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Virgo

The Practical Idealist

August 23 to September 23

Ruling planet: Mercury
 Element: Earth practical, cautious, reliable
Mode: Mutable adaptable, changeable, restless
 Symbol: The Virgin
 Birthstone: Sapphire
 Color: Blue and Gray


 Famous Virgo People:

August 23        River Phoenix

August 24        Macaulay Culkin

August 25        Claudia Schiffer

August 26        Mother Teresa

August 27        Samuel Goldwyn

August 28        Shania Twain

August 29        Charlie Parker

August 30        Cameron Diaz

August 31        Richard Gere

September 1     Gloria Estefan

September 2     Selma Hayek

September 3     Marguerite Higgins

September 4     Richard Wright

September 5     Raquel Welch

September 6     Rosie Perez

September 7     Chrissie Hynde           

September 8      Peter Sellers

September 9      Adam Sandler

September 10    Amy Irving

September 11    Harry Connick, Jr.

September 12    Barry White

September 13    Milton S. Hershey

September 14    Margaret Rudkin

September 15    Oliver Stone

September 16    Trisha Yearwood

September 17    Phil Jackson

September 18    Jada Pinkett

September 19    Jeremy Irons

September 20    Sophia Loren

September 21    Stephen King

September 22    Eric Stolz

September 23    Jason Alexander

These Behaviors and Attitudes  
 Increase Confidence

Analysis
Kindness
Insight
Practicality
Observation
Idealism
Dependability

These Behaviors and Attitudes
Decrease Confidence

Criticism
Judgmental tendency
Subservience
Fussiness
Passivity
Self-deprecation
Narrow-mindedness

The Practical Idealist

    You, dear Virgo, are a wonderful combination of idealism and practicality.  These qualities serve as a balance for each other to help you achieve your dreams.  Your idealistic nature makes you want to achieve nothing less than perfection.  The part of you that is practical knows how to devise a plan to reach your goal.  Virgos are so often successful in life because they are the people who not only have ideals and dreams, but also importantly know how to fulfill them.
    Virgo Maria Montessori, a pioneer in education and the first woman to receive a medical degree from the University of Rome, created a method of education based on a child’s natural development.  Although her idealism prompted her to invent this progressive form of education, the Montessori method was based on her real-life experiences in the education of children.  She used her common sense; she saw what worked.
    English philosopher John Locke’s ideals established him as one of the most important thinkers of the modern world.  His revolutionary ideas strongly influenced political thought including the writing of the American Declaration of Independence.
    Many entrepreneurs are Virgos who create successful businesses with their combination of idealism and practicality.  Some Virgos who created their own businesses are Harland “Colonel” Sanders, J. C. Penney, Margaret Rudkin: the founder of Pepperidge Farm bakery, and Milton S. Hershey: the chocolate manufacturer.
    This world is not a mystery to a Virgo.  Some people learn how the world operates when they are older.  You already know many things that others don’t.  You observe, you analyze, and you learn.  You see what works and what doesn’t.  This incredible ability to keep your feet on the ground while exploring and developing your ideals and dreams is a gift that will help you go anywhere you want in life.

Practice Makes Perfect

Hard work does not bother you.  You are a realist when it comes to achieving your goals.  In fact, many Virgos enjoy professions that require effort and time in order to hone and perfect their skills.  Renowned ice skater Scott Hamilton put in many hours of hard work to win an Olympic Gold-medal.  Golf pro Arnold Palmer developed his natural talent by practicing to become a great golfer.  Journalist Marguerite Higgins’ tackled the difficult task of reporting about the Korean War.  She became the first woman to receive the Pulitzer Prize for foreign coverage.  All of these Virgos took what they loved to do and then became some of the best in their chosen fields.
    Virgos enjoy cultivating skills and developing expertise.  While many others shy away from what it takes to pursue a dream, you are realistic about the dedication required to reach your goals.  You are self-sufficient, amazingly capable, and able to do just about anything you put your mind to.
    Virgos are often the ones who so excel at what they do that they are considered some of the best in their genre.  For example, Stephen King is a best-selling author of horror fiction.  Michael Jackson’s talent for singing, songwriting, and dancing puts him in a class all by himself.  Magician David Copperfield is at the top his profession.  Each of these Virgos applied themselves to become the best at what they do.
    Virgos need something to do.  You love to be productive and useful.  At your happiest, what you do has meaning and purpose for you.  By investing your time and energy in the tasks that are the most important to you, you will begin to develop the expertise that leads to a successful life.
    Although there are plenty of well-known Virgos, many are naturally reserved or shy.  You are not one to clamor for the spotlight.  It’s not as if you don’t like your hard work to be noticed, but your purpose in doing something is because you want to do it -- not because you are seeking an audience.  You are comfortable working quietly on a project by yourself; you enjoy time spent alone.  Although you are fine in big crowds or around a lot of people, in general you are not a “party-person,” and instead are content to seek the company of a few close friends.

