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Virgo:
August 23 – September 23
Element:
Earth Sign (Senses) – 2nd Decan of the Earth
Trilogy Quality: Mutable (Changeable, Flexible, Analytical)
Polarity:
Feminine/Negative/Yin (non-initiating, passive, receptive)
Symbology:
The symbol for Virgo is the virgin and is shown holding a sheaf of
wheat or an ear of corn, symbolic of the fruitfulness of Woman. The
virgin represents purity and dedication (which were conditions
necessary for the Virgin Birth of Christ, and for the sacred duties
of the Vestal Virgins). Seasonally, it is the month of harvest - the
time of rewards earned through diligence in care-taking. As a mutable
earth sign, it signifies movement on the land. Virgo is the sign of
work, of the need to put oneself aside and be of service. The
function of Virgo in the chart is to separate - to winnow the chaff
from the wheat in terms of life's action. It is the ability to
discriminate and to perfect service to the world: serving with love
is not enough, what is required is perfect love plus efficiency in performance.
Mythology:
The Virgin is Erigone, the daughter of Icarius who had been given
the secret of wine by Dionysis. Icarius then went about teaching
mankind how to cultivate grapes. He got some shepherds drunk in the
process and they slew him from fear at seeing double. When Erigone,
with the help of her dog Maera, found the body, she was so grief
stricken that she hanged herself. Maera the dog, on seeing the death
of his master and mistress, drowned himself in the river. Jupiter
took all three up into the heavens : Maera became Canis Minor,
Icarius became the constellation Bootes and Erigone became Virgo.
Glyph:The
Glyph for Virgo has two interpretations. One is that it comes from
the Hebrew letter Mem, which represents the principle of femininity
with an added hook to it. It is also said to represent the coils of
energy latent in the Virgin's essence, which are kept from being
released into their full expression in the outer world by a locked
door (the closed circle can also depict the intact hymen). The house
ruled by Virgo in the chart will show where you objectively criticise
and analyse the results of your actions. It is where you must reject
what is faulty and imperfect and where you seek knowledge which
brings physical matter under control of the mind. Virgo has a
relationship with the 6th house as both are to do with work and service.
Ruling
Planet: Mercury Colour: White Gemstone: Sapphire
Body
Rulership: Virgo rules the abdomen and the intestines. Where what is
necessary is absorbed and the rest passed on to be eliminated. Virgo
also rules the gall bladder and pancreas and is said by some to rule
the womb and the nerves.
Keyword:
Discrimination Keyphrase: "I Analyse"
Some
other descriptive words: Positive:
Practical, logical, perfectionist, hardworking, refined, health
conscious, precise, willing, helpful, dependable, constructive,
responsible, modest, discreet, orderly, service oriented. Negative:
Picky, unromantic, nagging, skeptical, self-pitying, critical, fussy,
clinical, nervous (worry wart), pedantic, materialistic, prudish, unsentimental.
Virgo
is very demanding of her self - she expects perfection of others but
more of herself. She lacks confidence and can't take criticism
(because she's only too aware of how imperfect she is). She can tend
towards narrow mindedness and dislikes displays of emotion. She has a
fixation with cleanliness (a germ freak) or can be an absolute slob,
and there's nothing in between. She has a fix-it mentality and feel
it's her duty to help others (even if they don't want her help). She
will do absolutely anything for you if you acknowledge her for it.
She has a reputation for being non-sexual, but it's more that she is
terrified of letting her body loose, as she may be embarrassed
afterwards. Besides, physical contact is a good way of getting
other's people's germs! Virgo's appearance is usually fine and
delicate, with rather sharp features (especially their eyes). There
is an air of coolness or refinement about them and their mannerism
are generally quiet and reserved. They often give the impression of
watching everything that is going on (and judging it!)
Virgo
is ruled by the planet Mercury (like Gemini) but this is the passive
analytical side of Mercury which separates information it receives
and examines it carefully. Virgo has an affinity with the quincunx aspect.
Allegory:
"To
you Virgo, I ask for an examination of all man has done with My
Creation. You are to scrutinise his ways sharply and remind him of
his errors so that through you My Creation may be perfected. For
doing this, I give you the gift of Purity of Thought." And Virgo
stepped back into place.
(c)
Cecily Bazak
References:
(The above information was adapted from teacher’s class notes,
some of which comes from “The Only Way to Learn Astrology
Series”, (March and McEvers. Much of the information on
Mythology is from the Encyclopedia of Astrology (James Lewis), Mythic
Astrology (Guttman and Johnson) and Encyclopedia of Mythology (Arthur Cotterell) |
