Virgo's Lucky Number

The lucky number for Virgo is five (also known as the Pentad). Natives of Virgo share this number with those governed by the Sign of Gemini. Five represents sensuality and symbolizes freedom, variety, adventure and the senses. It is the golden mean, representative of all that is part of human nature (including sex, drugs, alcohol and other forms of indulgence). In geometry, five is the magic pentagram...the universal symbol of man, representing the body with five points (head, two arms and two legs) as well as the five physical senses. Throughout history, the pentagram has been invoked as a symbol of protection, particularly in Egypt where the five-pointed star enclosed in a circle was the symbol for the Duat. Five is an important number of great significance, being in the center of the Decad. To the Ancients, it symbolized marriage because it was the sum of three (the first male or odd number) and two (the first female or even integer). Thus, it was considered sacred to the Goddess Aphrodite and also had strong associations with Eros. Five signifies the five regular geometric solids, whose faces are equilateral and equitangular: tetrahedron, cube, octahedron (eight faces), dodecahedron (twelve faces) and icosahedron (twenty faces). Five is considered to be the "just middle," since by dividing any combination of numbers which add up to ten, five is always in the middle. Known to be the number of ordered space and time, it contains a powerful invoking formula of spirituality, knowledge, wisdom, freedom and love. The Ancient Romans would incorporate this number into a talisman in order to ward off the forces of evil. Five is considered an extremely complex number, perceived as both fortunate and unfortunate, expressing an action rather than a state. This number is said to be everywhere, but elusively nowhere. The five-pointed star in a circle (correctly named a "pentacle") is representative of the species of humanity...symbolic of the head, arms and legs of an individual standing "spread-eagled," as represented by the points of a star. A "peverted pentagram," however, depicts the points of the star to represent the horns, whiskers and beard of the mythological goat's head of the Christian Satan. In Eastern traditions, making the sign of five is manifesting life. It possesses a deep connection to Eros, the God of Love. In dreams, an individual often runs into five in connection with the search for genuine involvement in life. Eros and the willingness to form a union are at the heart of this number.
In biblical numerology, five is the Number of Grace and Redemption. Israel came out of Egypt five in rank, David selected five smooth stones with which to fight Goliath and the Holy Anointing Oil was pure, composed of five parts. It is also a symbol of the Universe...its two axes (vertical and horizontal) passing through the same center. It is also representative of the will of God, which can only desire order and perfection.
Five is masculine in nature and, when associated with Virgo, resides in the Sixth House of Service, Work and Health, governing work ethic and the measure of personal integrity. Five is also known as the Quintessence...the mystic fifth element of which the heavens are composed. The Pythagorean theorum states that in a right triangle, five is the square root of the sum of the squares of the two previous numbers, three and four. It is also considered a number of importance in that humankind has five senses, five fingers on each hand and five toes on each foot, as well as five wits (common sense, imagination, fantasy, estimation and memory). In biblical terms, five denotes divine grace or divine proportion, representative of God adding His gifts and blessings to the work of His hands. It is also said that Jesus suffered from five wounds. The colors associated with the number five are mixed and light in hue. Its peak is both night and day, with its natural element being air and its associated gems being diamonds and yellow sapphires.

Virgo's Season

Virgo is a Summer Zodiac Sign (as are the Signs of Cancer and Leo). This time of the year is also known as the Summer Solstice when the days are longer and the nights are shorter than at any other time during the year. In the Northern Hemisphere, Summer usually begins on June 21, while in the Southern Hemisphere, it begins around December 21. However, for the purposes of Astrology, the Northern Hemisphere timeframe marks the beginning of this Season. Spring is the Second Quarter (or Quadrant) of the yearly cycle and is traditionally considered to be a magical time during which the new life initiated in the Springtime grows to maturity.
In terms of the human life cycle, Summer represents the time from the age of twenty-one to the age of forty-two...the dynamic period of development encompassing early adulthood to the mid-life period. Governed by the faculty of feeling, this period represents a waning which manifests in an objective manner and an unconscious orientation. In short, although objective growth is taking place in an external fashion, such growth has already begun to slow down. However, as in childhood, the internal orientation remains primarily subjective. This is largely due to the fact that Mercury (which rules the Zodiac Sign of Virgo) is classified as an "inner" or "personal" planet, meaning it is close to the Earth. Again, as in childhood, this time of human life is highly personal in outlook, but also comes with much objectivity and acquired wisdom. The maturing adult is able to discriminate between the internal self and the outside world. Not everything is so highly colored by intuitions and powerful unconscious drives as in the earlier years. Although the capacity to absorb and assimilate impressions remains great, many entrances to the personality and ego will have already closed. The maturing adult is also less likely to fall victim to the subjective self and now acts in a more rational and conscious manner.
In general, individuals who fall under the jurisdiction of Summer have more measured responses than those governed by Spring and, though equally as enthusiastic, tend to be more critical. The energies here are perhaps less focused on the initiation of projects and geared more toward bringing those projects to fruition. Summer natives tend to be a mixture of both introvert and extrovert, but feelings do now play an important role in life. Empathatic urges to help and become involved with others are strong and these individuals often experience an emotional interaction not only with people, but also with work and environment. Subjects of Summer may not display an overwhelming desire to present their contributions to the world. Many hidden characteristics develop during this period and being appreciated is not always paramount. Rather than placing personal freedom and independence above all else, Summer individuals are prepared to serve others and willing to invest time in those around them. In short, those governed by Summer need to be needed.

