Virgo, The Virgin or Maiden
August 23 - September 22
"I Analyze."
Planet: Mercury, Ceres
House: 6th House of Health
Element: Earth
Quality: Mutable
Principle: Discernment
Colors: Indigo, Green & Grey
Metal: Nickel
Gem: Sapphire & Tiger's Eye
Flower: Forget-me-nots
Anatomy Rulership: Hands & abdomen
Countries: Greece, Turkey, West Indies, Uruguay
Cities: Paris, Boston, Heidelberg
Virgo is the sixth astrological sign in the Zodiac, originating from the constellation of Virgo. In astrology, Virgo is considered a "feminine", negative (introvert) sign. It is also considered an earth sign and is one of four mutable signs. Virgo is traditionally ruled by the planet Mercury, but Ceres and several other planets have been suggested as the ruler of Virgo by some modern astrologers. Being the sixth sign of the zodiac, Virgo has been associated with the astrological sixth house.
Personality
Logical, serious, thoughtful, modest, critical, reserved and clean. Virgo's can also sometimes be busy, concerned, careful, practical, analytical and discriminating.
Virgo rules thoughts in the mind, everything is inside. To the world, Virgo presents a calm and collected exterior but on the inside, nervous uncontrolled intensity in the mind, trying to figure things out, how to improve everything, analyzing and thinking. Virgo can tire itself out without performing any physical tasks. Virgo has a constant drive to improve and perfect, which can lead to extreme pickiness and finickiest. They are pure, their motives are honest - never malicious and they want to accomplish something rather than nothing.
As a Virgo, you may be more complex than others give you credit for or see you as. Since Mercury the planet of communications rules your sign, your head rules your heart, but this doesn't mean you're cold and not able to relate. On the contrary, your sensitivity is unmatched by any other sign except Pisces. It's often unseen, however, because you tend to be quite shy and reserved. Virgo's are very generous, especially once they have found someone special. The Virgo will care for them, do favors for them, and above all give them their loyalty. Mercury is a sign of intellect, so you're also quite smart. You're particularly adept at analysis and logic. You also notice details more than any other sign, and this serves you well in a variety of careers. You have a great work ethic and you're disciplined, highly organized, punctual, and tireless. There may be a tendency to keep everything neat, which isn't necessarily a bad trait to have. Many Virgo's find themselves at an economic disadvantage early in life, so they become extremely motivated to succeed as a result, and most achieve comfortable, if not lavish, means.
Weaknesses and Trouble Spots
Since the Virgo can be considered overly perfectionist in more ways than one, Virgo's can be very critical. Usually, as a Virgo you don't mean to be. You've figured something out, and you want to tell people. But they think you're condescending to them, or worse, placing unrealistic expectations on them. They grant you your expertise, but they often mistake your snaring for rubbing it in. Many professional critics in the literary and entertainment fields are Virgo's. As a Virgo your actions throughout life may be considered very idealistic (not necessarily bad). However you may also be too unrealistic at times, and be careful with that when presenting yourself.
An even worse trait of a Virgo is their self-criticism. As a Virgo you may often vent your harshest words on your own flaws. If you're not the best at something, you flog yourself into working harder until you either succeed or give up. Virgo's might also not be very social (because of shyness), so they can have a hard time with the opposite sex. The Virgo's perfectionism compounds the problem, limiting the field. All of this, obviously, can add up to misery at any stage of the game. The important thing is to realize that everyone has certain strengths and weaknesses. Learn to appreciate your special gifts and accept your flaws.
People often mistake the Virgo shyness for aloof coldness. When Virgo's do converse, they're more comfortable talking business or intellectualizing, not spilling the darkest secrets. Thus, you easily give the impression of preferring to be alone, so others keep their distance as a result. In fact, you want company, but you're picky. Make sure those you're interested in know you like them, and why. Watch your body language. You're a detail specialist, so use these little details to lead a happier life.
Occupations & Financial
Virgo's are best at and usually succeed the most when in the profession of scientists, doctors, engineers, writer, editor (Mercury rules words), surgeon, and secretary. It's very rare to see a Virgo on the unemployment line, and just as rare to see one riding in a limousine. Most Virgos fall short of the millions, but live on comfortable salaries. Virgo is perhaps the most employable sign of all, based on their work ethic, intellect, and desire to be the best. Virgos sometimes like to quietly works their way up the career ladder, not outwardly, but instead usually behind the scenes. If you are a Virgo person, you probably have an analytical mind that solves problems easily, and this gets you noticed and possibly promoted. There are many Virgos in the medical profession, because it combines highly refined skills, a quiet demeanor, and a way to be of service to people.
Your lone weakness, financially, is a tendency to gamble. You may be aware that you're stable, however you may need the excitement of winning big via gambling to add spice to your financial life. Indeed, some Virgos have been known to succeed as professional gamblers, but only when they apply themselves using the same analytical skills and work ethic that are usually saved for more traditional vocations. It's okay to have fun with it here and there, but don't go overboard unless you're striving to be a pro. Everything in moderation!
Virgos Throughout Time
The Russian physiologist Pavlov, of Pavlov's dog fame, was a Virgo, as is the great caretaker of the people, Mother Teresa. There are also many Virgo's in the military (attention to detail, service to others, and a structure to blend into) and teaching (detail, service, structure, and sharing learned information).
Because of the Mercury influence, many Virgos become great writers and composers: on the musical side, there's Leonard Bernstein and Claude Debussy (quiet, introverted, and moves in regular rhythmic patterns); the great country songwriter George Jones, the rather introverted jazzman Branf ord Marsalis; the shy Buddy Holly; and perhaps most Virgoan of all, Michael Jackson—shy (sensitive, and obsessed with perfection, physically and professionally). The list of writers includes Leo Tolstoi, Goethe, Bret Harte, and O. Henry (all of whom expressed the misery of aloneness).
The famous Virgo actors tend to be introverted as well: the late River Phoenix, Ingrid Bergman, Anne Bancroft, Jeremy Irons, Richard Gere, Marlee Matlin, Sophia Loren, Twiggy, and of course, Greta Garbo. Other Virgo media personalities include the reserved newsmen Dan Rather and Charles Kuralt, quieter politicians such as former president Lyndon Johnson and senator Geraldine Ferraro, perfectionistic filmmakers Oliver Stone and Richard Attenborough, and hard-working athletes Jimmy Connors and Cal Ripken, Jr.
Mythology
Who exactly Virgo was considered to represent is uncertain; in history, it has been associated with nearly every prominent goddess, including Ishtar, Isis, Cybele, and Athena, as well as with Mary the Mother of Jesus. Virgo may also feature, along with Ursa Major, and Ursa Minor, as part of the source of the myth of Callisto, either as Callisto herself, or as Hera. Persephone (who in some mythologies, notably the Eleusinian Mysteries, was considered to be a form of Demeter) is often mentioned as well, Virgo being visible mainly in the spring months when she was believed to have risen from the underworld.
According to one interpretation, the constellation depicts Astraea, the virgin daughter of the god Zeus and the goddess Themis. Astraea was known as the goddess of justice, and was identified as this constellation due to the presence of the scales of justice Libra nearby, and supposedly ruled the world at one point with her wise ways until mankind became so callous she returned to the skies disgusted.
