It is extremely minimalistic and even somewhat abstract in nature, as it makes use only of simple black lines, curves, and negative space.
This is another piece of fine tattoo artistry in the form of scales. Whether it is referencing law and order, a karma of some type of levelness, these scales have Libra inked all over them. A crescent moon also appears to be incorporated into the design. This could have any additional meanings, or it could be that the moon simply serves to deepen the astrological feel of the piece.
5. Linework Tattoo Designs
A couple of these linework designs are at the halfway point and will be given finely detailed black and gray shading to fully flesh out cool Libra tattoo ideas.
The other linework designs are fully finished, showing great use of different line styles to make interesting Libra tattoos. I really like how each Libra woman is depicted in opposition to each other in furthering the idea of balance along with the Scales of Justice portion of each design.
This thin and wispy version of the scales is interesting for no reason other than the fact that it is noticeably different from other Libra scales. It is abstract to the degree that, out of context, this chest piece might be confusing to the untrained eye.
What is immediately evident about this tattoo is a new take on the reoccurring scales theme seen throughout these Libra tattoos. This one is rather interesting as it incorporates the heads of two female figures, tree branches of some sort, and even an eye at the bottom of the piece. An interesting aspect of this design is that the tattoo artist used a great deal of linework combined with skillful use of negative space.
6. Innovative Libra Tattoo Designs
These stunning Libra tattoos take some interesting technical directions that set them apart. I like the Libra glyphs that have been made to look 3D by incorporating stone effects, while the air sign being utilized as a Libra woman holding the scale and balancing two simple colors on either tray is also well done, as is a similar linework tattoo balancing the sun sign and moon.
The solid gray/negative space Libra constellation piece is a simple but epic technical star sign tattoo. The stars that make up the Libra constellation were once considered part of Scorpius, also suggesting the image of scales.
Amid a haze of black and gray comes a charging soldier in this leg piece. Appearing to be a Spartan or some other fierce warrior of old, this armor-clad figure holds a long, sharpened blade in one hand and a set of scales in the other. The scales in the hands of an oncoming fighter could symbolize many things, possibly that justice is sometimes needed to be dealt with by force.
This darkly shaded tattoo features a long-haired, more modern take on the traditional woman-with-scales depiction that is often associated with Libras. Also notable are the contents of each scale: one is fire and the other appears to be ice, two elements in nature that have often been depicted in old tales as opposite forces. Perhaps this tattoo demonstrates the total difference yet equal worth held by fire and ice, i.e., great opposites.
7. Geometric Libra Tattoos
Constellation tattoos and astrological body art are generally very popular. A Libra tattoo design is no different. These examples apply a lot of different elements; however, the line dotwork approaches to making shapes stand out among hourglass imagery, sun sign, moon, or the Libra staples of glyph, Libra woman, or Lady Justice tattoo.
Another scale for the Libras, although this one is a bit more intricate. Interestingly, there is a circle worked into the device and the lines that make it up might suggest that this circle is made of wood. Additionally, there are multiple stars and a crescent moon amidst this piece as well as an oval-shaped field of cover placed on one side of the scales that are largely made from dotwork. Perhaps these other pieces of artwork are intended to further the sense of symbolism and mysticism associated with the main design.
8. Libra Back Tattoos
The sense of balance and harmony for Libra tattoo ideas breaks down even in placement for these epic back tattoos. The Scales of Justice are well-centered or balanced perfectly in opposition to each other, whether it’s a smaller tattoo at the juncture of the neck and shoulder blade or a full back piece of elaborate body art.
Now, this is a unique design. What better way to represent your sign than by incorporating its essence with one of the most well-known mythical and magical creatures of all time? That’s right, this Libra tattoo combines the traditional set of scales, except they are joined by none other than a mighty dragon. This combination, done entirely in black and gray, covers much of the subject’s back. There is certainly detailed work in this piece as well, whether it be the shading on the scales, the lines on the dragon’s neck, or the great beast’s set of wings.
9. Small and Tiny Tattoos
This final group shows off the range of Libra Zodiac sign tattoos; they can be tiny tattoos yet still create a big design impact based on placement and simplicity. They are part of the next wave of tattoo designs where they can be accentuated or covered up with ease based on the situation.
This small and tasteful tattoo puts the pride and personality of a Libra on easy display as the symbol rests tightly on the subject’s thumb. It may be small and simple, but most tattoo lovers know that sometimes, the smallest pieces of artwork mean the most.
What Libra tattoo should I get?
By far, the two most popular Libra symbol tattoos are the Scales of Justice and the Libra Glyph.
The other Libra representative tattoo worth considering is one of the Libra constellation tattoos. The stars that make up the constellation Libra were once considered part of Scorpius, also suggesting the image of scales.
Those under the Libra sign are born between September 23 and October 22.
What do the scales mean in a Libra tattoo?
The sign of Libra is the astrological sign of justice, balance, and harmony, represented as Zodiac sign by a symbol of scales.
The Libra scales are the most popular Libra themed tattoo and are based on a representation of the Greek Goddess Lady Themis, the arbiter of divine law and order who held the Scales of Justice.
In this role, The Goddess Themis was the divine voice that instructed mankind in the primal laws of justice and morality, such as piety, hospitality, good governance, conduct of assembly, and pious offerings to the gods.
Another older representation of the Lady Justice tattoo often depicted by tattoo lovers comes from Ancient Egypt. In the Hall of Two Truths, the god of the Dead Anubis weighed the heart of a person against the feather of Ma’at, the goddess of Truth depicted as an ostrich feather.
If the person’s heart was balanced, the individual would continue their journey to the Underworld of Lord Osiris.
What does the Libra Glyph represent?
The Libra Glyph, which is essentially two parallel lines with the topmost one having a hump, is a simplified version of the Scales of Justice.
The Libra is the only sign of the Zodiac not represented by an animal and is the seventh sign in the astrological zodiac.
Libra is an air sign that falls under the rule of the planet Venus.
Did you enjoy these Libra tattoo possibilities? For more inspiration on Zodiac and astrological tattoo art, click on the links below for cool tattoo galleries:
- Leo Tattoo Design Ideas
- Aries Tattoo Ideas
- Virgo Tattoo Design
- Gemini Tattoo Ideas
