Virgo (astrology)

Virgo
Zodiac symbol Virgin
Duration (tropical, western) August 22 – September 22 (2017, UT1)[1]
Constellation Virgo
Zodiac element Earth
Zodiac quality Mutable
Sign ruler Mercury (ancient), Ceres (modern), Chiron*
Detriment Jupiter (ancient), Neptune (modern)
Exaltation Mercury
Fall Venus, Earth

Virgo is the sixth astrological sign in the Zodiac. Virgo is the second-largest constellation. It spans the 150-180th degree of the zodiac. Under the tropical zodiac, the Sun transits this area on average between August 22 and September 22, and under the sidereal zodiac, the sun transits the constellation of Virgo from September 17 to October 17. Individuals born during these dates, depending on which system of astrology they subscribe to, may be called Virgos[2] or Virgoans.[3] The symbol of the maiden is based on Astraea. In Greek mythology, she was the last immortal to abandon Earth at the end of the Silver Age, when the gods fled to Olympus – hence the sign's association with Earth.[4]

Personality traits

Astrologers ascribe certain personality traits to a person born under the Virgo: people born under this sign are typically analytical, kind, hardworking and practical. According to astrologers, Virgos tend to worry often; they are shy and dislike being the center of attention. They are also known for being modest, faithful, quiet, and very persuasive, as well as for having a good sense of reasoning and memory. Virgos are also known for their intellect and usually enjoy art, literature, science, mathematics,[5] and are skilled at completing detailed work.[6]

Origins

The constellation Virgo has lots of different origins depending on which mythology is being studied. Most myths generally view Virgo as a virgin maiden with heavy association with wheat. In Greek and Roman mythology they relate the constellation to Demeter, mother of Persephone, or Proserpina in Roman, the goddess of the harvest.[7] However, some tell tales of the Greek story of Parthenos, which means virgin in Greek, which explains how the actual constellation Virgo became to be.[8]

In this story Parthenos is the daughter of Staphylus and Chrysothemis, and sister to Rhoio and Molpadia. Rhoio had been impregnated by the Greek god Apollo, once her father had found out that she was pregnant he assumed it was from some random suitor and was greatly ashamed. As punishment her father locked her in box and threw her in a river. After the terrible fate of their sister, Parthenos and Molpadia were very nervous to anger their father in fear of his terrible wrath. On one evening, Staphylus left his two daughters in charge of a bottle of wine, back in that time a very valuable item indeed. When they both accidentally fell asleep one of their swine broke in and broke the bottle. Fearing their fathers wrath, the two sisters fled to a nearby cliff and threw themselves off. Because of Apollo's previous relations with their sister Rhoio, Apollo saved the two from the cliff and delivered them to the safety of nearby cities in Cherronseos. Molpadia ended up in Castabus where she changed her name to Hemithea and was worshipped as a local goddess for many years. Parthenos ended up in Bubastus where she was also worshipped as a local goddess. According to the story, Parthenos died at a very young age and after her death Apollo made the constellation after her. In some versions, Parthenos was actually the daughter of Apollo himself which would explain why he made a constellation after her death.[8]

While this is only one story in one myth of the origin of Virgo, she is seen throughout all matter of myths. In the Egyptian myths, when the constellation Virgo was in the sun was when the start of the wheat harvest again thus connecting Virgo back to the wheat grain. She also has various connections with the India goddess Kanya, and even the Virgin Mary.[8]

Notes

  1. ↑ Astronomical Applications Department 2011.
  2. ↑ Oxford n.d.
  3. ↑ Virgoan n.d.
  4. ↑ Atsma c. 2015.
  5. ↑ Gleadow 1969.
  6. ↑ "Virgo Horoscope: Virgo Zodiac Sign Dates Compatibility, Traits and Characteristics". www.astrology-zodiac-signs.com. Retrieved 2016-04-21.
  7. ↑ Allen 1963.
  8. 1 2 3 Rigoglioso 2009

Works cited

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