Inner self of Virgo

Virgo is the critic of the Zodiac...the analyst and the purist. Individuals ruled by this Sign are the servants, custodians and perfecters of culture, in search of complete realization of the mind. They are logical, practical and methodical, possessing a strong sense of order and organization, coupled with a love of technological advances and anything associated with the state of the art. Virgo natives have a tendency to allow their intellect to subrogate their instincts, but they are theorists and masters of extrapolation and deduction. In short, those governed by this Sign of the Zodiac are nothing short of perfectionists. They want their environments, as well as their lives, to be neat and tidy. They excel in sorting the "wheat from the chaff" and delight in planning, sorting, classifying and storing. Usually very serious individuals, Virgo subjects are indefatigable workers with a strong sense of duty. Their need to serve and be useful is so strong, that they often suffer greatly when such is thwarted. This characteristic, together with the inherent capacity for critical insight, makes for adept healers. However, because Virgo individuals are frequently blessed with superb manual skills, they also make for fine technicians. Those governed by this Sign possess an innate refinement, but there is also a nervous sensitivity here. These are worriers who are prone to pronounced mood swings. Virgo natives may pose large questions but usually refuse to take large risks. Cautious and conservative, they prefer small-scale plans to grand strategies. Subjects of this Sign are rooted in the present and amenable to change only after meticulous forethought. In short, they will not willingly court disappointment.
Virgo natives search constantly for worthy goals to pursue. Self-perfecting individuals, who are punctual and reliable, those ruled by this Sign frequently reside alone, feeling that nobody could possibly wish to live with someone who is not yet perfect enough. In addition, they are often their own worst critics and aim for the highest standards. There is an innate sense here to quickly discern when something is amiss and there will be no rest for anyone until order has been restored. Virgo individuals tend to "nag" somewhat, but that is truly only an indication of the affection these natives have for the object of their "nagging." Basically shy and modest, those governed by this Sign are prone to hide their deep sensuality behind a rather cool and critical exterior. Nonetheless, these are friendly souls...albeit somewhat reserved and thoughtful...who can display flashes of gregariousness and are attractive to the opposite sex. Virgo is the sign of abundance, but its natives always appear to have to work hard to attain it. They are excellent organizers who like to keep lists, collect meticulous details and are often "faddy" regarding food. There is also a tendency to worry about health. Being superbly adaptable, Virgo natives can turn their hand to almost anything and may easily become skilled to masterly levels. However, the typical Virgo is likely to work incognito. Over and above any other Zodiac Sign, it is probably those who governed by Virgo who insist upon being treated with respect. They admire dignity and itellect, and the surest way to win the esteem and confidence of these individuals is to pay court to their intelligence. Blessed with a fine sense of honor, they will never betray a trust but are adept at discovering disagreeable facts and will not be averse to divulging them...particularly if there is a personal point to be gained. Once a Virgo native looses confidence in another, it is hard for that individual to regain it.

Although possessed with the ability to sum up a situation or person at a glance, Virgo subjects are likely to keep their own counsel. Those who are well-acquainted with Virgo natives will love them for their fairness, but to those who will never come close to knowing the Virgo subject, he or she will always remain an enigma...a man or woman of mystery. The basic outlook here is slanted toward practical considerations in every facet of daily life. Hidden beneath the quiet and modest surface, however, is a deep-seated desire for emotional expression of an intensely dramatic nature. Thus, Virgo individuals who participate in the Arts...particularly the theater...find immense happiness and release in this outlet for their inner selves. Capable of generous and unselfish friendships, those ruled by Virgo are apt to withdraw within themselves on occasions and leave others guessing. Some people may be frightened by the inherent Virgo tendency to fault-find, but these natives can also give praise and their judgment is usually highly valued. Virgo natives are generally mild-tempered souls, but can be fussy and fretful about minor irritations and may inwardly seethe over major ones.

Travel is inevitable for Virgo natives, given that Mercury is their "guiding star." Indeed, there are probably more Virgo subjects far from their native habitat than can be found in any other Sign. Thus, these individuals tend to do well in any career which takes them abroad and away from their homelands. Nevertheless, there will always remain a romantic love for the country of birth. On the surface at least, those governed by this Sign may well be perceived as the most calm and level-headed of the Zodiac as well as being the most likely to react quickly to danger. Most individuals ruled by Virgo are by nature acquisitve, gathering possessions and money, and saving hard for a rainy day. Impeccable, methodical, studious and quick to learn, Virgo natives should follow their star by being true to themselves in all things. To attain true happiness, they should never settle for second best.

At their most negative, Virgo natives can be pessimistic, depressed or even destructive. They are blessed with powerful creative drives, but such drives are often handicapped by the need to control and perfect. At worst, the inherent order-loving nature can make them cold, introverted, punctilious, moralistic, overly fastidious, compulsive about personal health and cleanliness, obsessed with organization and mired in petty details. The Virgo quality of perfectionism can sometimes turn to cold-blooded ruthlessness and, on occasion, those governed by this Sign, having an object in view, will stop at nothing to attain it. Virgo natives of the higher type usually possess a rare psychic power. They are also capable of seeing through pretense. If the intellectual and spiritual side of the Virgo nature can be fully cultivated, then its natives will become wonderfully charming, magnetic and powerful individuals who prefer to entertain their friends rather than be entertained.

One of the pitfalls faced by those who fall within the jurisdiction of this Sign is a tendency to rehearse for life rather than actually live it. The Virgo belief is one that dictates they will never be sufficiently prepared to take full advantage when an opportunity presents itself when, in fact, these natives actually do themselves a gross disservice by not realizing that their fine intellects, fully developed or not, are more than a match for most challenges. Perhaps the true challenge for Virgo subjects is to expand their perspective beyond mere details in order to fully appreciate the larger order and underlying pattern of creation. Thus, they will be able to marvel at the abundance and diversity of the world. Individuals who can accomplish this will undoubtedly recognize the goals worthy of service and can then serve with devotion. In so doing, they will temper intellect with reverence.

The secret fear of Virgo subjects is that they will be found wanting or that it will be discovered that they need someone. In general, however, this is an unassuming Sign which produces hard workers who can serve unflinchingly while giving of their hearts.

The Quest For Perfection

"When you cease to
make a contribution,
you begin to die. " - Eleanor Roosevelt


Virgo, to be precise, is the 6th sign in the zodiac and although it follows flamboyant Leo, it simply wouldn’t do to mistake this for a resemblance! Virgo, being a down-to-Earth-sign, is not flamboyant, dramatic, nor given to flights of fancy. Virgo is concerned with practical matters, like nutrition, health, labour and service. Virgo isn’t interested in the creative expression of the spirit, but in the practical application of these things in the service of others. During the coming New Moon cycle, each of us has the chance to examine and perfect the Virgo side of ourselves. (“Does this mean there’s going to be a test?”)