The Gift of Discernment

    One of your greatest gifts is your ability to discriminate between what is important and worthy of your attention and what is not.  Your flair for determining what has practical value is one of the keys to your success.  Many people are held back in life simply by their inability to accurately assess any given situation.  Your excellent mind, talent for analysis, and sterling clarity help you to make decisions that are invariably workable.
    This gift of discernment blossoms when you give it specific application.  For example, Phil Jackson, a great NBA basketball coach, uses his Virgo gifts to bring out the best in each of his players.  He recognizes the specific strengths of each player and utilizes those skills accordingly.  There are many situations in life, where this ability will bring you excellent results.

The Virgin

The term virgin is used to signify something that is in its pure state or is untouched or uncorrupted.  Virgin wool is unprocessed wool.  Virgin oil is oil that is made from the first pressing of olives and is obtained without the use of heat.  The Virgo symbol, the virgin, does not signify sexual virginity, but instead represents a person who is self-contained and belongs to no one but herself or himself.  This person is considered untouched by others and pure in nature.  In this sense, the virgin implies a psychological state of being inwardly focused and not dependent upon others for a feeling of wholeness.  The virgin represents the union of body and soul, of spirit and matter.  This is a powerful symbol because it represents people who are self-possessed and who lead their lives as they choose rather than following the dictates of others.
    It is interesting that in the sign of the virgin are considered some of the most physically attractive people in Western popular culture: Claudia Schiffer, Sean Connery, Ingrid Bergman, Shania Twain, Cameron Diaz, Richard Gere, Selma Hayek, and Sophia Loren.

How Can I Serve?

    The pure meaning of service is simply the sincere desire to help others.  This concept has long been associated with your sign.  Jane Addams, a pioneer in the field of social work, typifies the Virgo impulse to help people.  Her distress at the conditions of the poor in Chicago led her to create Hull House, a center that housed a day nursery and kindergarten and cared for sick and hungry people.  In the typical manner of the Virgo practical idealist, Addams became a garbage inspector just so she could get the filthy streets cleaned.  Among her many accomplishments were campaigns that helped to pass legislation to prevent sweatshops and to establish the world’s first juvenile court.  She was awarded the Nobel Peace prize in 1931.
    Virgo actor Richard Gere is as well known for his work on behalf of the Tibetan people as he is for his movie star status.  Milton Hershey, although famous for his chocolate, gave approximately $60 million dollars to a school he founded for orphan boys.  Few people exemplify the meaning of service more than Virgo Mother Teresa whose work on behalf of the poor is legendary and earned her the Nobel peace prize in 1979.
    The deepest meaning of service is experienced when it is accompanied by a sense of “higher calling.”  This is when you do something because your heart tells you to, whether it is for people, animals, or for a cause such as the environment.
    Because the concept of service is so central for Virgos, be mindful of whether or not your service has a deep sense of purpose for you.  Sometimes Virgos will do something for someone, not because they want to, but because they think they should.  They think that they have to help someone, even if they do not want to, in order to be a “good” person.  This kind of service doesn’t engage your heart.  All Virgos have a “calling.”  You will recognize your calling from the wonderful feeling you experience when you do it.

Bringing it All Together

    You have an uncanny talent with whatever you are doing, for seeing how all of the pieces fit together like a gigantic jigsaw puzzle.  You know how to investigate, classify and organize anything you put your mind to.  Virgo Dr. Walter Reed conducted a series of experiments to see how diseases were transmitted.  His research helped to prevent the spread of typhoid and yellow fevers.  Virgo Lee De Forest was an inventor at the age of thirteen and eventually held over 300 patents on radio and other electronic devices.  He invented the Audion tube, which enabled the broadcasting of sound through radio.
    In anything you do whether editing the school paper, planning a community event, or investigating college possibilities, you are able to see all of the parts that must be considered.  As with a jigsaw puzzle, placing each piece in its proper location reveals the whole picture.  To be successful, keep your attention on the bigger picture as you carry out the steps to reach your goal.

