VIRGO: August 23 - September 22 

Virgos are known for their analytic and detail-oriented personalities. This sign is also closely related to the planet Mercury and its defining characteristic, intellect. Virgos know how to deal with complexities in a practical, pragmatic way. In short, they get the job done. They are also balanced and fair in their assessments in keeping with the Mutable Quality assigned to this sign. Earth is palpable. It is the stuff of physical form. People with a lot of earth in their charts make things. 

Plain and simple.

Each earth sign represents a factor of production. Ruled by shape-shifting Mercury, Virgo works hard to stability. This sign analyzes and organizes life; the goal is to build a firm foundation. 

Modest and shy

Meticulous and reliable

Practical and diligent

Intelligent and analytical

Fussy and a worrier

Overcritical and harsh

Perfectionist and conservative

Virgo is represented by the Virgin, although this association should not be taken literally. Rather, Virgos tend to take on some of the qualities of a Virgin, things like modesty and humanity. Some might consider them repressed, although Virgins would argue that it's a noble quality, as opposed to a negative one. Most of all, Virgos enjoy indulging their practical and logical side and poring over their projects to the nth degree. To say these folks are good at fact-finding almost understates the case since Virgos revel in their exacting (some would argue pedantically) behavior and are a whiz with minutiae. Virgins are an asset in the workplace as they can be counted on to get things right the first time, every time -- and no detail will be overlooked. 

Virgo is the sixth sign of the Zodiac, to be exact, and that's the way Virgos like it: exacting. Those born under this Sign are forever the butt of jokes for being so picky and critical (and they can be), but their 'attention to detail' is for a reason: to help others. Virgos, more than any other Sign, were born to serve, and it gives them great joy. They are also tailor-made for the job since they are industrious, methodical, and efficient. The sense of duty born by these folks is considerable, and it ensures that they will always work for the greater good. Virgo is the land. That’s the square canvas of flora, fauna, dirt, and details awaiting manipulation. Virgo knows the inventory by heart as well as the product of each permutation. The Element associated with Virgo is Earth, and in keeping with that, most Virgos are grounded salt-of-the-earth types. The flash and dash can go to others since Virgos would much rather be humble and easy-going. That said, Virgins do enjoy material possessions and are (dare we say?) picky about what they bring into their lives. Some might even go as far as calling them self-centered, but it's more of a desire to surround themselves with what's right -- for them. This knack for discernment also serves Virgos well in business, where their decisions are usually dead-on. 

Have you opened a new location, redesigned your shop, or added a new product or service? Don't keep it to yourself, let folks know. Those born under this sign are eminently sensible and use their critical eye well. While Virgos can be worrywarts, they do their best to temper these impulses. However, if this nervousness goes unchecked, it can lead to hypochondria, that ugly skeleton in Virgo's closet. For that reason, Virgos are extremely health conscious, to the point of being storehouses of information on diet and hygiene. Many Virgos even choose a health or medical career so they won't miss a beat.

Working out is elemental for Virgo if only so they know intellectually that they're helping themselves physically. See, the benefits of exercise are far more important to Virgo than the process itself. The bane of many Virgos is the perfectionism that can get in the way of their usual clear thinking. 'I'm not a perfectionist; I'm discriminating!' a Virgo would say, happy in the knowledge that their taste is unparalleled.

Along those lines, Virgos are also neat and clean, save for the occasional sloppy Virgin (they do exist). Virgins are also reliable and practical and oh-so-useful to have around.

A critical and analyzing nature works in the development of a technique, which allows the individual to manage personal and social tasks with the least amount of effort and in the shortest time possible.  The virgin (apprentice) remains pure by developing a technique to rid the self of all impurities (thoughts, drives, etc.) which inhibit the effortless working of the mechanism, in obedience to the law of its structural blueprint. Ruled by shape-shifting Mercury, Virgo works hard to stability. This sign analyzes and organizes life; the goal is to build a firm foundation. A good educational background is important to the Virgo. Mutable' motivation surfaces in the form of helping, teamwork and cooperation. Humbleness and the ability to work behind the scenes, without complaining, often cause Virgos to miss more opportunities than they should. Since Virgo rules the intestines, worried Virgos need to be wary of bowel upsets. Soothing relief often comes in the way of earth tones, which is why Virgos like to be surrounded by shades of tan and a warm yellow.

The great strength of the Virgo-born is in their practicality, sharp mind, and attention to detail. When merged with their willingness to serve, Virgos become essential helpmates. They can be picky -- so what?