The Story So Far

(“Right: we wouldn’t want to check out our Virgos improperly, now would we?”), it’s useful to see its place in the sequence of signs, starting with Aries. Our Fiery Aries nature represents that primal life force that propels us into being. It is personal identity in its most basic form: “I am!” Our archetypal Aries nature thrives on taking risks and following impulses. It strives to meet fear and uncertainty with courage, directness and a robust sense of self.

Our Taurus Earthy nature provides a balancing, stabilizing complement to this eruption of Aries energy. In Taurus we are concerned with the substance of who we are, both internally and externally. Our Taurus side sees to our physical survival needs (money, possessions, food, shelter, clothes) and ensures that, if possible, we are secure in meeting those needs. It is what we value, including the value we place on ourselves.

In Airy Gemini, our primary Self fragments and we experience the infinite facets of our multidimensional nature. We find that we are a reflection of our environment and that we grow and change by interacting with the world around us. We give and take information and thereby increase our self-awareness and self-knowledge. (“I am and I am not, I think... (I think not!)”)

In Watery Cancer, we encounter our emotional, feeling nature and dip into the vast unconscious reservoir within. Cancer introduces us to our private, personal reactions and needs. It is here we begin our encounter with “The Other” in earnest, through empathy, dependency needs, and the instinct to care for, protect and nurture ourselves and others. As such, Cancer represents our childhood experience with our family-of-origin and our inclination to form our own family in adulthood. (“I came from a dysfunctional family of mythical proportions!”)

In Fiery Leo, the fragile, vulnerable self that was cuddled and coddled in Cancer now “leaves home” to develop a unique identity separate from our initial support systems. Leo validates and celebrates our conscious ego-identity. Our Leo nature shines through our creativity, self-expression, spirited enthusiasm and fun.

A More Perfect Vision

Now we come to Earthy Virgo, counterbalancing the Leo Fire-storm with a grounded, pragmatic perspective. To revel in the spirit of our radiant Leo Self is all well and good, but eventually we must ask ourselves what we’re going to do with that Self. Is ego-stroking all there is to existence, or is there something beyond it which is more wholesome or superior? The personal purpose we encountered in Leo now gives rise to a quest for higher purpose in Virgo. Our Virgo nature sees greater expectations and potentials in our existence beyond mere creative gratification and self-assuring self-expression.

In the natural chart, Virgo shares the Descendant point with Libra. The Descendant (or 7th House cusp) is associated with interaction, relationships, our style of relating, and encounters with “The Other”. (“The other WHAT?”) Libra is more commonly associated with these areas (since the 7th House is Libra’s natural house), but Virgo is also involved with “The Other” through service.

Our Virgo nature says it isn’t enough to simply exist—we must put that existence to use by helping others benefit from the fruits of our existence. We must help others attain the level of refinement and culmination that we aspire to, ourselves. (“Count me out! What do I want with trying to raise up a bunch of mortal trash!? I’ll leave all that bleeding liver stuff to Prometheus!”) If we alone realize our accomplishments while others are still suffering, stuck or struggling, then ours is a hollow victory. We’re all in the Life-boat together and we must help each other or none will reach his/her goal with any integrity.

And what is Virgo’s goal? Self-perfection. If Leo celebrates the Self, then Virgo asks: Why stop there? We mustn’t stop until we’re the absolute best we can be! But perfection is a tall order for fallible human beings (“You’re tellin’ ME!”) and it’s easy to feel lost in the process. So how do we approach such lofty aspirations? We start with the here-and-now. If we’re going to perfect ourselves, we must pay attention to every detail, leaving no component unexamined. If the details are as they should be, the whole will reflect that careful vigilance. If the big picture looks okay, but the details are fuzzy or incorrect, then the whole will inevitably fall apart.

Imperfect Perfectionism

In Virgo, we must ensure that we are truly worthy of the highest vision of that Leo spirit. We must do everything we can to ensure that we live that vision in our every breath, our every action, our every word, thought and deed. Anything short of that indicates that we require further work and refinement, leading us back to the drawing board. (“Whew! A Virgo’s work is never done!”)

But wait! Isn’t this getting a little extreme? We are, after all, human beings (“Don’t remind me....”) who, by nature, make mistakes and continually fluctuate between what is and what could be. Isn’t our Virgo nature being too demanding and exacting, to the point where we can no longer be who we actually are, thereby defeating the whole purpose of the exercise?

This is the danger in Virgo—to immerse ourselves so totally in a vision of idealized perfection that the goal becomes more important than the person. It’s possible for Virgo’s perfectionism to stretch out so far beyond our fallible human nature that it reaches a polarized, contradictory position. (“Gulp! I think I just swallowed my tail...”) Virgo’s realism becomes unrealistic in its extreme demands; her pragmatic goals become impossible to reach. Her shining vision of self-improvement becomes an insurmountable wall of flawlessness against which we hurl ourselves, bruising and wounding our self-worth as we try to live up to impossible standards.

How do we know when our Virgo nature has crossed the line into extremism or obsessive perfectionism? (“When you criticize the way you criticize yourself?”) That line is different for everyone, as is the vision of what constitutes perfection. However, if you find you’re constantly doing battle with yourself, your habits, your will and/or your instincts, then it’s a good bet you’re being too hard on yourself and your Virgo nature has run amok.

Allowing ourselves to be human, rather than try to be demigods,—(“Hey! Whadaya got against demigods!?”)—means giving ourselves the time to learn to walk before being expecting to run. Whatever a healthy, attainable state of self-perfection might be, it must be attained through a process of gradual growth that is built up layer upon layer, with each new skill resting solidly on the abilities achieved in previous levels of learning.

