Virgo

• The sign of the Craftsman or Critic
• A mutable earthy sign. Exact, methodical, industrious, discriminating, intelligent, chaste
• Ruling Planet: Mercury
• Lucky Day: Wednesday
• Gems: Pink Jasper, Hyacinth
• Lucky Numbers: 5 & 3
• Color: Navy Blue or Gray
• Flowers: Morning Glory, Pansy
• Metal: Mercury
• Birthstone: Sapphire
• Harmonious signs for business, marriage, or companionship: Capricorn, Taurus

The Evolved Virgo

The chief characteristic of the fully developed Virginian is his marvelous power of discrimination. He tests everything in the furnace of his criticism, separates, sifts, classifies, and arranges his materials and his men, recognizing at a glance the potential value of each, and organizing the work entrusted to him to make the very best practical use of everyone and everything. Hand and brain generally work together, especially in all matters in which accuracy and method are important. His clear heard and thrifty ways make him an excellent manager.

An ideal staff of officials for any company, club, or association would include a Leonian as president, a Cancerian and a Scorpionian as vice-presidents, a Taurean as treasurer, and a Virginian as secretary. The last-named generally does the hardest work and gets small thanks for it. If he fails in his duties, the society he serves will probably go to pieces, but few realize that, and he is generally too much occupied by practical details to care greatly whether they do or not. His business is to carry on the activities of the concern with strict attention to the rules of a constitution which is framed and directed by others, and when he has done all that is his duty to do, the vote of thanks, by his own directions, goes to the chair. In this matter the Virginian is wise as usual. It is not his province to command, and when he attempts to issue orders in his own person, or to assume airs of authority, he very frequently gives offense; but people will readily work with him and accept services from him; for he is splendidly capable, and very quick to see how a thing should be done, though disinclined to trouble his head about why. Virgo, like Taurus, is one of the earthy or "service" signs.

However, the Virginian is not always doomed to work without reward or appreciation. Untiring industry, practical ability, clear vision, and critical acumen bring him to the front sooner or later - though it is often later, for this type generally seems to start handicapped in some way. Success has been achieved notably in the lines of criticism and literature, also in art. These people work best alone in studio, study, or workshop - have small patience with underlings, assistants, and apprentices, and no patience at all with the critics unless their comments show exceptional discrimination and are helpful.

Women born under this sign are often skill in some form of handcraft, finding a use for the most unlikely materials and showing great judgment in their adaption and ornamentation. When well off they generally dress with care and taste - never showily or ostentatiously, and sometimes even with a certain puritanical sobriety, but always suitably. They are keenly intellectual, and somewhat critical both of themselves and of others. Even at its brightest this type tends to be a grave one, for it has few illusions, but when wedded to one of the gentler and more loving signs, nothing can exceed its charm. The pointed speech then becomes extremely witty, and the clear eyes are always wide open to whatever is lovely and of good report. If there is any virtue, life's keen critic will utter it; and though his native penetration refuses to leave him in ignorance of the shortcomings of humanity, his healthiness of mind will prevent his dwelling upon them or indulging in morbid analysis of anything objectionable or unclean.

Certain astrologers have declared that this is a selfish sign, but the type of selfishness that demands and exacts assistance and attentions from others is the very last accusation that could be brought against Virginians, many of whom dedicate their lives to working, often for inadequate pay, and always finding far more satisfaction in helping others than in working for their own benefit. They give freely and ungrudgingly if their time and strength and ability up to the very measure of their natural forces, and sometimes beyond them; but nevertheless there is a limit to their generosity, and when demands are excessive and unreasonable they know how to say no, and to stick to it. They are rarely lavish in their affections, never prodigal of praise, and usually prudent in the expenditure of their income. An accompaniment of this love of giving active service is an intense dislike of accepting it, and a horror of dependence in the old age, which naturally leads to the care of their resources, and makes many of them live simply and frugally; but when ample wealth is at their disposal, and they have no need to worry about the future, they spend wisely and well, generally receiving full value for their money.