Your Soul Mission: Distinguishing the Difference Between High Standards and Perfectionism

What is perfection?  This question is part of every Virgo’s path.  Because of your idealistic nature, it is natural for you to seek perfection in all that you do.  But, what constitutes perfection is tricky because as you reach one goal there is always further to go, another dream to fulfill.
    When you look at a photograph you can dissect it, noticing everything that is right or wrong.  When you watch a movie, you know that something came before a particular scene and that something will come after.  Although you make observations, you withhold judgment until the end.  Your life, and everybody else’s, is like a movie.  Although it can be helpful to look at a particular picture or scene to analyze it, once that analysis is done, it needs to be placed back into the larger context.  Life is a process.  Make sure you do not focus on just one scene.
    It is easy to find Virgos who are critical of themselves and hard on others.  You get an image in your mind of how you or someone “should be.”  Wanting to improve or make something better is a wonderful quality.  But, for Virgos, this desire can too easily turn into the habit of criticizing -- of noticing what is wrong instead of what is right.  Your high standards, when they are positive, affirming, and supportive, give you something to aim for, to make yours and others’ lives better and more fulfilling.  When your high standards turn into perfectionism, you will notice the accompanying feeling of anxiety and worry.  Too often, when Virgos wait for perfection, they become observers of life instead of participants.  Since the path towards achievement consists of making mistakes, count on making some!  Your mistakes will inform you about what to do or not to do again.

Friendship

Mercury, the planet of the mind and communication, is your ruling planet.  It makes conversation and shared interests or hobbies important in your friendships.  By getting involved in activities such as working on the school paper or joining a book club, you are likely to make new friends.  Because of your desire to help, organizations such as the Sierra Club, The Audubon Society, Habitat for Humanity, or programs that feed the homeless are also areas where you will meet likeminded people.  For you, people with whom you form friendships do not necessarily have to be the same age.  What is more important is that you have shared interests.
    Your sweet and affectionate nature will help you make friends easily. You like being helpful to those you care about and your friends appreciate this quality.  You are not one who insists on getting your own way all of the time.  However, make sure you let your friends be helpful to you also.  You may be so busy making sure your friends are comfortable that you don’t think enough about your own needs.
    In friendships, as in all of your relationships, you like to take your time getting to know someone.  Once you know someone, you like to stay friends for a long time.  Your friends are important to you and you enjoy creating long-lasting bonds.
    Check out the compatibility guide later in this chapter to see how your friends’ Sun signs match up with yours.

Home Life

    It is not as if there has never been a rebellious Virgo.  But if Virgos rebel, it is because of something specific rather than just to be contrary.  Virgos are rarely the troublemakers in a family.  Instead, you are more likely to be helpful to your parents.  In fact, you may focus on trying to be the “perfect” kid and not want to cause any problems.  Or, you may worry about trying to meet the expectations that your parents.  Sometimes the parents of Virgos give them more than they can handle.  Since they don’t hear complaints they assume everything must be fine.  It would be helpful for your parents to realize that you want to do everything right and are concerned about not failing the people you love.  Make sure you do not set impossible expectations for yourself, because doing so could lead you to feel inadequate or to think that there is something wrong with you if you do not attain those high expectations.
    It is important for you to have your own space in your bedroom where you can organize your belongings.  Chaos in general can feel particularly uncomfortable for you.  You are more likely to want everything in its proper place.  Because of your strong mind, you probably want your books close by along with the arts and crafts or other projects with which you are always busy.  You are likely to be modest, so you need a fair amount of privacy.  If it is not feasible to have your own bedroom, you at least need to have your own personal space whenever possible.

 

Career


     The first requirement for a career choice is to be in touch with your ideals and then take a look at the practical steps you need to take to reach your goal.  There is little you cannot do, so aim high!
    You like to be busy, productive, and useful so a job where there is little to do is definitely not for you.  You are not looking to skate by in life, but instead want your abilities and talents to be used.  Virgos have a great reputation as the sign with a good work ethic.  Talk show and game show host Regis Philbin is a good example of a Virgo who worked hard in his business for many years and now enjoys the success that his efforts have produced.
    Because you have a sincere desire to help others, you may be attracted to the helping professions, which include careers where you can be a doctor, nurse, psychologist, massage therapist, social worker, or teacher.  The health field in general is appealing to many Virgos.  There are many Virgo nutritionists, fitness experts, acupuncturists, physical therapists, and other professions that are concerned with health and healing.
    Any job that requires precision or attention to detail and uses your highly observant and discriminating talents could be very satisfying. Examples include a movie or restaurant critic, a fashion or design consultant, an editor, or an auto mechanic.  Any job, in general, that requires skill in trouble-shooting would not only be enjoyable, but also one in which you would excel.
    Writing, acting, and music as well as other creative professions are attractive to Virgos.  Actors Marlee Matlin, Jada Pinkett, Tommy Lee Jones, Michael Keaton, and Eric Stolz are a few.  Some Virgo actors are also known for their comedic talents including Bill Murray, Lily Tomlin, Adam Sandler, and Jane Curtain.  Songwriters and musicians include jazz great Charlie Parker, Elvis Costello, LeAnn Rimes, Shania Twain, Gloria Estefan, Van Morrison, and B.B. King.  Some great Virgo authors are Richard Wright, Leo Tolstoy, Upton Sinclair, and D.H. Lawrence.

