Virgo is ruled by the Planet Mercury. In ancient Roman mythology, Mercury (and his Greek equivalent, Hermes) was the Messenger God. He was a quick, nervous type, and he was known for his strong reasoning and analytic ability. Communication is his province. As a planet, Mercury is androgynous; Gemini is the masculine half and Virgo the feminine. Geminis like to know "a little about a lot," but Virgo prefers to explore subjects more deeply. They are very good at understanding what people are saying beneath the surface words of their communication. Detailed and precise, people born under Virgo tend too be neat and exacting, but sometimes petty and overly fussy. At the other end of the scale, some Virgos can be sloppy. Generally, though, they are dedicated to meticulous cleanliness and can be compulsively tidy. Many Virgos have an excellent head for business, relying on logic rater than ego or emotion to make their deals. They are reliable, practical, and diligent, but they can sometimes seem picky or over-critical to people who aren't as discriminating as they are.

The Element associated with Virgo is Earth. Earth Signs are practical: they tend to respond to the world by examining the worth of each possible response, rather than through physical action, intellect, or emotion. As an Earth Sign, Virgos are more interested in material possessions than some other Signs. They ave selective and discriminating -- sometimes fussy -- when it comes to their possessions. Virgos are especially adept at understanding the process of accumulating things, rather than simply grabbing them. The practical Virgo nature aides them in business as well; they are studious and sensible in business dealings, and they are skeptical off extravagant claims and promises. Because of their responsibility and attention to detail, people born under Virgo tend to be perfectionists. They may worry too much about small details, and they can seem demanding and critical. Their analytical nature and attention to duty can seem like nitpicking or pettiness if the people around them don't understand Virgo's desire for perfection.

Virgo rules the House of Health, and as a result people born under this Sign tend to be very health-conscious. They are concerned with diet and hygiene. Occasionally they may become hypochondriacs, and their concern with perfection may cause them to set unreasonable goals for themselves or maintain an unhealthy body image. Generally, however, Virgo's interest in health ensures they take good care of themselves and their bodies.

In their leisure time, Virgos often turn their interest in health into an exercise or fitness program. It is less important to them that exercise be interesting, so long as it is effective. Their perfectionism makes them strive to excel in whatever sport they choose. In love relationships, Virgo is devoted and sometimes jealous, but rarely flirtatious.

Virgo rules the intestines, pancreas, and gall bladder. People born under Virgo may be more susceptible to bowel or endocrine system upsets than people of other Signs. Since Virgo is an Earth Sign, its colors are reminiscent of earth and rocks: tan, grey, and yellow.

The great strength of the Virgo-born is in their attention to detail and their desire to be of service. They pick up on the little things that most other people miss. Their commitment to helping others makes them one of the most giving characters of the Zodiac.