The Ideal Application

Virgo’s association with work, service and health is a logical outgrowth from its basic qualities. Becoming the best you can be requires hard work and dedication, and we will learn and receive that which we are willing to give away and share with others. If we exist only in service to ego gratification, we become self-centered, egotistical, myopic and one-dimensional. (“So what’s wrong with that?! I’m all of those things and I’m TERRIFIC -- Just ask me!”) However, by being there for others and providing practical, useful assistance and support, we get to practice and apply what we believe to be our highest Self. It is through the concrete application of these ideals outside of ourselves that we learn better how to adopt and fit these principles to our own lives. We learn by doing, and are shaped and modified by the act of doing.

However, this isn’t about locking our focus onto others, gleefully passing out advice like candy. Unfortunately, there’s plenty of room in Virgo’s realm for hypocrisy and "do-as-I-say-not-as-I-do" double standards. What’s more, the advice that our Virgo nature loves to dispense is often not appreciated by others who may experience it as critical, demanding and exacting. This can leave us bewildered and frustrated. After all, aren’t we just trying to help that person attain the same level of perfection we all strive for?

There’s the rub! Others don’t necessarily want what we do or have the same vision of perfection. If we project our own values and standards onto someone else, without seeing or accepting theirs, we set ourselves up for rejection, resentment or reciprocal reproach. There can be a gaping difference between tentatively offering feedback/suggestions, or humbly sharing one’s own experience (which lets the other person choose their own path), versus advice which presumes that you know what’s best. (“Ya, so you should never ever do that, okay?”)

See Me, Feel Me, Touch Me, Heal Me

Virgo’s association with health is founded on the idea that if you’re preoccupied with a dysfunctional body, you won’t be of much use to yourself or anyone else. (“True: The last time I had a cold, I kept sneezing and the files on my hard disk would scatter like shredded Kleenex!”) If the higher levels of attainment are to be reached, the lower, more fundamental levels of existence must be operating at peak efficiency. This means not merely enough food to satisfy hunger, but adequate nutrition in the foods one consumes. It means a holistic approach to one’s body health: sound body, mind, spirit and emotions.

It means the intake of foods that will fuel and sustain the body’s needs, ensuring effective absorption of those nutrients, and efficient elimination of its waste products. (“Hey, leave my waste products out of this!”) One can’t afford to be squeamish about bodily functions if one is to fine-tune it into a purring machine. Hence, Virgo people are often capable of extraordinary objectivity and pragmatism in situations that cause others to blanch. It’s small wonder than many Virgo’s enter the healing professions, where they deal with the body or mind in its most gory, putrid, afflicted states.

The whole process of healing constitutes bringing a distorted, dysfunctional and/or dis-eased entity back to its rightful, natural, divinely-intended state. In that context, perfection may be seen as a state of functionality that matches the best we’re capable of, as opposed to the grandest we can idealistically imagine. One could also see it as being “good enough,” rather than striving to meet some contrived, arbitrary standard which has little to do with the reality of who and what we are as physical and spiritual creatures.

Our Living Contribution

Work is another province in Virgo’s domain. Through our work and labours, we contribute to the world around us and help it function. Our work helps or hinders the health and performance of society. As such, our work is the personal energy we invest in our world.

Although Virgo and the 6th House are associated with paid employment, they also include any effort that makes a contribution to one’s surroundings. Whether you work as a brick layer, punch a computer keyboard, are a stay-at-home parent, volunteer at the local library, or just sit at home and make a point of calling your friends to offer support and love—all of these activities make a contribution to your world. They are the basic vehicles through which you connect with society and take your place as a functioning member of that society.


Mercury and Chiron

Mercury is the traditional planetary ruler of Virgo. We’ve already met Mercury as the ruler of Gemini, which is about communication, perceptions, thought, information and the workings of the conscious mind. The Virgo side of Mercury is focused on organizing, analyzing and applying that information.

Mercury, being more naturally an Air planet (Gemini) than an Earth planet (Virgo), brings a cerebral, detached flavour to Virgo’s Earthy, manifest nature. However, because Mercury is less comfortable as an Earth planet (“He’d much rather be quirking and lurking, than working!”), many astrologers feel that some other planetary body would ultimately suit Virgo better than Mercury.

To this end, some or all of the major asteroids (Ceres, Juno, Vesta and Pallas-Athene) have been linked to Virgo. The asteroids introduce a decidedly female aura to Virgo’s already Yin nature, and reflect the many personas of the archetypal female experience—something which appeals to many astrologers who find Mercury a curiously male or neutral energy for a feminine sign energy. (“Ya, like even the symbol for Virgo is a BABE!”)

Chiron has also been associated with the modern rulership of Virgo. Mythologically, Chiron is linked to woundedness, healing and the struggle to reconcile our dualistic nature of being spiritual, divine beings, as well as mortal animals. This seems to fit well with Virgo’s focus on health, healing, and struggling with perfection versus human limitation.

Mythical Tales of Virgo

Virgo represents Mary, Mother of Jesus. The mother of Christ remains a Virgin in the minds of others even when Jesus is born. This does not mean an untouched woman, or intact. In ancient times this meant unmarried lady.

The Greek Goddess Astraea is Goddess of Justice. The Goddess Demeter, an earth Goddess who has a natural affinity with agriculture. The Syrian Goddess Atargatis. Associated with Uranus, and the Moon, the sexy Goddess.

The Goddess Astraea is the Goddess of Justice, and she represents the four seasons and the natural order including birth, change, abundance and death - spring, summer, autumn and winter. She once lived on the Earth in the golden age according to Myth. She mixed with the people teaching of the natural order of the world which was in tune with universal energies. As corruption penetrated the Earth she became disgusted, went back home and became the constellation Virgo.

The Goddess Astraea represents the natural order of everything from vegetation to animals, every thing has a life and unfolds according to its fate, which was totally dependent on the influence of the heavenly bodies.

There is a natural order of the Universe and of the Earth. This is especially important to Virgos - they feel they must behave according to their own inner values. Conflicts arise when external factors come along, which seem to shelve their most inner needs. When they continually try to accomplish the needs of others instead of their own this is where conflict begins, from outer issues in the environment to inner tensions.