Relationships
Perfect Love

    Virgos are discerning in their approach to relationships.  You are not interested in superficial relationships and are not likely to waste your time dating people just to be going out with someone.  You would much rather sit home and read a book than to spend time with people you do not enjoy.
    Cautious in matters of love, you are willing to take your time getting to know someone to make sure a relationship feels right for you.  But, paradoxically, because you are so idealistic, once you fall in love you have a tendency to throw that innate caution to the wind!
    You have a great respect for the intellect and you prefer someone who is communicative.  You love holding hands while going for walks in nature and talking about your shared interests and those topics that matter the most to you.  Meeting at a bookstore for quiet conversation, or walking home from school together gives you the opportunity to get to know someone without the distraction of being around other people. You seek simplicity rather than drama in your relationships.
    However, although you need someone you can talk with, talking too much will not do either.  After all, you are an earth sign!  For you, love is demonstrated tangibly.  Someone who helps and supports you as much as you are there for him or her really counts.  All of the words in the world do not make up for someone who is not generous, kind, and ready to lend a hand.  Love is demonstrated by doing things for each other.
    Because you are generous, helpful, and supportive, you may find yourself attracted to people who could use your help.  Make sure that your make your own needs important also.  Do not put so much focus on making your loved one’s life easier that you make your life harder.
    Wonderfully idealistic when you fall in love, you start out seeing perfection in your loved one while the naturally human imperfections show up later.  When they do, it will be important for you to make some decisions about what you can live with.  Your exceptional capacity for observation means you will notice things that many others do not even see.  This can be a little unnerving for the person on whom you are focused!  Some Virgos may be disappointed when human flaws appear; others will be practical about the shortcomings of their loved one.
    For many Virgos, there is a desire to help the other person improve.  You will need to use great tact and sensitivity when discussing your needs and the other person’s behavior.  Being true to yourself is so important -- but allowing room for people’s faults is also essential in any relationship.  Ultimately, the consideration you give to others mirrors the allowances you make for yourself.

Sign Compatibility

There are some basic concepts to keep in mind when you are thinking about compatibility.  You want to remember that Sun signs only represent a part of a person and not the whole person.  Other planets, particularly Venus, are important to consider when determining compatibility between people.  Venus is the planet that symbolizes your concept of an ideal relationship.  It describes how you like to give and receive affection.  The sign that Venus occupied at the time of your birth explains what is most important to you when you are in love.  Other planets are equally important when it comes to relationship.  Mercury is the planet that reveals your communication style.  Mars is the planet of action and desire.  The Moon shows your emotional temperament and security concerns.
    Signs that are opposite each other in the zodiac are often compatible although their personality characteristics are very different.  Pisces is Virgo’s opposite sign.
    Now, with these considerations in place, we can proceed!


Compatibility Guide

Virgo and Aries

Both of you like to be active.  An Aries does not tend to think things through preferring spontaneity, while you are more grounded and like to plan your activities.  Your Aries is attracted to your earthy sensibility while you are intrigued by the Aries jump-out-and-do-it style.

The challenge: Although you are both idealistic and like to aim high, you have significantly different approaches to achieving your goals in life.  You will need to make adjustments to each other’s personal styles for this relationship to work.

Virgo and Taurus

This is a harmonious combination.  Because you share the earth element, there is a level of comfort and ease in relating to each other.  You love your Taurus’ loyalty and affectionate nature.  Your Taurus understands your needs and desires.  You both are looking for a lasting commitment.

The challenge: Whereas you love simplicity, your Taurus loves luxury.  You love to be active; a Taurus enjoys sitting still.  Plan activities to do together to bring you closer to each other.

Virgo and Gemini

You share the same ruling planet Mercury, which creates a special bond and understanding.  When you are together, there is nothing the two of you can’t discuss.  You love your Gemini’s clever mind and playful personality, while he or she is attracted to your earthy sensibility.

The challenge: Although you are both “thinkers,” you tend to be more analytical and practical than a Gemini.  Make allowances for the differences to help this relationship thrive.


