Virgo

When any planet is in Virgo, or Virgo is on the cusp of any House, the matters covered by the planet or House will be affected by Virginian characteristics.

While Virgo's symbol in the "Circle of Animals" is human, in some ways Virgo natives are the cats of the Zodiac: Merc's earthy children can be finicky, picky ... particular.

Anyone who's heard anything about Virgo knows one thing: the Virgo native is neat, tidy, clean and organized. Anyone who's met more than one of them likely knows a Virgo who's, well, to be blunt, a slob! Some assume the "sloppy Virgo" negates the idea of the sign's inherent tidy, organized nature. In truth, there's no dichotomy here. What Virgo seeks, above all else, is perfection. Some natives display this trait in manic cleaning sessions, in an attempt to bring calm by ordering any chaos around them. Others manifest the perfection-seeking nature in a diametrically opposite manner, seemingly reveling in clutter and disorder. These Virgos have learned an important lesson: lasting perfection is simply not possible. The cleanest room will eventually need a good dusting; the tidiest mind may become similarly cluttered.

Virgo may seek to impose control on the outside world, or may give in to the outer chaos. In either instance, the need for order and perfection are what drive Virgo.

We've also heard that Virgos are judgmental, and there's truth in this! Remember that, no matter how hard on others the Virgo native may be, he or she is even tougher on him or herself. Practical, efficient, and detail-oriented, and discriminating, Virgo seeks a place in a fast-paced, big-picture world. They often have a natural grace and tact, and, provided their more critical instincts are reined in a bit, can be excellent diplomats and caring, clear-eyed advisors.

Virgos do have a tendency to worry, and may be prone to stress-related health problems. Those who find a way to reconcile their innate desire for perfection with the fact that the world is an imperfect place can minimize both the overly critical, and slightly hypochondriacal sides to their personality, and reveal a fine sense of humor, sweetness, and sensitivity unencumbered by neediness.

Virgo is intelligent, kind-hearted, and picks up on things more boisterous signs may overlook. Once the Virginian has made peace with his or her worries and nitpicks, what remains is a dedicated worker, loyal friend, and a quick, practical mind housed within a bundle of grace and sweetness. Let's not forget passion: while there are some Virgos who ignore the physical, this is by no means the norm. It might take a while to win the heart of a Virgo, but those willing to spend the time and effort will find a loving, faithful, passionate -- sometimes even kinky! -- partner. Don't be misled: Virgo likes sex every bit as much as Scorpio, and can be an inventive and unforgettable lover. Virgo needs to watch the tendency to want to rescue, however: stray animals, lost children, and friends and lovers who are in some way "damaged," or in need of the care that Virgo loves to lavish on those deemed deserving. With a sensitive and open heart, the Virgo is in danger of being hurt, and when hurt, they tend to close down emotionally. The "purity" of Virgo is an inner sense of innocence, a purity of spirit. Virgos are as sexual as any other sign, and some of these natives are true beasts when it comes to the physical act of love; however, there's always an inner core to these people that remains untouched by the stains of life.

If you treat the Virgo in your personal orbit well, you'll have a most excellent, lifelong friend and cheerleader, who will stick by you through thick and thin, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer.

For information regarding the physical traits and characteristics of the Virgo native, please see our page on Physical Appearance and Astrology.

Artwork: Rosetti Persephone; Boulogne Mercury.