Virgos must first be true to themselves and this is what the word 'virgin' means. Astraea does not have time for those that mess things up, when she can see that if the natural order had been followed, there would have been no mess up. She literally hates disorder, as most Virgos do.

The Syrian Goddess Atargatis was herself a harlot, who served men, and so enhanced and allowed them to be semi-divine - this is where men were initiated. The principle of Atargatis is to be true to ones inner-self. She represents the struggle that accompanies a Virgo's life.

The Moon and Uranus represents the more lusty side to a Virgo's nature, which creates a polarity and is difficult to master. They need to master this before becoming whole- and they may struggle between opposites, career and home, spirituality and materialism, their choice often creating a lonely path in one part of their lives. This is a sacrifice which can lead to transformation.

This sign also represents Persephone. She chooses to be a virgin, rather than a harlot. So Hades the god of the underworld takes this right out of her hands. She is abducted and taken to the underworld, to live for 6 months in the darkness and then 6 months with her mother.

Transformation has taken effect, because she was not allowed to simply remain a virgin but rather the necessity to become a woman. The mother and daughter relationship reflects the daughter's need to look back, and the mother to look forward through her daughter.

The sign of Virgo is a complex one where the individual wishes to remain intact inside - a virgin from within. It's important to them to do what is right. External conditions do not usually allow this and there tends to be an internal struggle to reunite the spirit with the physical.

Virgos bring into this world an innate feel for the truth, especially to oneself. They do not feel the need to react to another because they know deep inside what is right for them in a relationship. When external conditions occur which do not allow this inner morality to be activated, this can cause all sorts of troubles because it is against the natural flow. The struggle for Virgos is to find their uniqueness that is part of them, no one gave it or taught it to them. It is part of them. So the natural order of inner values can be applied solely on their own judgment.

Virgo FACTS

VIRGO is the sixth sign of the zodiac and is ruled by the planet Mercury. VIRGOS constantly search for knowledge. VIRGOS are very detail conscious and do well in any line of work that requires exactness. VIRGOS are practical and efficient. The single greatest defect of VIRGO is that they are very critical of others… even judgmental of others. If they overcome this negative trait they can attain the highest of spiritual achievement in life. VIRGOS are intelligent, patient, and humble.

With a Mercury as the ruling planet, people born under this sign are quick thinking and observant. VIRGOS define pure modesty; they can't bear to be taken care of, they prefer to take care of others. Though VIRGOS are often quiet and thoughtful, they are rarely shy about expressing a personal point of view. Mercury in VIRGO means mental organization, and inclines its subjects toward constant activity. VIRGOS as an Earth sign uses Mercury to do meticulous, careful mind work, an analytical thinker.

VIRGOS Mutable style takes the alternate routes, unpredictable, versatile travelers. VIRGOS are known for either sneaking off on a bicycle, taking the bus, hitchhiking, or blowing their savings on a souped-up sports car. VIRGOS may spend part of their lives heading off on detours and then suddenly emerge as someone with a remarkable sense of direction. They can adjust easily to change once they find a way of fitting the new situation into their routine. Mercury rules the conscious, reasoning mind, which gives the VIRGO the ability to learn quickly, resourcefulness, brilliance, eloquence, dexterity, and great awareness.

VIRGOS personality is interior, to the world they may give an impression of calm authority, but they are totally aware of their own nervous, restless, controlled intensity, the desire to be up and doing, rearranging, improving. VIRGOS idea of taking it easy would seem like hard work to most people. VIRGOS are not a daydreamer; they're a day-doer. VIRGOS emotional life is a constant striving to bring order out of chaos. VIRGOS have an excellent memory, an analytical mind, and are known for crystal-clear thinking. VIRGOS superb logic cuts through muddled thinking like a laser beam. Until they have the facts before them, they are reluctant to make a decision.

VIRGOS prefer one-on-one encounters, in which they can offer the full benefit of their sharp insights and discerning opinions. That's also when people discover how well read, perceptive, charming and witty they are. At times VIRGOS finely tuned sensibilities can even make them unhappy, for it gives them a heightened awareness of the world's imperfections. However, VIRGOS resist criticism of their faults from others. It's rare, a VIRGO who takes criticism well or who can admit to being in the wrong.

The VIRGO lover may not be the most romantic, but they offer their whole heart. To VIRGO love is not dramatic, emotional, or sentimental. A VIRGO'S love is devotion and will include love of family, friends, and those less fortunate than he or she. There is no pretense involved in how they act or what they say. They are loyal; VIRGOS are big on fidelity. They value more than the superficial aspects of a love relationship and they generally attract people with a similar belief system. Marriage is a major commitment; they value their union as both a love relationship and a working partnership. A warm loving relationship brings out the best in anyone born under this sign because basically VIRGOS are kind, devoted and very loyal.

The VIRGO friend as a rule is shy and self-effacing. VIRGOS have difficulty making friends, until they feel absolutely comfortable with them. Yet when they do make the effort, these people are capable of achieving extraordinary things. In general VIRGO likes a friend who is tidy, clean, and intelligent with a broad range of interests. They prefer people who are not given to big shows of emotion and are attracted to those who offer a sense of peace and serenity. VIRGOS are likely to keep the same friends for years. Often, VIRGOS befriends someone with the showy personality they themselves are uncomfortable assuming.

VIRGO SIGN

Virgo is the only zodiacal sign represented by a female. It is sometimes thought of as a potentially creative girl, delicately lovely; sometimes as a somewhat older woman, intelligent but rather pedantic and spinsterish. The latter impression is sometimes confirmed by the Virgoan preciseness, refinement, fastidious love of cleanliness, hygiene and good order, conventionality and aristocratic attitude of reserve. They are usually observant, shrewd, critically inclined, judicious, patient, practical supporters of the status quo, and tend toward conservatism in all departments of life. On the surface they are emotionally cold, and sometimes this goes deeper, for their habit of suppressing their natural kindness may in the end cause it to atrophy, with the result that they shrink from committing themselves to friendship, make few relationships, and those they do make they are careful to keep superficial.