Virgo and Cancer

This relationship is likely to feel comfortable from the very beginning.  You are both innately cautious and are content to take your time getting to know each other.  Supporting one another comes easily.  This relationship can go as deep as you want it to go.

The challenge: Because neither one of you really likes to “rock the boat,” you will have to make sure you discuss any problems that arise to keep this relationship on stable ground.
 

Virgo and Leo

Although you two have different temperaments, in many ways those differences can create compatibility.  You are more practical, while a Leo approaches life with a sense of drama.  You love to help and Leos like to lead.  Your Leo’s generosity and your giving nature can make this relationship work.

The challenge: This relationship can get out of balance if you find you are doing too much of the work of the relationship.  Make sure you let your Leo know what is important for you to keep this relationship strong.


Virgo and Virgo

The two of you totally understand one another.  There are no mysteries or guessing games.  Supporting and helping each other comes easily.  You enjoy the same activities and sharing your deepest dreams.  This relationship can feel magical from the beginning.

The challenge:  Because you are both focused on improvement, make sure you do not get overly critical of each other to stay content in this relationship.
 

Virgo and Libra

You are both idealistic and appreciate someone with a good mind.  You love the sociability and charm of your Libra while your Libra is attracted to your affectionate and giving nature.  Both of you love to spend time doing special things for each other.

The challenge: Neither one of you is especially comfortable with conflict.  You will need to make sure that you don’t sweep problems under the rug to keep this relationship strong.
 

Virgo and Scorpio

There is nothing lazy in either one of you.  You respect each other’s drive and intensity and enjoy the same kinds of activities.  You are attracted to your Scorpio’s strength, charisma and charm.  Your Scorpio loves your earthy, serious nature.

The challenge: Because you both tend to be more serious, make a point to do fun activities to bring balance to your relationship.

Virgo and Sagittarius

With your high standards and expectations in life and your Sagittarius’ big dreams, there is little the two of you cannot do.  You both share an idealistic nature and are ready to make your mark on the world.  Your Sagittarius’ optimistic nature is a perfect counter balance to your more down-to-earth personality.

The challenge: A Sagittarius needs lots of freedom and lacks the practicality that you have in abundance.  To remain content, you will have to make sure that you do not spend too much time “cleaning up” after your Sagittarius.

 

Virgo and Capricorn

Both earth signs, you instinctively understand each other.  You share a common-sense approach to life and have similar interests.  Your Capricorn supports your goals and understands your dreams.  There is little you will not do to be there for each other.

The challenge: Since both of you are serious and hard working, make sure you take time to play to keep this relationship balanced.

 

Virgo and Aquarius

Both of you have high standards although your definitions of them may be a bit different.  You both appreciate a strong mind and find plenty to talk about. You are intrigued by your Aquarius’ independent nature.  Your Aquarius appreciates your grounded approach to life.  Life is always interesting when you two are together!

The challenge: Although you love your Aquarius’ independent nature, since you tend to be more cautious, you will both need to accommodate these differences in your personalities for this relationship to stay on track.

 

Virgo and Pisces

Pisces is your opposite sign, which forms a natural attraction.  You are both idealistic although you are much more practical.  You love your Pisces’ imaginative, dreamy nature while your Pisces is attracted to your can-do personality.  You both are compassionate people and love to do things for one another.

The challenge: As with all opposite signs, your strengths and weaknesses are also opposite.  Your Pisces is stronger in the feeling and faith department, while you have a more common-sense approach to the world.  Learning from each other brings balance into this relationship.

 

*****

You, dear Virgo, with your wonderful combination of practicality and idealism, can succeed in any area you apply your exceptional mind.  Your high standards are an advantage.  They will help you fulfill your greatest dreams.  With your talents, you can accomplish anything you desire.

  *****

 Special Tips for Virgos

Below are reminders and special tips that will help any Virgo lead a successful and fulfilling life. Maximize your positive traits and be aware of those traits that can hold you back in life. Make the effort to learn from your mistakes and keep your eyes on the stars!

 

Special Tips

  1. Have faith in your abilities; pursue your dreams.

  2. Balance practicality and idealism.

  3. Take time to play.

  4. Do not let observations turn into judgments.

  5. Don’t do something just to keep busy. Make sure your heart and soul are in it.

  6. See perfection in imperfection.

  7. Take risks. Participate in life.

  8. When you help people, make sure you serving, rather than being subservient.

  9. Don’t be hard on yourself; don’t be hard on others.

  10. Be helpful rather than critical.

 

Virgos from this chapter in alphabetical order: (Those listed at the beginning of the chapter are not included in this list)

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