Birth Charts 101: Understanding the Planets and Their Meanings
Use this beginner's guide to decode your birth chart and begin to understand the planets, their meanings, what it means when people ask you ...
earth sign Virgo,
The smallest and innermost planet of the solar system, Mercury is named after the Roman deity who served as a messenger to the gods. Within astrology, it symbolizes communication. While the moon reflects our emotions, this planet reflects logic and rationality. Mercury uses its clever intellect and relentless curiosity to analyze, sort, and classify, helping us synthesize and articulate complex ideas. It governs both air sign Gemini and <anchor>earth sign Virgo,</anchor> each representing a different side of Mercury’s expression: Chatty Gemini is output, while analytical Virgo is input. Mercury takes 13 or 14 days to transit a zodiac sign and goes retrograde three or four times per year. This planet's infamous retrograde brings about communication mishaps, travel delays, and texts from exes.
Virgo Zodiac Sign: Personality Traits and Sign Dates | Allure
All About Virgo

# The Personality of a Virgo, Explained

What you should know about this zodiac sign.

September 1, 2024

An illustrated rendition of Virgo showing figure with flowers and virgo sign

Daniel Egneus

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Virgo (August 23 - September 22) is an earth sign historically represented by the goddess of wheat and agriculture, an association that speaks to Virgo’s deep-rooted presence in the material world. Virgos are logical, practical, and systematic in their approach to life. This earth sign is a perfectionist at heart and isn’t afraid to improve skills through diligent and consistent practice. Virgo rules the digestive system, which makes these earth signs especially attuned to the ingredients that make up a whole—in food and in everything else. They're hyper-aware of every detail.

Virgo is governed by Mercury, the messenger planet of communication. Though Mercury also rules Gemini, these two signs are radically different: Gemini is about output and expression, whereas Virgo is about input and processing. A Virgo deals with information like a computer, transforming even the most jumbled set of information into organized, clear concepts. Though Virgos long to be meticulous in all pursuits, they must remember that constantly chasing after the ideal can be destructive when applied to self or others. Beauty exists within our imperfections and it’s important for Virgos to learn that flaws are not defects.

Above all else, Virgos want to help. They are kind, gentle, and supportive friends and lovers who use their incredible intellect and resourcefulness to problem-solve. Virgo's opposite sign, Pisces, offers guidance through spirituality, but Virgos want to assist on a practical level. These earth signs are always striving to provide workable solutions and improve broken systems. Methodical, committed, and hardworking, they make excellent teachers, healers, editors, and musicians. Keep reading to find out more about Leo’s personality traits, weaknesses, and who they're most (and least) compatible with.

In this story:

- What are Virgos known for?
- What are Virgo's weaknesses?
- Who should Virgos avoid?
- Who is Virgo's best match?

## What are Virgos known for?

Virgo is defined by precision, intellect, and incredible, rigorous focus. This sign is recognized for its analytical minds, meticulous attention to detail, and practical approach to life. Icons like Beyoncé, Keanu Reeves, Zendaya, Blake Lively, Idris Elba, Michael Jackson, and Salma Hayek exemplify the diligent and thoughtful qualities of this sign: Virgo excels at whatever they put their mind to. These earth signs possess an innate ability to notice what others might miss, making them excellent problem solvers and critical thinkers. What’s more, Virgos have a natural inclination toward order and efficiency, often thriving in environments where they can bring structure and clarity. Virgos excel at managing complex tasks and producing high-quality work, whether it's a meticulously written novel, a scientific breakthrough, or a beautifully crafted piece of art (see: all of Beyoncé's concept albums—literal masterpieces). Their practicality and reliability make them thoughtful, caring, and diligent friends, lovers, and colleagues.

## What are Virgo's weaknesses?

Virgos' greatest strength—their meticulous attention to detail—is also their most significant, and most severe, weakness. Their notorious perfectionism means they set incredibly high standards for themselves, often to an unrealistic degree. They tend to fixate on minor flaws, putting extreme amounts of pressure on themselves to improve, resulting in a constant sense of dissatisfaction and self-doubt. Likewise, Virgos often struggle to see the silver lining, focusing instead on what could go wrong or what needs improvement. Extremely analytical, Virgos are prone to overthinking and can get stuck in a loop of analysis paralysis, where they become so consumed by potential problems that they struggle to take action. To mitigate these tendencies, Virgos should practice self-compassion. No one is perfect—in fact, that’s the point! Our flaws make us beautiful and relatable; we must embrace our foibles.

## Who should Virgos avoid?

Virgos excel in relationships where their meticulousness and analytical abilities are appreciated. Self-improvement is Virgo’s love language, so this sign thrives on clear, honest communication and safe, reliable partnerships. Virgo can form strong bonds with any zodiac sign… but not everyone can tolerate Virgo’s thorough nature. The fire signs—Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius—might feel stifled by Virgo’s careful planning and exacting approach, preferring spontaneity and bold action. Likewise, the air signs—Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius — may feel judged by Virgo's meticulous eye. Of course, Virgos must remember that not everyone shares their love for detail and order. If Virgo can learn to meet their partner somewhere in the middle—embracing a bit more play and unseriousness—this sign can make it work with anyone.

## Who is Virgo's best match?

When it comes to matters of the heart, Virgo seeks precision and clarity. These meticulous partners value reliability, honesty, and thoughtful communication. Fellow earth signs—Taurus and Capricorn—are naturally attracted to Virgo's attention to detail and practical nature, often resulting in stable and highly-productive partnerships. When Earth gets together, they can develop solid infrastructure that is truly built to last. The Water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces) also pair well with Virgo. Their emotional depth—and their ability to trust their intuition—help Virgo open up and connect on a more profound level. These signs provide the empathy and compassion that balance Virgo's analytical approach, fostering a relationship that is safe, nurturing, and intellectually stimulating.

More on astrology:

Allow astrologer Aliza Faragher to explain which signs yours is most compatible with:



Aliza Kelly is a New York-based astrologer, occultist, and writer. She is the author of The Mixology of Astrology (Adams Media/Simon Schuster), Starring You: A Guided Journey Through Astrology (little bee books), and This Is Your Destiny (Macmillan) and hosts the weekly podcast, Stars Like Us. Her writing... Read more

Astrology Writer

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