But the outward lack of feeling may, in some individuals born under this sign, conceal too much emotion, to which they are afraid of giving way because they do not trust others, nor do they have confidence in themselves and their judgments. This is because they are conscious of certain shortcomings in themselves of worldliness, of practicality, of sophistication and of outgoingness. So they bring the art of self concealment to a high pitch, hiding their apprehensiveness about themselves and their often considerable sympathy with other people under a mantle of matter-of-factness and undemonstrative, quiet reserve. They are still waters that run deep. Yet in their unassuming, outwardly cheerful and agreeable fashion, they can be sensible, discreet, well spoken, wise and witty, with a good understanding of other people's problems which they can tackle with a practicality not always evident in their own personal relationships.

Both sexes have considerable charm and dignity, which make some male Virgoans appear effeminate when they are not. In marriage they can be genuinely affectionate, making good spouses and parents, but their love making is a perfection of technique rather than the expression of desire, and they must be careful not to mate with a partner whose sex drive requires a passion they cannot match.

They are intellectually enquiring, methodical and logical, studious and teachable. They combine mental ingenuity with the ability to produce a clear analysis of the most complicated problems. They have an excellent eye for detail but they may be so meticulous that they neglect larger issues. Also, although they are realists, they may slow down projects by being too exact.
They are practical with their hands, good technicians and have genuine inventive talents, Thoroughness, hard work and conscientiousness are their hallmarks, and they are such perfectionists that, if things go wrong, they are easily discouraged. Because of their ability to see every angle of a many-sided question, they are unhappy with abstract theorizing. Appreciating the many different points of view as they do, they find philosophical concepts difficult, and they vacillate and have no confidence in any conclusions at which they arrive.

With these qualities, they are better as subordinates than leaders. Responsibility irks them and they often lack the breadth of strategic vision that a leader needs Virgoans are essentially tacticians, admirable in the attainment of limited objectives. Their self distrust is something they project on to other people and tends to make them exacting employers, though in the demands they make on those under them they temper this attitude with justice. They have potential abilities in the arts, sciences and languages. Language especially they use correctly, clearly, consciously and formally, as grammarians and etymologists rather than for literary interests, yet they are likely to have a good memory for apt quotations. Although they are well suited for careers in machine drawing, surveying and similar occupations, they are better fitted for a job in a library or office than a workshop.

Their minds are such that they need the stimulus of practical problems to be solved rather than the mere routine or working to set specifications that need no thought. They are careful with money and their interest in statistics makes them excellent bookkeepers and accountants. They also make good editors, physicists and analytical chemists. They may also find success as welfare workers, ministering to those less fortunate than themselves. They can be doctors, nurses, psychologists, teachers, confidential secretaries, technologists, inspectors, musicians, critics, public speakers and writers especially of reference works such as dictionaries and encyclopedias. Both sexes have a deep interest in history, a feature recognized by astrological authorities for at least two hundred years. If they go in for a business career their shrewdness and analytical ingenuity could tempt them into dishonesty, though they usually have enough moral sense to resist temptation. Female Virgoans may find a career in fashion, for they have a flair for dress, in which they can be trend setters. In any profession they choose the natives of this sign readily assimilate new ideas, but always with caution, conserving what they consider worth keeping from the past. They love country life but are unlikely to make good farmers, unless they can contrive to carry out their work without outraging their sense of hygiene and cleanliness.

Their faults, as is usual with all zodiacal types, are the extremes of their virtues. Fastidious reticence and modesty become old-maidishness and persnicketiness; balanced criticism becomes carping and nagging; and concern for detail becomes overspecialization. Virgoans are liable to indecision in wider issues and this can become chronic, turning molehills of minor difficulties into Himalayas of crisis. Their prudence can become guile and their carefulness, turned in on themselves, can produce worriers and hypochondriacs.

Possible Health Concerns for a Virgo...

Virgo is said to govern the hands, abdomen, intestines, spleen and central nervous system. Illnesses to which its natives are prone include catarrh, cold, coughs, pleurisies, pneumonia and nervous instabilities. Their natures make them inclined to worry and this makes them vulnerable to stomach and bowel troubles, including colic and ulcers. Male Virgoans may have trouble with their sexual organs. Both sexes are strongly interested in drugs and esoteric cuisine and as their delicate stomachs require them to be careful about their diet, it is essential that they treat their fascination with exotic food with extreme care.

PROBLEMS THAT MAY ARISE FOR A VIRGO & THEIR SOLUTIONS

As with all sun signs, we all have unique traits to our personalities. When these traits are suppressed, or unrealized, problems will arise. However, with astrology we can examine the problem and assess the proper solution based on the sun sign characteristics. As a Virgo you may see things below that really strike home. Try the solution, you most likely will be amazed at the results. If you find yourself on the receiving end of the negatives below, it is because you are failing to express the positive.

Problem: Finding yourself frequently alone and unable to keep friends for more than a few weeks.
Solution: Try not to be argumentative over much and the constant criticism that Virgos give to their companions are not endearing qualities to have. Try to live and let live, they will love you for it.

Problem: People tend to avoid making close contact with you.
Solution: Being too preoccupied with health and making it a continual topic of conversation. Try to keep your tips and suggestions about health and health products to yourself unless asked for them.

Problem: Dissatisfied with the way your life is turning out; no excitement or change to speak of.
Solution: You may be restricting yourself by reducing your life to a set of theories and pigeon-holes. Try to express the positive by first asking yourself, Who or what are you serving; are you devoted or are you enslaved. Answer those questions and then start a new path that includes your true worth.

Problem: You may feel that your life and your climb to success is a steep hill that you may never be able to scale.
Solution: Try expressing the positive traits of your finely tuned analytical reasoning, employing the light touch with employees and coworkers, while expressing genuine concern for all; You will find those

Virgo Sun Sign in a Family

KEYWORDS:
Modest and shy.
Meticulous and reliable.
Practical and diligent.
Intelligent and analytical.
Fussy and a worrier.
Overcritical and harsh.
Perfectionist and conservative.