Love and Friendship

The Virginian heart, like the steel of Vulcan, is true metal, and not easily melted; but when once it finds itself in love's furnace it glows with a pure white heat, and takes a long time to cool. His love affairs are few, and when, as often happens, they are unfortunate, he takes refuge in his one panacea of hard work, and is apt to shrink from the society of his fellow men. Neither sex seems to care much for children, though both make very careful and conscientious parents. When highly developed they accept celibacy easily, caring little for posterity so long as they can serve their own day and generation. They have the instinct of chastity and turn with repulsion from literature dealing with sex problems, especially if there is anything morbid or unwholesome in the treatment of the subject. Students may smile, remembering that among men born with Virgo strongly accentuated are several notable examples whose lives have been far from ideal in the matter of purity. In accounting for such exceptions, the horoscope must as always be examined in detail, special note being taken of the position of Venus. If it is in a susceptible or fickle sign, the Virgo influence will be to some extent counteracted. Environment must also be considered. Thus, in the case of Charles II, the planet of love, found in Taurus - the most amorous sign - will account for his responding more easily to Venus than to the sterner call of Vulcan.

Religion

Astrological tradition associates this sign with the holy hermits. Saints of this type were generally believed to have played their part in the world before leaving it, and were frequently reputed to have suffered much through the affections. Elderly Virginians will generally own that the descriptions of these pure and peaceful lives - the cave for shelter, the stream for the bath, the simple diet - appeal to them strongly.

Literary Style

Literary men born under this sign (or with this sign rising) excel in the mastery of detail and are exceedingly industrious and prolific, adapting their genius to the demands and necessities of their day. Dickens, who gave the hour of his birth to an American inquirer as seven-fifty a.m, and so must have been born when Virgo was rising, is as typically Virgo as he is Aquarius - the sign under which he was born (February 7, 1812). He never spared himself and published in rapid succession a large number of novels, in most of which the side characters and detailed descriptions are of much more importance to the reader than the heroes and heroines or the main outlines of the plot. His gallery of clear and definite portraits is extraordinary. In Bleak House alone there are over eighty distinct characters - all people capable of interesting the reader in their personalities and concerns; and, although his work in life was that of a writer of light fiction, and he used his wit to keep his audiences thoroughly entertained, his real aims and ideals were utilitarian. His great ambition was to better the physical condition of the poor, and to interest the men and women of his generation in such questions as workmen's dwellings, prison reform and relief. In spite of his great kindliness and charming personality, his attitude of mind was always intensely critical, and his portraits of his fellow creatures far from flattering. In fact, when he attempts to idealize, as in the case of such a character as Little Nell, he fails to produce a convincing portrait, and his most lovable characters are full of weaknesses and intensely human. Among significant facts, for the astrological student, are to be noted his failure to find happiness in marriage, and his resentment of criticism.

The average Virginian, instead of mastering detail, allows detail to master him, and if he takes up literature is more likely to succeed as a critic of other men's work than in any field demanding creative power. His style, though concise and clear, is somewhat formal. He will draw up an index or a catalogue, compile a dictionary, or lend a hand in the production of an encyclopedia. Hard work never daunts him, and to express himself with neatness and precision is a real joy; but apart from criticism his pen seldom runs freely, and his letters are usually the driest of the dry.

The Unevolved Virgo

It has been said that the critics are those who have failed, and of these critics the most captious and impossible to please are the undeveloped Virginians. The advanced type, bringing its clear vision and fine discrimination to bear upon the work entrusted to it, sees at a glance all the practical possibilities and opportunities for usefulness involved. The primitive type only sees the impossibilities and the flaws; and it finds them, by preference, in work done or schemes drawn up by others. The developed Virginian never asks for praise; the primitive Virginian never gives it. The former will conquer adverse circumstances, and make his very handicaps contribute to his success. The latter quarrels with every condition imposed upon him, resents limitations, and blames circumstances for his failures. His ambition to achieve something practical and his inability to do so are apt to result in impatience, nervous irritability, and ill-humor. If hampered by ill-health or in any way restricted in his activities, he takes it cantankerously, meeting all the kindly remonstrances of his friends with a snap and a growl.

He has very little laziness about him, and if he is under wise guidance will be rigidly faithful to others; but these must be clear and precise, and the reversal of one of them, especially if sudden and unexpected, will upset the Virginian's temper completely, and make him, for the time being, a very disagreeable companion. His horizon is bounded by the circle of his own duties, and by concentrating his attention solely on details he loses sight of the larger outlines and consequently cannot adapt himself to changes which spring from causes beyond his ken. He is apt to make mountains out of molehills and is the kind of man who is capable of surveying more masterpieces of art in stony silence and who, before turning away, will point out some trifling error in the darkest corner of the background or some tiny flaw in the construction of the frame. In fact, at his worst, he exercises a most depressing effect upon his fellow creatures.

