Librans’ love of beauty and harmony extends to their pets. Aggressive or rowdy animals are definitely out. You need a pet which is gentle, loving and good-looking. It is important that it blends in with its surroundings, is happy to share your sociable lifestyle and does not disturb the critical balance of your life.

Your dislike of any kind of conflict means that you should choose a pet which can be easily trained to do what it is told. You would do well to avoid animals which need copious amounts of regular exercise. Of course, you have nothing against exercise as such, but you like to indulge in it when it suits you, rather than as an unremitting whatever-the-weather routine.

Although Libra rules small reptiles - including lizards - it is unlikely that you will get on with one as a pet. You are more likely to be attracted to something a little fluffier and more sociable such as a long-haired Peruvian guinea pig which is gentle, sensitive, good with children and very pretty. Its silky luxurious coat needs regular grooming with a toothbrush to prevent knots forming. Show animals even have their hair set in cardboard rollers to look their best before a public appearance.

It you have the necessary space, you might choose a black-and-white jacob sheep, an exotic long-haired animal which is gentle, loves company and hates being alone. Despite boasting either one or two pairs of fierce-looking horns, jacob’s sheep are particularly friendly and - like some Librans - easily led.

Cats, in common with your birth sign, are ruled by Venus, and Librans frequently prefer cats to dogs, which are, generally, dirtier, more demanding and require more looking after. Persian cats are the ideal choice. The fact that they are beautiful, languorous, easygoing, very rarely aggressive, and enjoy a taste for luxurious living, means that they fit in perfectly with the lifestyle and environment of the typical Libran.

For the dog-loving Libran, cavalier king charles spaniels are the ideal companions. These endearing dogs which have long silky feathers on their ears, legs and tail, grow to between 12 and 13 inches high, are loyal, easygoing, gentle and sociable with an even temperament which is particularly suited to the peace-loving Libran nature.

They love exercise but only in short bursts - sufficient to get even the most languid of Librans out in the fresh air without feeling they are being overstretched. These bright-eyed intelligent dogs are also good with children and the elderly - another important factor for Librans who are extra-sensitive to any form of disharmony in their immediate environment.

The suggestions above are merely guidelines and in no way suggest that there is only one breed or type of pet which is suitable for any one Zodiac sign. And it is, of course, essential to know everything there is to know about buying and keeping any pet before taking it home.