The Virgo child is neat, clean and will work very studiously at school. Handwriting will be clear and legible and exercise books will be tidy. These children make good classroom monitors and teachers aids, as they simply like being kept busy. They are often rather shy and the playground can seem a threatening and intimidating place.

Virgo children may be seen as aloof and may not find it easy to mix with other children. Parents should do everything possible to help them develop self-confidence, which will be especially important at examination time.

The Virgo tendency to worry may otherwise be overwhelming, and mysterious illnesses will appear just when a crucial test is scheduled.

Virgo Parents will work long hours to build and maintain their family home in a way that satisfies their own highly critical standards. Even career women will make time for domestic work, but must learn not to spend so much time cleaning and polishing that they never enjoy the environment they so lovingly create.

A partner may well accuse the Virgo of being obsessive about cleaning and children may constantly feel inhibited for fear of creating a mess.

Virgo - Health, diet and exercise

KEYWORDS:
Modest and shy.
Meticulous and reliable.
Practical and diligent.
Intelligent and analytical.
Fussy and a worrier.
Overcritical and harsh.
Perfectionist and conservative.

Virgos need to spend as much time as possible in the fresh air and walks in the countryside will be very beneficial. Children of nature, their spirits will be revived whenever they take the opportunity for long walks or cycle rides. Much attention should be paid to the diet and Virgo energy is much related to whole food diets and vegetarianism. Virgo rules the digestive system so these people will benefit greatly from a balanced diet. At some point in life most of these people become interested in health concerns and the healing arts in one form or another. Often self-help enthusiasts, these people also benefit considerably from relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation. This is especially good for those prone to worry, although it should be noted that too much introspection can exacerbate the problem.

Virgo Sun Sign in a Career

KEYWORDS:
Modest and shy.
Meticulous and reliable.
Practical and diligent.
Intelligent and analytical.
Fussy and a worrier.
Overcritical and harsh.
Perfectionist and conservative.

To work at their very best, Virgoans often need supervision, not only because it is difficult for them to see what should be done, but even if they can do so, they may be apprehensive about taking matters into their own hands. The natural modesty and lack of self-confidence issues will find them fearing themselves incompetent or wondering how other people will receive their efforts.

However, given an instruction they will follow it to the very best of their abilities. They make, excellent personal assistants because of their attention to detail and organizational skills. A positive manifestation of the Virgo critical nature would be in the field of theatre or literature critic. Also as writers they may have a sharp incisive style, which can be a great advantage if working in the media. Other aspects in the natal chart will support this trait. Many make excellent teachers, and others do well in the medical and caring professions, both in conventional or complementary medicine. Virgoans are not particularly ambitious, preferring support roles to that of the leader. If they do find themselves in a top job, they must watch their tendency to carp if they want to be popular as well as efficient.A high salary will be carefully managed, but Virgos need to be encouraged to enjoy spending money as well as investing it, or saving for a rainy day.

Virgo Mythology

This constellation is said to be the figure of a goddess, not an animal or a human. According to Greek legend, during the Golden Age (often thought to be under Titan rule instead of Olympian) the gods and goddesses lived on the Earth among men. Things began to change in the beginning of the Olympian era. Zeus was a harsh and strict ruler during these times, as many new rulers tend to be. He saw humans as rather lowly creatures who were far beneath immortals, and in fact should be treated as animals.
Prometheus, a Titan, became the protector of men and sided against Zeus. He even went so far as to steal fire from the Olympians and give it to humans. Outraged, Zeus chained Prometheus to the top of the Caucasus Mountains, intending to leave him there forever. However, Zeus was not finished punishing Prometheus -- or the human race -- yet.
He sent down Pandora, the first woman. Ancient Greeks believed that women were the source of all evil and discomfort. The symbolic representation of women's corruption of humanity is Pandora's Box, which was filled with all the demons which torture humanity, from Greed to Spite. After Pandora unleashed these demons, the remaining immortals on earth quickly departed for Olympus. The last one to leave was Astraea, the daughter of Zeus and Themis. She was also the sister of Pudicitia, or Modesty. Astraea was the goddess of virtue. Although she went to the heavens, she still hopes to return to earth, and she watches from the sky every night to see when earth will be ready for her to return.

Virgo the Virgin

Virgo the Virgin, an earth sign, is the sixth sign of the tropical zodiac. The Sun on his annual journey shines in Virgo between Aug 22 and Sep 21, though it can vary depending on the year. The Sun in astrology stands for our inner nature, the stamp of our true character.

A mutable (fluid and changeable) sign, Virgo governs critical analysis, intellectual subtlety and service. Virgo people are inclined to be practical and industrious, yet adaptable, with a remarkable eye for detail. Virgo is an intellectual and discriminating feminine sign ruled by the magical trickster Mercury, the messenger of the gods.

The emblem of Virgo, a virgin holding sheaves of wheat in her hands, symbolises wisdom, garnered in the fields of experience. Like the true virgin, most Virgos are shy and, like a virgin waiting to give herself to the perfect lover, Virgo is also idealistic.

Disappointment, however, can harden you into a cynic and a skeptic. Virgo consequently becomes quite critical with self as well as circumstances, due to the effect of such disappointments on a sensitive and discriminating nature.

The planet Mercury, governing our intellect and communicative faculties, rules Virgo, where tradition also places the house of its exaltation, so Virgins have a truly intellectual, critical and analytical approach to life. Communication is important and you love books, magazines, and writing.

A Critical Eye

A critical eye for detail, combined with your ceaseless pursuit of perfection, endows you with an irresistible urge to improve everything and everyone (whether they need it or not!). Service-oriented Virgo seeks to improve the environment, by pursuing careers in health-related fields, or in other structured areas such as teaching, labour relations, or counselling. Intensely personal situations can be somewhat inhibiting, but other circumstances can produce a very dynamic Virgo indeed. Hmmm.

