Ruling Planet: Mercury
Modality: Mutable
Element: Earth
Symbol: The Virgin
Personality: discerning, thoughtful, humble, self-effacing, industrious, practical, natural, kind, sympathetic, methodical, quick thinking, stressed, tense, logical, systematic, perfectionistic, diligent, loyal, sensible, elegant, poised, serene, calm, funny, sharp, dry-witted, detail-oriented, organized, reliable, uptight, critical, gossipy, informed, educated, entertaining, bright, shrewd, solid, naughty, tasteful, judgemental, sniping, griping, observant, modest, hard-working, controlling, conscientious, helpful.
Marsha P. Johnson, queer civil rights pioneer, August 24, 1945
Virgo season enters our orbit from August 23rd, lasting until September 22nd. Virgo is the sixth star sign of the zodiac. A mutable earth sign, Virgo is famous for being grounded, stable and hard-working. The job of mutable signs is to ground, balance and to manifest. As mutable signs disperse skills, Virgo in particularly seeks out a wide array of skillsets to serve at its behest throughout life. Perfectionist Virgo finds meaning in life through perfecting its craft. Therefore, Virgo season brings with it the entry into autumn where we begin to buckle down, get to work and sort ourselves out for the remainder of the year.
Greta Garbo, actress, September 18, 1905
Virgo is symbolized by the Virgin – the symbol of those who belong to themselves. Virgo is the priestess who heals, and this aids in paths of homeopathic healing. Virgo is expert at understanding the nuances of different systems, and this Sun sign endeavors to employ energy toward those which pinpoints, clarifies and specifies both the problem and its solution.
Margaret Sanger, American birth control activist, sex educator, writer, and nurse, September 14, 1879
Virgo Suns are ruled by Mercury (Freddie Mercury, anyone?) – the messenger that disperses information. Mercury is typified by objective, rational thought and is adaptable, flexible and responsive. Mercury takes on much responsibility as it rules over learning experiences, telecommunications, computing, writing, information and language.
Freddie Mercury, singer/musician, September 5, 1946
Sun in Virgos feel most alive when they are devoting their attention to perfecting their work. Never ones to rest on their laurels and settle for good enough, mutable Virgo finds meaning in processing and applying knowledge, and shines bright when they better perfect their craft. As Virgo rules the sixth house of legacy, lineage and service – they are thought of as the humanitarians of the zodiac. This can lead to a tendency to prioritize others needs over their own. Finding an even balance between honoring their own authenticity and needs as well is key for those with this sign.
Beyoncé, singer/songwriter, September 4, 1981
Earth signs are most in their element when they are accomplishing things that have a tangible purpose in the here and now, and Virgo is certainly no exception. When these serious souls are hyper-focused on a job, they block out all other distractions. Sun in Virgos typically feel most at ease when working productively on something important to them.
Mary Shelley, author, August 30, 1797
Mercury’s influence on Virgo results on them moving from one subject to the next, all the while getting caught up in amplifying every perceived flaw that they make. A distorted Virgo Sun expels all energy on micromanaging, while being hypercritical of everything. This results in Virgo missing out on all the wonderful surprises that come from creative spontaneity while over-focusing on minutiae.
Ai Weiwei, visual artist, August 28, 1957
Virgo’s perfectionist tendencies frequently result in them being their own worst enemy. It comes as no surprise that they face monumental challenges in trying to quiet their own inner critic. Virgos must seek out fulfilling opportunities to pour themselves into in order to feel of use. They can learn to curb the influence of the constant inner critic by focusing on being of service to a cause or belief that they hold in great value.
River Phoenix, actor/musician, August 23, 1970
Engaging in small, daily rituals helps stave off Virgo’s perpetual performance anxiety. By creating a system of order, they will find relief in balancing their physical, mental and emotional flows of energy. By focusing on small, achievable goals their anxiety will be lessened. Overall, it is essential that Sun in Virgos pay attention to their energy storehouses. While not all Virgos are necessarily introverts, it is beneficial for all to understand their limits and how to give of themselves sparingly. Taking time out to replenish those reserves will help Sun in Virgos to cleanse and clear in order to get back to business.