Virgo The Um Virgin

Virgo is the Sixth sign of the Zodiac. It heralds the end of Summer and nearing of the harvest. The origin of its name has become lost over time but among European and Middle Eastern mythology, Virgo has always been a symbol of fertility and a representation of the production of crops. Even in prehistoric times, this Zodiac Sign was perceived as both a mother and a virgin. According to some astrological sources, Virgo's original symbol was the Sphinx...mythological poser of riddles...and, indeed, those governed by Virgo are prone to question, turning inward in order to seek larger meanings about causes and purposes in life. Some sources maintain that Virgo began as The Great Mother, a Sumerian Corn Goddess, while in Egypt, she was Nidaba, Goddess of Grain, whose harvest begain when the Moon was in her constellation. In medieval times, Virgo was associated with the Virgin Mary. However, in most depictions, Virgo holds sheaves of wheat or an ear of corn, emphasizing her role as a Goddess of Fertility and Agriculture. Occasionally portrayed as bearing flowers, this image may be a reference to Mi, her Babylonian name, which means "cluster of flowers." Virgo natives seek complete realization of the mind, being logical, practical and methodical with an intellect which subrogates the instinct. This is an unassuming Sign, but one which rules hard-working individuals who are prepared to serve unflinchingly and give of their hearts. Those born under the Sign of Virgo should strive to expand their perspective beyond details...to see the larger order and underlying pattern of creation. Thus, those who accomplish this will know the goals worthy of service and learn how to temper intellect with reverence.

The symbol...or glyph...of Virgo is said to be connected to the Immaculate Conception of the Messiah and marks out the letter "M" or the letters "MV" (for "Maria Virgo" or "Virgin Mary"). It is generally assumed to have originated from the star Spica found in the constellation of Virgo and is indicative of female virginity. In Vedic Astrology, this glyph is perceived as being comprised of three vertical lines and another which crosses and joins the uppermost portions. These three lines are said to be representative of the powers of nature acting within the media of time and space, symbolic of action, inertia and harmony. The additional line which crosses and joins is believed to create tension...the struggle of the Spirit in its natural evolution.

Also known as the Sign of the Craftsman or Critic, Virgo is Negative in polarity (as are Taurus, Cancer, Scorpio, Capricorn and Pisces). The general characteristics of Negative Signs lean toward introversion and prefer to draw upon personal resources rather than look for external stimuli. Such individuals are naturally more receptive, sensitive and nurturing than are the Zodiac Signs of Positive polarity (Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius and Aquarius). However, Negative Signs are also likely to be much more cautious, retiring and standoffish than their Positive counterparts with a tendency to keep personal feelings under tight control. Taurus is the most introverted of the Negative Signs (with Virgo a close second).

All Zodiac Signs governed by the Elements of Earth and Water are considered to be Feminine in nature. Thus, Virgo (ruled by earth) is considered Feminine (as are Taurus, Cancer, Scorpio, Capricorn and Pisces). Feminine Signs are traditionally conceived as being more receptive and less active than their Masculine counterparts which are ruled by the Elements of Fire and Air (the Zodiac Signs of Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius and Aquarius). Feminine Signs focus primarily on the emotional and material world with particular attention to sensitivity and depth of feeling. Feminine Signs are said to be noctural or night-oriented. Therefore, the term "feminine" should be viewed in the same light as the Yin (or dark) Polarity of the Tao.

Virgo is the natural ruler of the Sixth House of the Zodiac, commonly referred to as the "House of Service, Work and Health" and known in Vedic Astrology as the "Evil Fortune." It signfies the health and strength of individuals as they develop along the path to adulthood, including the personal respect and degree of care a person gives to their body. This House also governs individuals who fall under the care of others but are not relations or kin...servants and employees, for example. It deals with what happens when an individual is called upon to render service and care. It is also the House concerned with family pets and all domesticated animals...particularly the health and well-being of such creatures.

The Sixth House is associated with work ethic and the measure of personal integrity as useful and productive citizens of the world. Within the Sixth House is found the rhythm of an individual's day...the side of a person that decides how he or she would like things to transpire over the coming twenty-four hours...the side which plans a personal schedule. In short, the Sixth House presides over the manner in which humankind functions and is governed by the Planet Mercury (also Planetary Ruler of the Third House).

The opposite sign to Virgo is Pisces. From Pisces, Virgo can learn to let go and swim with the current, freely utilizing the inherent fertile imagination. Thus, can Virgo natives learn to accept human imperfections.

Positive Traits: modest, shy, meticulous, tidy, reliable, practical, diligent, analytical and intelligent

Negative Traits: fussy, hypercritical, harsh, conservative, overly-fastidious, overly-conventional, finicky, a perfectionist and a worrier

Likes: lists, hygiene, order, detail, precision, wholesomeness, health foods and perfection (even in minutiae)

Dislikes: squalor, uncertainty, health hazards, sloppy workers and anything deemed to be sordid

Spiritual Goal: To learn to discriminate between destructive criticism and simple wisdom

Spiritual Correspondence: The Virtues

Apostle: Philip

Prophet: Micah

Anatomy: Rules the hands, abdomen, intenstines, spleen and central nervous system

Corresponding Tarot Card: The Hermit

Associated Countries: Brazil, Switzerland, Turkey, Greece, Uruguay and the West Indies

Associated Cities: Athens, Corinth, Paris, Boston and Heidelberg

Animals: All Domestic Animals and Solitary Animals

Watchword: Service

Keynote: Purity

Physical Manifestation: Crystallization

Mental Manifestation: Discrimination

Motto: I Wish To Give

Quote: I Analyze