Although you often have altruistic motives in helping others, you do have a teensy tendency to act the martyr when your offerings are ignored. It is not unheard of for you to use guilt as a weapon. Helping others to improve is one thing, my dears, but pushing them toward goals of perfection they cannot hope to accomplish is quite destructive, as well as impossible.

Health Conscious

Health-conscious Virgo makes an effort to stay physically fit and you don't mind repetitive exercise routines, if you can see achievable outcomes. You enjoy tennis, racquetball, swimming, sailing, fishing, and biking, even though athletically you are not overly competitive. It's just that you always seek to perfect whatever skills you may have, primarily for the sake of doing a thing well. Talented in various crafts, dressmaking and designing, you may also take a particular interest in such things as cartography, travel, and philately.

Virgo rules the the sinuses, respiratory system, and bowels. Colds, flu, allergies, problems with intestines and constipation are common Virgo complaints. You are also subject to black moods and despondency from time to time, which can adversely affect others in your vicinity.

Your colours are blue, yellow, grey, tan, navy, and lilac and your birthstone is the sapphire, a variety of corundum. This gem was considered by ancient societies to be a love charm. Though they come in a variety of colours and can even be transparent, the most valuable sapphires are blue. Blue is also the principal colour associated with Virgo. Flowers and plants for Virgo include the aster, chrysanthemum, ivy, and fern.

Earth

The Element of Earth is attached to the Signs Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn, and it also rules the Second, Sixth and Tenth Houses. All the earthy metaphors are appropriate here: salt of the Earth, feet firmly planted on the ground and so forth. Those graced by an Earth Sign in their horoscope are practical, grounded and dependable. These folks aren't taking big risks, much preferring a sure thing.

Much like the Elements are considered the building blocks in nature, Earth Signs are the builders of the zodiac. To these Signs, creation is a tangible proposition. Whether it's building jobs or homes, or creating comfortable rooms within that home through the acquisition of possessions, Earth Signers are about all what is solid around us. Those influenced by this Element feel best once they have accumulated a goodly number of worldly possessions. The risk inherent in this, however, is that these individuals may become greedy and far too materialistic.

The Element of Earth also confers a sense of duty, responsibility and reliability to those in its sphere. These are the people you can count on to be there when you need them. Those influenced by Earth also tend toward caution and conservatism, in both desire and approach. That said, they are sensualists, certainly in that they appreciate a good meal and fine wine better than anyone else.

The logical mind of an Earth Signer is always appreciated. In keeping with this measured approach, these folks also display considerable recuperative powers. On the flip side of things, however, those supported by Earth may be so caught up in their objectives that they might overlook the feelings of others. It is a big picture, after all, but these folks may be more concerned with the finish line than the journey they are taking.

Earth Signs are dependable, practical and conservative, yet fairly materialistic. They have their feet on the ground but their eyes on the prize.

Fire - Earth - Air - Water

The Virgo Moon

The Virgo Moon is a truth-seeking Moon. This Moon mentally uses what it learns and is suspicious of face value information, possessing a deep desire to carefully sort through all available data. It is a cautious and serious Moon, being also reserved, methodical, analytical and critical. The Virgo Moon is a perfectionist Moon, possessing perseverance and good organizational skills. A sense of being in control is vital to this Moon and the ability to understand the feelings of others may be difficult. The Virgo Moon harbors a deep-rooted need for the acknowledment of personal abilities.In general, the personality of those whose Moon sign is in Virgo will lead a quiet and unpretentious life. These individuals are strong in intellect and have an excellent memory. Thus, a career of a cerebral nature is highly favored. Occupations dealing with health and healing are ideally suited for those governed by a Virgo Moon...a doctor or dietician, for example. The will of these individuals is usually good and they seldom find themselves in trouble. They are marvellous employees due to an honest and amiable nature. They also make for fair and just employers. Persons ruled by the Moon in Virgo tend to excel in the service of a company or corporation and enjoy social interactions. They are likley to have many friends and embark on many trips...this seems to be particularly true of the female governed by a Virgo Moon. These individuals prefer it when things are going well and may occasionally conceal or ignore problems (especially marital difficulties) in order to achieve such tranquility. However, people who fall under the jurisdication of a Virgo Moon do like to investigate the problems of others and their intellect is quite beneficial in this area. They are attracted to the study of both science and the occult, usually highly sensitive to those around them...which may be an indication of psychic abilities. Social, logical and clear-headed characters, those governed by the Moon in Virgo always appear to be busy organizing and arranging the next "big event." Although these individuals work well behind the scenes, there is frequently a strong social conscience which will question the status quo, refusing to accept things at face value. Communication is vital to those ruled by the Virgo Moon, particularly if it involves facts and information rather than "dreamy" philosophies. There is a strong personal code of conduct here, coupled with high standards, concerning friends and loved ones. Even though these individuals may not actually compose lists, they have the ability to think scenarious through into a logical order, rather than "firefighting" when trouble hits. Those governed by the Moon in Virgo will invariably plan ahead for all possible eventualities in a clear and most logical manner.

Virgo personality traits

Virgo personality - The Virgo Zodiac Sign is ruled by Mercury.

Your Sun Zodiac sign may not best describe your personality features, your characteristics and general qualities that you bring to life. For many people, their Ascendant or its planetary ruler is the more obvious characteristic, or sometimes the Moon sign. Your Sun sign, rather, says more about the direction you should be moving in, to make the contribution to humanity you were born to make, and thus achieve a degree of personal fulfilment.

Every sign rules a part of the body, Virgo the intestines. This provides a vital clue as to the function of Virgo within the whole of humanity. Think of what the intestines do. They take in energy in the form of food, and break it down into its constituent parts. Then they analyse the components and see how they can be made to be useful. Perhaps some will be combined with others, some will be stored for later use, and some will be eliminated as being useless. Virgo takes in substance and discriminates between what is useful and what isn't, and works with it so that it may be more useful still, and thus be of service to humanity. That is the key to it all - service.