The final third of the Summer season brings us to the second Earth sign of the Wheel - Virgo. While Taurus is the Fixed side of the Earth element, Virgo is the Mutable side. Despite being on the opposite ends of the trimodal series, Taurus and Virgo still each perform the function of the Earth element. They each serve to house the Fire of their respective preceding signs. As we have seen already, Taurus provides the grounding substantial energy to bring physical form and structure to the spark of life that is Aries. In this way Aries and Taurus are the soul and body of the physical realm. Likewise, Virgo is the 'embodiment' of the creative life that is Leo. The difference lies in the plane upon which the energies are acting. Aries through Cancer show the development of the basic components of the self, from our initial manifestation into being, to our physical body and surroundings, to our thoughts, to our emotions. Leo begins the second stage of development as we rise to the next level where we begin to move outwardly. Having established ourselves in the first four signs, we now begin to develop our own creativity and the ability to express ourselves outwardly. Just as the soul needs the body as a vehicle, the expression of the soul requires a vessel of action to carry it out into the world.
This brings us to Virgo. Virgo, or Kanya as it is known in the Vedic system, is the sign of Mutable Earth and is ruled by Mercury. Virgo represents the Earth in the form of plants and is related to medicine. This can be seen in the 6th house which is one of the primary indicators of health in the chart and is ruled by Virgo. From the 6th Virgo rules the digestive system. This relates to the Earth element in that while Taurus is the body itself Virgo is that which nourishes and builds the body. Some say that the glyph used for Virgo which resembles a letter 'm' with a flourish curving back in on itself can be thought of as the word 'medicine' with the inward motion being the consumption of food and medicine. This contrasts with the glyph of Scorpio being an 'm' with an outward flourish as a symbol of expelling the excess and waste. Whether there be any truth to this or not, it remains an interesting and valuable way to view the functions of these two signs.
Virgo relates to our actions in this world. In what ways do we express our intentions? This is commonly seen in the form of our daily routines, our skills and services, the things we do in life. Virgo takes the creative Fire of Leo and puts it into effect by focusing it into an action which can be put into play in the world. If Leo brings the inspiration to create a painting, Virgo takes stock of what needs to be done in order to actualize that painting. What type of materials need to be used? What techniques should be applied to achieve the desired effect? Virgo takes abstract inspiration, breaks it down and categorizes it, develops the skills needed to accomplish it, and then puts the steps into proper sequence to bring it about. This arises from the influence of Mercury, the intellect. This is the interplay of the Earth and Air elements. Earth is sedentary, Yin. Air is active, Yang. The Air of Mercury takes the Earth and actively shapes it into functional form to carry the Fire. This is where we get the stereotypical categorical, technical, perfectionist Virgo who is always trying to analyze the inner workings of everything around them and maximize their potential.
Virgo carries the significance of the 6th house, which often sets up the challenges and obstacles we must face in life. The ingenuity of Virgo is the gift we are given to navigate and overcome these challenges. With Virgo we are able to analyze our situations and develop plans of action to bring about the most desirable outcome. The lesson of Virgo in this way is to balance out its purely logical approach with its opposite side - the intuitive Pisces. We must develop the ability to think and think rationally, effectively. Also, we must be able to use our intuition and perception to complete our understanding.
Again, health is a major point here. Many of our health challenges will be seen from Virgo. The plants are seen here as our physicians and teachers which guide us into optimal health. Our daily routines of health are seen here. The placements of Virgo and the 6th house will determine the practices we need to adopt in order to attain and maintain our health. Chiron has a great association here as the archetype of the wounded healer.
Seasonally, Virgo is the late Summer time. At this point all of nature is at its peak and fruition. The plants have brought forth all their bounty and the animals have all done their work and raised their families. The harvest time is nigh. It is now time to take pause and enjoy all the beauty of our surroundings before we begin the preparations for the coming Autumn.
To make use of the Virgo time, sit down and consider the things you feel inspired toward. Take the Fire of Leo within and start developing ideas for how to put it into action. Whatever it is you feel called toward but have never really gotten around to for whatever reason, take the time to finally think about what it would look like to actualize it. Think about the steps that would need to be taken. Virgo loves categorizing, list making, planning the details. Go all out and start working on your ideas. Then challenge yourself. Start taking your ideas and put them into action, one step at a time.
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