The zodiac sign Virgo, 23rd August - 22nd September, is ruled by Mercury and naturally rules the 6th House. The Virgo symbol is the Virgin. Virgo Archetypes are the Servant, the Martyr, the Perfectionist and the Analyst. Virgo has the element of Earth, and the polarity Yin, being more inward facing and feminine in energy. Virgo thrives on wanting to be good enough.

They crave fulfillment deep inside, and know instinctively it can only come from consistently chipping away at chaos and noise, and letting go of anything hindering their personal growth. They are happiest in a space where they are free to focus on their own potential, and their goal is nothing short of perfect purity within.

Strengths and Challenges
Virgo people use every experience as an opportunity think on what could be... how they can improve self by being meticulous and practical in their outer lives. Order, efficiency, logic and analysis, what can I 'do' better, to 'be' better. Famous Virgo's Michael Jackson and Keanu Reeves worked meticulously at music and acting. Michael in particular was known for perfecting performances, always being on time, and giving his very best to his fans.

Virgos often gravitate to being of service to others, and can be kind, helpful and perfect assistants. But their reason for this is not so much to be kind and helpful as a virtue, but rather that these virtues lead to their goal of growth, and ultimately perfectionism. Of all the signs Virgo craves growth the most, but her need for it can lead to harsh self analysis, self criticism, even self harm.

Virgo and Astrology
And here in lies the challenge. The Virgo's need to be perfect can lead to never feeling good enough, to always letting other people down. Never feeling fulfilled with work, relationships - any experience can fall short of their need for meaning. It can become a consuming, unattainable task, leading many to burn out from self sacrifice, whether than be through service, work, or family expectations.

Ultimately a Virgo must learn to live in the present and to love the 'now' Self, as well as allow the natural desire for growth to lead her into experiences which will bring it about in a kind, and loving way. Balance is the key. The goal is learning to stop and love life here and now and feel excited about the future, without falling into the trap of comparing the two.

Remember no two Virgos are exactly the same. And whilst some of the key words used in pop astrology may indeed be ascribed correctly, best not to rely on generalisations. Your Natal Chart will show where your Virgo sign is placed specifically, as well as the corresponding House. Other aspects (planets and signs that are geometrically aligned), and many other considerations make up the total sum of a Natal Chart.

If you know a Virgo well, you know somebody who will get the job done and do it well. Virgos live for working and often work within the community.

Virgo and Health
As we celebrate a month with Virgo in astrology, let’s talk about Virgo health issues and how to keep a Virgo healthy at their astrological best. Virgos are hard working perfectionists. With a tendency to be critical and analytical of others as well as themselves. The extra mental pressure will make them worry, and in the long term worry can lead to anxiety, headaches, depression and related problems like addiction, nervous tension and insomnia.

Virgos can relieve all this inner tension by getting outdoors, running, cycling, bush walking and being in nature as long as possible. They need to use up their mental energy physically, on a regular basis. Virgos need plenty of filtered water and fibrous seasonal fruit and vegetables to keep their plumbing working well. Their inner tension may constipate them.

Virgos respond better with Naturopathic or Homeopathic treatments rather than mainstream pharmaceuticals. As pharmaceuticals can trigger allergic skin reactions. Virgos can be prone to migraines, and these can be relieved with alternative medicine such as body alignment with an osteopath or nutritional dietary changes. Virgos live for working and often work within the community. Hard working and health focused, sometimes overdoing it as they can take on too much work.

Virgos worry and need to be careful not to let the tension and worry they feel consume them. Exercise is good for this, especially grounding workouts like dancing and running. Virgos can be gym fanatics and tough on themselves more then anyone else.