Virgo horoscope zodiac and star sign facts

Virgo [23 August - 22 September] | star sign, horoscope, astrological and zodiac facts

June 2, 2018

Virgo is the sixth astrological sign of the zodiac spanning 23 August – 22 September. It’s also the third earth sign – the others being Capricorn and Taurus. Virgo’s symbol is the virgin.

The colours associated with Virgo are green, white and yellow and its celestial body is the Mercury. Virgo is associated with the mutable quality; that of change, the future and the intertwined old and new.

Dates: August 23 – September 22
Symbol: Virgin
Element: Earth
Colour: Green, white, yellow
Day: Wednesday
Celestial:Mercury
Quality: Mutable
Most compatible: Cancer, Piscies
Birthstones: Lapis lazuli, carnelian, jasper, jade, moss agate, sapphire, citrine, zircon
Scent: Lavender and ylang ylang.

Traits of a Virgo

Strengths: Loyal, analytical, kind, hardworking, practical

Weaknesses: Shyness, worry, overly critical of self and others, all work and no play

Virgos are usually known for their analytical minds, attention to detail, loyalty and hardworking, practical nature. They don’t like to leave things to chance and prefer to have a plan of action. Often Virgo’s can be quite conservative, this shouldn’t be mistaken for a lack of expression however, more the fact that they’re constantly questioning their feelings and views, especially when they’re unsure – they don’t want to express things that could be wrong.

The downside to this thoughtful, analytical sign is that Virgos can be overly critical – both of themselves and others – especially if they consider someone else to be rude or taking centre stage. Virgos also aren’t always the best at asking for help and can get stuck worrying about the details that others seem to not care about as much. Being a perfectionist however often makes Virgos adept creators – if they decide to express their creativity to the world.

Virgo is considered one of the most careful signs of the zodiac and this shouldn’t be considered a lack of character. Being an earth sign makes for a strong and heart-felt character, just not one that is always paraded around on show to the world – after all Virgos aren’t the most fond of taking centre stage.

Mercury is Virgo’s ruling planet. Mercury is the herald of communication, speech and writing making careers in such a popular choice for some Virgo’s. Virgo’s kind, pratical and caring side makes many a Virgo seek a career that they can gain a sense of fulfillment from through feeling that it’s helping others or making a difference.

The Virgo Constellation

Virgo is the second largest constellation in the sky (Hydra is the first). It sits between Leo to its west and Libra to its east and can be found from its brightest star, Spica.

Because of the presence of the Virgo galaxy cluster within the constellation, Virgo is abundant with galaxies. A notable galaxy within is the Sombrero Galaxy – noted for its unusual shape and easily identifiable brightness.

There’s 35 verified exoplanets orbiting 29 of Virgo’s stars. The star 70 Virginis has one of the first known extrasolar planetary systems while the star Chi Virginis has one of the most massive planets ever detected – 11.1 times the mass of Jupiter!

Virgo is also home to the opticslly brightest quasar in the sky – quasar 3C 273, which was also the first quasar ever to be identified.

The best time to view Virgo in the night sky is between March and July in the Northern Hemisphere and in the Autumn and Winter months in the Southern Hemisphere.

Virgo in History and Mythology

Though Virgo is sometimes seen in differing roles throughout cultures and history, she has always been depicted as a woman, especially associated with fertility and beauty.

The Ancient Babylonians often associated Virgo with the goddess Ishtar (Ashtoreth, Astarte). The constellation was also know as ‘The Furrow’ and represented the goddess Shala holding her ear of grain. The constellation became associated with fertility for this reason. Virgo’s brightest star (Spica) is Latin for ‘ear of grain’.

The Ancient Greeks often associated Virgo with Demeter – the goddesses of wheat and agriculture and the mother of Persephone. A later myth places Virgo as Erigone. It is said that Dionysus (the god of wine) placed her into the stars alongside her father (the constellation Bootes) after she hung herself in grief upon his death.

In Ancient Rome Virgo was sometimes associated with the goddess Ceres and (more popularly) the virgin goddess Lustitia (or Astraea) who held the scales of justice – which are now separated as the constellation Libra.