23 August – 23 September
At the end of August, we enter Virgo. Traditionally, this is a laborious time, when a farmer’s task is to bring in the crop and carefully select the exact time for maximum return – a correlation with Virgo’s great ability for hard work and efficiency. As we explore the traits of our Virgo friends and foes, we are reminded that, like with every sign of the Zodiac, we all have Virgo somewhere in our birth chart. This means that we all act Virgoan in some area of our lives, be it within groups, alone at home, within family, handling money, or at work – just to name a few of the regions defined in a natal chart.
Virgo is a mutable Earth sign. Like Taurus and Capricorn, Virgo is practical, realistic and dutiful. It takes its responsibilities seriously and needs to create something useful with its typically well-developed dexterity. More flexible than Taurus and Capricorn, Virgo has the ability to adapt to changes and is less prone to materialism and possessiveness. Helpful and unassuming, yet seemingly a tad unfeeling on first impression, there lies deep sensitivity within this sign.
Constant evaluation of its surroundings and people can give Virgo a facial expression that shows a permanent use of the mind, trying to process and order the influx of vast information. Virgo is in no rush to reveal itself or enter into superficial relationships. Greatly concerned with how others react to their self-expression, Virgos take great care that no one, including themselves, gets hurt. This sign tends to be more serious and cautious, as well as less playful, than its predecessor Leo.
Analytical and methodical in its approach, Virgo excels at focusing on minute details. This placement is ideal for any kind of research, science and craftsmanship (where beauty is coupled with function), but less suited to evaluating the grand overview. Too many options create great pressure to make decisions, as Virgo needs to evaluate all possibilities. Virgo feels safest in a well-structured position where its function is clearly defined, making it ideal for any kind of service. As a result, many Virgos can also be found in the beauty and health professions.
Virgo is a social sign and needs to be part of a group. However, rather than big parties, Virgo may prefer the structured and safe experience of personal one-to-one interaction. If Virgo anticipates being faced with objection or criticism, it may rather stay alone. Virgo shows its love by being of service to others. In relationships, it needs to learn to discriminate, as the wish to be helpful could sometimes be taken advantage of.
Stress and worry are typical for Virgoans, which may arise when there is a lack of clear guidelines and boundaries in their environment. Under stress, Virgoans can become fussy and overly critical, both with themselves and others. Perfectionism is a real obstacle to peace of mind. Patience coupled with compassion and tolerance is the antidote here. Taking care of the physical body, watching food intake and daily hygiene are also great ways for Virgoans to reduce stress. The balanced Virgo has a well-developed inner guide to what to consume and what to avoid.
Among the many variations, there are generally two extremes with this sign: the neat and the careless. The first takes great care of his/her appearance and health, fastidiously. Its counterpart could not care less about grooming and social graces. Unless perfection is achieved, this type sees any attempt to create a routine here as futile and a waste of time and energy.
In spite of the challenges, Virgo is an honest sign and, unlike Leo, humble and realistic in its self-assessment; it tends not to misrepresent itself. Virgo in a chart is strong among the calmest of people. In its highest expression, it is self-reliant and dependable – able to see all sides of a problem without losing track of the main issue. These individuals are highly motivated and fully committed to finding solutions to any practical problem, and in this way desire to serve others unselfishly.
WHEN ASKED BY RAM, “WHAT ARE YOU, A MONKEY OR A MAN?” HANUMAN BOWED HIS HEAD REVERENTLY, FOLDED HIS HANDS AND SAID,
“WHEN I DO NOT KNOW WHO I AM, I SERVE YOU, AND WHEN I DO KNOW WHO I AM, I AM YOU.” – The Ramayana
To find out about how much Virgo you have in your chart and to unleash the transformative power that comes with self-knowledge, explore your birth chart in an astrological reading with Daliah, The Highgate Astrologer. Find out more about astrology consultations or book an astrology reading today.
This article was published in August 2019 in Glasshouse Journal https://www.glasshousejournal.co.uk/post/astrology-with-daliah-roth-virgo.