Mindful Heart Astrology: Virgo

Virgo, the sixth sign of the zodiac, wraps up summer in the northern hemisphere. This is the time when we harvest what we have sown. We take stock, analyze what we have created, then decide what is useful and what to leave aside.

The symbol for Virgo is sometimes shown as a woman carrying a sheaf of wisdom, representing the harvest of wheat during late summer. Symbolically, this hints at wisdom we have acquired during this half of the zodiac cycle. Seeds planted during the time of Aries, tended with Taurus, contemplated in Gemini, nurtured through Cancer, and culminated under the Leo Sun, are now ready for evaluation.

The hardworking and practical Virgo now has much to consider. What has been done, what still needs to happen, and has the effort made been good enough? To illustrate, I’ll use the analogy of a farmer who, in tending his crop towards a fruitful harvest, must consider all factors that have potential to affect it. A challenging undertaking with so much to do and be concerned about before the outcome is realized. All the while with the looming possibility of untold events that may impact the result. One can easily understand why “worry” is associated with this sign.

Practical and methodical, Virgo pays careful attention to detail, working to ensure the best outcome by leaving nothing to chance. These natives are often consulted by friends and family for much valued advice and wisdom. They are good problem-solvers with the ability to discern facts and assess a situation without emotion clouding their judgment. Others generally have more confidence in the capabilities of the self-critical Virgo than they will have in themselves. As such, they may seem shy and reserved, avoiding the spotlight where perceived shortcomings may be noticed.

Ruled by the planet Mercury, there is an intellectual side to this sign and some may be considered quite cerebral. Virgo is an Earth sign and, unlike the Air sign of Gemini which is also ruled by Mercury, it tends to be practical and grounded. In contrast to the expressiveness often characteristic of Gemini, Virgo is more logical and discerning in gleaning the facts and sharing information or ideas. However, one thing these Mercury-ruled signs do have in common is a very busy mind. Virgo can overthink a personal problem, getting caught in a continuous mind-loop without arriving at a solution. Their concern for finding the perfect answer drives them to be overly detailed and analytic, losing sight of the bigger issue and being challenged to make a decision.

Interpersonally, a Virgo may be difficult to get to know and can appear emotionally cool or withdrawn. It can be as challenging for them to make an emotional connection as it is for others to “feel” a personal connection with them. Deep down they are thoughtful and kind but they tend to keep their emotions to themselves. As a result, some may appear to lack warmth and sensitivity, being somewhat perfunctory in their demeanor.  In my own experience however, both with Virgo Suns and Moons, this is often a veneer. These natives genuinely want to connect and be of service to others, enabling them to validate their worth and feel needed. The friends they have are incredibly important to them and with these people they are seen as caring, reliable and loyal. There is more below the surface than is obvious with a Virgo.

Associated with the 6^th House, Virgo is concerned with Health and Wellness, Work, and Service. Their particular skill relates to a discerning eye with the ability to pinpoint exactly what is lacking in any situation. This, coupled with a good memory, creates a tendency for them to remind others about what needs to be done, thus helping them stay on track. Interestingly, many doctors and nurses are Virgo Sun or have strong Virgo in their charts, reflecting skills required in some areas of healthcare, particularly diagnosis and treatment.

In the 6^th House we also find the “day-to-day” aspects of life. This is Virgo’s domain and their list of “to do’s” can be exhausting. If you want something done, give it to a busy person and these folks do like to be busy and, at the same time, recognized for their work. Frequently involved with numerous projects at school, work, or within their community, they have a sincere desire to be of service. They are often so focused on what “needs” to be done that they don’t usually taking time to engage in pleasurable pursuits which may provide much needed balance for a healthy lifestyle.

Work, Service, or Health? How does Virgo manifest in your life? Take note of which planets appear in your 6^th House.  Planets residing there can suggest particular healing abilities or work skills. The sign on the cusp of the 6^th House will reflect the manner in which you approach the related areas of life. For example, Gemini on the cusp may indicate a multi-faceted approach to any, or all, of these. As well, a somewhat intellectual flavor may exist, or perhaps the possibility of spreading oneself too thin by taking on too many things at once.

How might you leverage your Virgo in daily life? What service would you love to perform? What pleasure would you love to pursue in order to balance work with play? What work would truly fulfill you, increasing confidence to more fully express your inner self? Virgo has so much to offer, including the wisdom of the harvest. What have you reaped that, when shared, can make a difference to you and others? I’m willing to bet its far more than you’ve ever considered…until now!

~ Jayne Logan