Sun Sign Secrets (14 page)

Leo As a Parent

The typical Leo parent:

• is encouraging and approachable
  
• allows children to make messes
  
• likes organizing children's activities
  
• encourages children to play sports
  
• is liberal with discipline
  
• expresses affection easily and often
  

Health

Typical Leos are happy, healthy, energetic people as long as they are loved. If for some reason they are not getting the attention or affection that they crave, Leos will complain. They can sometimes overindulge in rich food and wine, but too much of this is bad. Care should be taken when it comes to putting on weight. Leos should take care of their hearts and backs, as these are the parts of the body that Leo rules.

Whatever physical weaknesses he has, a typical Leo will enjoy only a brief period of rest before he is up again and on the go. To be out of commission for long is intolerable to a Leo.

FAMOUS LEOS

Ben Affleck

Tori Amos

Lucille Ball

Napoleon Bonaparte

Fidel Castro

Bill Clinton

Robert De Niro

Amelia Earhart

Henry Ford

Melanie Griffith

Alfred Hitchcock

Dustin Hoffman

Iman

Mick Jagger

Carl Jung

Jennifer Lopez

Madonna

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis

Maxwell Parrish

Robert Redford

J.K. Rowling

Arnold Schwarzenegger

James Taylor

Charlize Theron

Andy Warhol

“The signs of the zodiac are karmic patterns; the planets are the looms, the will is the weaver.”

—
AUTHOR UNKNOWN

VIRGO

August 23–September 22

Planet:
Mercury

Element:
Earth

Quality:
Mutable

Day:
Wednesday

Season:
summer

Colors:
navy blue, gray, green, tan

Plants:
fern, chrysanthemum, sage

Perfume:
patchouli

Gemstones:
apatite, aventurine, white opal, peridot

Metal:
mercury

Personal qualities:
Conservative, discreet, practical, intelligent, and detail oriented

Keywords

We call the following words “keywords” because they can help you unlock the core meaning of the astrological sign of Virgo. Each keyword represents issues and ideas that are of supreme importance and prominence in the lives of people born with Virgo as their Sun sign. You will usually find that every Virgo embodies at least one of these keywords in the way she makes a living:

thought
•
observation
•
study
•
analysis
•
discrimination

division into component parts
•
criticism
•
reason
•
logic

connection
•
adaptation
•
moving things about

spreading
•
making by hand
•
crafting
•
forming
•
detail

prediction
•
calculation
•
symbolism
•
translation

communication
•
speech
•
writing and reading

Virgo's Symbolic Meaning

Virgo is usually depicted as a young woman holding shafts of wheat. While Virgo is commonly thought of as “the virgin,” it is important to note that in ancient times the word “virgin” actually had two meanings: it was used not only to refer to a sexually inexperienced individual, but also to describe an independent woman who did things on her own terms and over whom no man held dominion. Indeed, Virgos thrive when they are able to do things in their own way.

The dual meaning of the word “virgin” reflects the dual nature that most Virgos exhibit. Sometimes they are completely confident in their opinions and competence, but at other times they are as filled with self-doubt and naïveté as a young beginner. This aspect of their character correlates perfectly with the fact that Virgo is one of the four Mutable, or changeable, signs of astrology (the other three being Gemini, Pisces, and Sagittarius).

The Sun passes through the Mutable signs of the zodiac when we here on Earth are preparing for the change of seasons, and people born during the time of these Mutable signs are therefore considered to be highly adaptable under a variety of circumstances. Flexible and open to change, such individuals deal with each situation depending on the needs and desires of the moment. Virgos are more comfortable adapting to outside influences than they are imposing their will on others.

The shafts of wheat held by the strong young woman represent Virgo's connection with the Earth; this is key because Virgo is an Earth sign—one of three Sun signs focused on physical well-being and the practical matters of daily life (the other two Earth signs are Taurus and Capricorn). The element of Earth symbolizes logic, dependability, and a sense of duty to those who are considered valuable and worthy. People born during the time that the Sun is traveling through one of the three Earth signs are the most reliable and responsible. They have their feet on the ground and possess a practical gift for understanding the material world.

The wheat that Virgo holds is also symbolic of the harvest—the time of year during which a Virgo's birthday falls. In agrarian societies, harvest-time was the busiest and most important time of the year—hence, Virgo's hardworking tendencies.

Recognizing a Virgo

People who exhibit the physical characteristics distinctive of the sign of Virgo look neat and fastidious and have a pleasant, often quietly beautiful face. They are not usually noisy people or the kind to call attention to themselves on purpose, though their version of what looks right and proper is often unique, so that it appears as though they're dressing to confront other people's values—but they're not!

Virgo's Typical Behavior and Personality Traits

• is capable of analyzing situations in detail
  
• is basically shy, no matter how talkative
  
• is unsentimental and unemotional
  
• serves others in some way
  
• defines herself through work
  
• feels a little insecure
  
• notices and remembers details
  
• is efficient and orderly
  
• is helpful with practical matters
  
• does not express feelings easily
  
• can be critical or perfectionistic
  
• takes responsibilities seriously
  

What Makes a Virgo Tick?

Virgos are driven by the search for perfection in every way. This quest is apparent in everything they do or say—and especially in what they don't (or won't) do or say. In fact, they would rather do nothing than do the wrong thing, which often leads others to misinterpret their behavior as procrastination. But at the heart of the typical Virgo is the hardest worker you've ever met—ready, willing, and able to help anyone he deems worthy of his service.

The Virgo Personality Expressed Positively

Virgos who are driven to perform useful acts to the best of their abilities display the skillful, hardworking, and humble personality of their sign. Their ability to successfully solve any problem by paying close attention to the smallest of details is due to their ability to analyze people, situations, and procedures. They can analyze anything and devise a way to make it better.

On a Positive Note

Virgos displaying the positive characteristics associated with their sign also tend to be:

• gentle
  
• organized
  
• sympathetic
  
• humane
  
• high energy
  
• witty and charming
  
• knowledgeable about good health
  
• helpful
  
• dedicated