Virginians who find themselves prone to such habits of thought and speech should cultivate the appreciative faculties and force themselves to enter kindly and sympathetically into family and social life; otherwise they will develop into machines, spending their days in a dreary round of drudgery, and allowing love and friendship to slip away. Marriage, if resorted to in time, is a remedy, but it is surprising how "old-maidish" these people - men and women alike - can be. The male Virginian allows business to absorb him to such an extent that all outward signs and tokens of his affection tend to disappear; and his wife, becoming convinced of his indifference, looks for sympathy and companionship, and, if at all vain or weak, is tempted to accept the admiration and attentions of others. Women of this type can become so absorbed in house-cleaning that they scarcely lay aside their dusters to give their wearied husbands a kindly welcome home. Consequently they, too, pave the way for rivals.

Physical Characteristics

The Virgo type is associated with a somewhat wiry build, generally strong and muscular, capable of enduring long hours of steady work and much physical fatigue. The expression is always intelligent and sometimes keenly critical. The type at its best is exceedingly handsome. The beauty depends on regularity of feature and fineness of form, and lacks plastic grace, unless one of the softer, more loving elements in the horoscope - Libra, Venus, Pisces, etc. - is strongly emphasized, in which case there is great personal charm, ready repartee, and a sparkling wit. Even at its gentlest this type is always critically alive to the faults and failings of those around it - dearest friends included. Though France is ruled by Leo, the city of Paris is said to be specially under the influence of Virgo. The Parisian is generally handsome, tastefully and suitably dressed, has few illusions and no cherished beliefs; is skeptical, practical, makes an excellent craftsman, and is often exceedingly witty. Leonian tolerance is associated with the life of the gay city; but it is often asserted that the foreign elements of the population are responsible for its reputation, and not the native-born Parisians, who are usually hard-working, frugal, and temperate. The irritable bachelor uncle of the comic papers is a burlesque of this type, and another is the angular spinster with her sharp speech, dislike of children, and weakness for cats - which animals are traditionally said to be ruled by Virgo.

Health

Virgo is an extraordinarily healthy sign and more capable than any other of incessant and unremitting labor. In fact, the chief dangers to health are overwork and absorption in purely practical matters, leading to a certain skeptical and unsympathetic attitude of mind. There is seldom any serious illness. Virginians are inclined to be fastidious and fussy about their food, and especially about its purity and the manner in which it is prepared and served.

SUN IN VIRGO

This gives an innately practical nature, with a highly discriminative individuality. It connects the personality with maternal and family affairs, the home instincts being strongly marked.

Sun in Virgo and Moon in Aries

This combination gives keen mental abilities, and tends to fit those born under it to take the lead in business affairs. The personality is mirthful, witty, active, sharp, impulsive, and quick to foresee, while the solid nature of the solar influence behind it enables the whole combination to work harmoniously. The native is good at debate, argument, and controversy, but is apt to be independent and hence a little difficult to get on with. He tends to be unyielding, and sometimes exaggerates his own importance or abilities.

Sun in Virgo and Moon in Taurus

This combination brings out all the intuitive faculties. It strengthens the scientific or practical ability, gives keen perception, poetic instinct, and some reserve and secretiveness. There will be a tendency to be overcautious. The native is fortunate in business and money matters and is practical, methodical, and persevering. He is a capable employee, or as an executive gets on well with those in his employ. He appears more obstinate than he really is at heart; for though he is not easily influenced by others he often has doubts in his own mind, though he may not admit this.

Sun in Virgo and Moon in Gemini

This combination quickens the intellect and speech. There is general ability, but often loss of opportunity arising from irresolution. The native is gifted for some scientific or professional career, in which intellect is more important than practical business ability. He would do well as reporter, editor, or in any literary capacity, in educational pursuits, or as secretary or agent. He is much concerned with relatives. He displays some reserve and also some lack of enterprise, but has good critical and judicial ability. He will change his occupation, or follow two at once. Friendship and hospitality are marked features in this combination.

Sun in Virgo and Moon in Cancer

This combination is somewhat over-sensitive. It produces an economical, persevering, and industrious nature, with strong leanings to everything toward conservatism or secretarianism. There is adaptability and agreeableness, with subtlety of mind and quick appreciation of the motives of other people. If Mercury is prominent, the combination gives a smooth and persuasive tongue and fluent speech. There is more in the native than appears on the surface. Though sometimes reserved he makes acquaintances easily.

