Virgo (astrology)

Virgo
Aries • Taurus • Gemini • Cancer • Leo • Virgo • Libra
Scorpio • Sagittarius • Capricorn • Aquarius • Pisces
Zodiac Symbol Virgin maiden
Duration (Tropical, Western) 22 August – 22 September (2012, UTC)
Constellation Virgo
Zodiac Element Earth
Zodiac Quality Mutable
Sign ruler Mercury
Detriment Jupiter
Exaltation Mercury
Fall Venus
Astrology portal Astrology project

Virgo (♍) is the sixth astrological sign in the Zodiac, which spans the zodiac between the 150th and 179th degree of celestial longitude. Generally, the Sun transits this area of the zodiac between August 23 to September 22 each year (sometimes the dates vary slightly). Individuals born during these dates, whilst the Sun is within this sign are called Virgos.[1]

Contents

Key characteristics and definitions

Virgo is seasonally associated with the end of summer and the onset of autumn when nature - having borne its fruit - recedes into conservation.[2] Because its period indicates a change of season, it is known as a 'mutable sign',[3]:88 which indicates an instinct towards changeability and an easy ability to let go of past situations in preparation for future needs. The sign is governed by Mercury, the planet of dexterity, communication, interchange of ideas and study. Mercury is also exalted in this sign, which as an 'earth-sign' is marked by practicality and perseverance. This gives an ideal balance between ingenuity of mind, and sharp intellect, and the strength of will needed to see creative ideas through to completion. In the other elements a strong Mercury can indicate fickleness or unhealthy restlessness, but Virgo's earthy qualities steady this trait and gives an excellent eye for detail. Virgos are reputed to be adept at languages, to possess a love of literature, a deep interest in history and statistics, and a good memory for details. [4]

Virgo is considered a negative polarity or passive (introvert) sign.[5] This gives the characteristics of being reflective and receptive to the ideas of others. This passivity, accompanied by a flair for discrimination and eloquence with words has given Virgos a reputation for civility and good manners. They are said to have a talent for projects which require precision and detail, and to excel at skills and crafts which require patience and exactitude. On the negative, they are highly sensitive to perceived criticism, and can appear to worry unduly about the need to make things as perfect as they can be.[6]:21 Joanna Watters (2003) defined a keyphrase for this sign as "I serve Pasha", and summarises the Virgo reputation for over-analysing emotions by saying:"One of the Virgo lessons in life is to learn that to err is human, to forgive divine, especially when it comes to love.[6]:21 Martin Seymour-Smith (1981) suggested that appropriate keywords for this sign include:[7]

Definitions and Associations
Glyph meaning: (♍) The letter 'M' combined with the crossed legs of the virgin.[6]:13
Quality Negative Polarity: inwardly reflective, introvert.[8]
Element (triplicity)[9] Earth: sensuality, practicality, fertility.[6]:14
Mode (quadruplicity)[9] Mutable: the element in its most fluid form - associated with change and the dissemination of energy.[6]:15
Body part Belly and lower intestines.[3]:96
Direction Southwest [3]:365
Traditional definitions Humane sign - signs represented by human figures (Libra is included on the assumption that the scales are held by a human hand). Renowned for social graces and intellectual skills, and sometimes referred to as 'manly' or 'courteous' signs.[2]

Bi-corporeal (double-bodied) - all the mutable signs are double-bodied - Gemini: two twins; Virgo: maiden and bird; Sagittarius: man and horse; Pisces: two fish. They represent the months that join the seasons and signify a dualistic nature that is easily adaptable and can be one thing or another. For this reason the mutable signs are referred to as 'common' signs in traditional terminology.[2]

Mythology

In ancient Greek mythology, two prominent figures associated with the constellation are Erigone and Astraea. Astraea was the Greek goddess of innocence and the administration of law. Sickened by the wars of men, she was the last of the celestial beings to leave the earth for the heavens and is often depicted with the wings that allowed her angelic ascension to the stars. It is said that Zeus placed her amongst the stars as the Virgo constellation along with her scales of justice to depict the constellation Libra.

Erigone was the name by which the first century astrologer Marcus Manilius referred to the constellation. As the sign of the harvest, Virgo held strong connections with the time that grapes were gathered for the production of wine and Erigone represents an aspect of this association. She was the daughter of Icarius, who received the secret of wine making from the Wine God, Dionysus, and was murdered by peasants who believed they had been poisoned by his wine. Erigone was led to discover his body by their faithful dog and hanged herself in grief. The gods were moved to pity over the tragedy and transported the family to everlasting glory in the heavens : Icarius became Boötes, Erigone became Virgo, and the dog Maera, the constellation Canis Minor.[10]

Generally, the qualities of Virgo are considered to be compatible with those of the other earth signs: Taurus and Capricorn, and to a lesser extent with the water signs: Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces. Sagittarius and Pisces are considered semi-compatible with Virgo due to their having the same mutable quality in that they are Mutable signs. However, compatibility based on sun-sign alone is considered to be only a very general guideline. The branch of astrology dealing with interpersonal relationships is called Synastry. In this, astrologers analyse the horoscopes of both parties being considered with particular reference to the positions of the Sun and Moon and Mars and Venus.[11]

Sidereal zodiac

Main article: Sidereal and tropical astrology

The dates that the Sun traverses the sign of Virgo according to the Sidereal system are (generally) between September 16 to October 15 each year.

References

  1. ^ Oxford English Dictionary. Retrieved 22 August 2011.
  2. ^ a b c Deborah Houlding, ‘Virgo the Maiden'. The Mountain Astrologer, issue #134, August 2007. ISSN 1079-1345.
  3. ^ a b c William Lilly, (1647) Christian Astrology. Republished as facsimilie, London: Regulus, 1985. ISBN 0948472014.
  4. ^ Brian Innes, Horoscopes and how to interpret them; p.30. London: Black Cat, 1977.
  5. ^ Jeff Mayo, Teach Yourself Astrology, pp 38 - 41, Hodder and Stoughton, London, 1979.
  6. ^ a b c d e Joanna watters, Astrology for today. London: Carroll & Brown, 2003. ISBN 1903258693.
  7. ^ Martin Seymour-Smith, The New Astrologer; p.84. London: Sidgewick and Jackson, 1981.
  8. ^ Sasha Fenton, Astrology for Living, p.12. Readers Digest, 1999. ISBN 9780762102303.
  9. ^ a b There are three signs for each element which are related to each other across the zodiac by the shape of the triangle; therefore these are traditionally known as 'triplicities'. Marcus Manilius, (c.10 AD.) Astronomica 2.270-295. Translated by G.P. Goold. Harvard University Press, 1977. ISBN 0674995163.
  10. ^ Deborah Houlding, ‘Star Lore of the Constellations: Virgo the Maiden'. The Mountain Astrologer, issue #134, August 2007. ISSN 1079-1345.
  11. ^ Linda Goodman, Linda Goodman's Love Signs: A New Approach to the Human Heart. Harper Paperbacks; 1st edition (1991) ISBN 0060968966 p.8 "Even between two individuals whose Sun and Moon Signs harmonize, there are always some planets in their mutual nativities which clash causing periodic friction and tension."
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