New Moon in Libra: Abigail—Get You a Woman Who’s Both

Libra is an air sign, known for its graceful intellect, love of beauty, and dedication to harmony in relationships. Libra thrives in the realm of ideas, communication, and social connection—bringing a breath of fresh air to interactions with their light, thoughtful, and engaging presence. Libra is also a Cardinal sign, marking the beginning of autumn. Cardinal signs are initiators—they carry the spark of new beginnings and are known for their ability to launch fresh ideas and lead with dynamic vision. This gives Libra a unique blend of drive and diplomacy, capable of starting movements rooted in justice, balance, and collaboration. Ruled by Venus, the planet of love and aesthetics, Libra values art, peace, fairness, and beauty—in both the outer world and the inner life. Symbolized by the scales, Libra is constantly seeking equilibrium.

Abigail, a woman whose story is told in 1 Samuel 25, reflects Libra’s essence. She is the only woman in the Bible described as intelligent and beautiful, reflecting a balance of qualities. Ruth Perry writes, “Abigail breaks the ancient patriarchal mold of being valued for her beauty and/or ability to bear sons. She is praised for her intellect and understanding, with the same language attributed to wise King Solomon, the priestly tribe, and the prophets Zechariah and Sherebiah!” (source). Abigail’s story, though brief, shines with Libra energy: diplomatic, creative thinking, and attuned to the balance between self and others.

When we meet Abigail, David has been anointed king of Israel, but he is on the run from Saul. David sends messengers to Abigail’s husband, a wealthy man named Nabal (whose name literally means “fool”). David asks if Nabal will be his ally and send supplies to him and his men. Nabal refuses, and an enraged David vows to kill him.

Abigail hears all of this and decides to defy her husband and bring the supplies herself, throwing herself at the mercy of David. She comes home to her drunken husband, and waits until the next morning to tell him what she has done. He suffers a stroke and ten days later, he dies. David offers Abigail marriage, and she accepts.

Abigail’s story is complicated. She is a woman in a highly patriarchal society, caught between two powerful men who hold all of the power: her foolish, and likely abusive husband Nabal (as Wil Gafney suggests in Womanist Midrash), and the king-to-be, David, whose power comes from violence.

And yet, it becomes apparent in the story that although she doesn’t retain ultimate power, she has agency. Abigail's power is revealed in verse 17, when the servants come to her to ask what they should do after Nabal refuses to give David the supplies. She acts swiftly, decisively, and gracefully—gathering gifts to bring to David herself, diffusing the conflict with tact and wise foresight. She appeals to his sense of justice and legacy to protect her household, again displaying Libra at its best: as a courageous bringer of peace.

Abigail is a noteworthy model of biblical womanhood. She is not honored for her submission to her foolish husband, but for defying him and acting with wisdom to save herself. Furthermore, Heather Celoria writes that Abigail bears striking similarities to Jesus:

• Riding a donkey
• Presenting an offering for her husband’s sin
• Speaking prophetic truth about David’s future kingdom
• Washing the feet of David’s servants

In this sense, she is not only a Libra archetype, but a feminine Christ figure (source). She brings peace through courageous, creative, and embodied action.

High Side of Libra: Diplomatic, charming, fair-minded, gracious, social, aesthetically attuned, collaborative, balanced, peace-loving, thoughtful communicator, values harmony.

Low Side of Libra: Indecisive, conflict-avoidant, people-pleasing, superficial, passive, overly dependent on others, image-conscious, inconsistent, struggles with boundaries, avoids discomfort.

SUGGESTED MEDITATION FOR NEW MOON IN LIBRA: PRACTICING PRESENCE

Click to read more about the meditation and access the guide sheet.