Sun in Virgo and Moon in Leo

This combination softens the critical side of the Virgo nature, and stimulates the Leo side. The native is proud of his own accomplishments, and exhibits some love of show and ceremony and a liking for fine clothes. If an author, he displays grandeur of style. There is a keen love of beauty in nature and art, with poetic feeling and a generous, warm-hearted, humanitarian disposition. There will be many love episodes.

Sun in Virgo and Moon in Virgo

This quickens the whole of the Virgo nature, giving great love of everything of a maternal character, or where relatives and home life are concerned. This combination increases discrimination, independence, self-reliance, and foresight; but there is a tendency to be too self-contained and somewhat self-centered. Although refined and polished, there is also a tendency to be too methodical and precise; but it is a fairly good business polarity, inclining to accuracy in the most minute details. The native is a hard worker, frugal and persevering.

Sun in Virgo and Moon in Libra

This combination gives independence of thought, together with talent for philosophic or scientific writing. It quickens the perceptive faculties of Libra, and gives great ability in all matters where fine judgment and perception are required. It strengthens the intuition, imagination, and ambition, and gives a very clear mentality. The native, however, is not sufficiently patient, and is liable to change and fluctuate in opinion. If well educated, he will have a wide range of reading and be well up in many subjects. There is some inclination toward travel, and much artistic ability.

Sun in Virgo and Moon in Scorpio

This is a rather selfish combination, inclining the native to be hard and somewhat careless of other people's feelings, except members of his own family or those who minister to his personal comfort. The sympathies are slight, jealousy is easily aroused, and there is tendency to be unforgiving and severe. Criticism and judgment are keenly developed, and this combination is good for all matters connected with industry. The Scorpio persistence of character and self-reliance strengthen the Virgo nature in this respect. This is a fortunate combination for nursing or doctoring.

Sun in Virgo and Moon in Sagittarius

The Moon in Sagittarius tends to make the personality incline toward philosophy. There is a strong to teach others. Those born under this combination are suited for occupations connected with religion, learning, science or travel. There is a tendency to be impulsive and to make hasty judgments. Dual tendencies are often found in this sign, such as religious instincts and commercial enterprise, philosophy and love of power. Nevertheless, it is a successful combination, especially where acquisition of wealth is concerned, though the native is rather lacking in persistency.

Sun in Virgo and Moon in Capricorn

This is the most practical of all combinations. While there is much independence, and a tendency to lean toward materialistic and selfish lines of thought, there is splendid ability and a desire to accumulate wealth in either the professional or business world. This combination produces shrewdness and a calculating mind. It is good for government occupations, or those connected with public authorities, all official appointments, managerships, and also for stock-brokers. The mind is serious and somewhat gloomy at times, but determined, and the memory is often very retentive.

Sun in Virgo and Moon in Aquarius

This combination intensifies the intuitive faculties and quickens impressions. It often acts along practical lines and gives ability for business pursuits, especially in trading with large companies. The discriminative faculties are well developed, and there is much ability to judge human nature. The native has an original mind, is ingenious and inventive. He has opinions to which he adheres, and is not easily persuaded differently. He is fond of the company of a few, is fortunate in his friends and acquaintances but is apt to be despondent at times. He is unconventional, yet is sometimes lacking in enterprise and self-assertion.

Sun in Virgo and Moon in Pisces

This combination makes the personality restless with a great love of change and novelty. There is apt to be much dissatisfaction, some irritability, and lack of self-reliance. The native makes a good employee; he is a good worker, very correct in details, although lazy at times. He is sympathetic and charitable, and receives sympathy and charity from others. With a bad horoscope the native is liable not to be straightforward, or suffers from this in others. He often follows obscure occupations. A hospitable nature is always displayed.

FAMOUS PEOPLE BORN WITH THE SUN IN VIRGO

• Savonarola: September 21, 1452
• Queen Elizabeth I: September 7, 1533
• Cardinal Richelieu: September 9, 1585
• Goethe: August 28, 1749
• Lafayette: September 6, 1757
• William Howard Taft: September 15, 1857
• Maurice Chevalier: September 12, 1888
• John Gunther: August 30, 1901
• Greta Garbo: September 18, 1905
• Lyndon B. Johnson: August 27, 1908
• Ingrid Bergman: August 29, 1917
• Leonard Bernstein: August 25, 1918
• Lauren Bacall: September 16, 1924
• Peter Sellers: September 8, 1925
• Sophia Loren: September 20, 1934