V is for Virgo

I have a special place in my heart for this 6th sign of the Zodiac. I've been married to a Virgo for nearly 17 years, and I'm truly fascinated by what I've learned about the sign from her.

Your typical Virgo is likely quiet, unassuming, and maybe even a little shy. Virgo folks don't usually push themselves forward, so they can be overlooked. But don't underestimate them, for behind that exterior lies the power of the planet Mercury, and they use that power to help others make things better.

Gemini is also a Mercury-ruled sign, but there's a huge difference in the way the Mercury energy manifests itself. The simple explanation is that while Gemini sends that energy outward by communicating and connecting the dots, Virgo turns that energy inward to analyze and synthesize the data to draw practical conclusions; Virgo is an earth sign, after all, and being practical is like breathing for most Virgins.

I'm not a big fan of the Virgin as the symbol of Virgo, but it does tell you a lot about the sign. Virgos are very discriminating--some might call it picky--about pretty much everything. Virgos also are about health and purity; many of them work in the health or biological sciences, or in the healing professions with humans or other living creatures. And let me debunk one myth: Virgos are not cold and "virginal" at all. They're very warm, but they are choosy about who they allow into their lives.

Then there's "the Virgo way". Generally speaking, Virgos believe there is a right way to do everything. And yes, I mean everything. The "right way"is a way that normally can only be achieved by other Virgos. I've actually seen this happen--a Virgo will explain the way they do something to another, who will smile and say, "Yes, exactly!" while the rest of us are like, "We REALLY have to do it this way? Our way was faster."

As the "Troubleshooters of the Zodiac", Virgos are excellent at poking holes in your well-laid--or not so well-laid--plans, and are fantastic at organizing ANYTHING. The way to get your Virgo person to do this is pretty simple. Stand there, looking frazzled, in the middle of your situation--like your disorganized bookshelves, for example--and say something like "I just don't know how I'm going to do this!" Usually the Virgo desire to help, and to rectify the situation so they don't have to look at it anymore, takes over and you can get out of the way as they do it for you.

This is the sign that you want as your safety person, lab scientist, proofreader, veternarian or doctor...provided you can handle the truth. If you can't, you'll want to pick another sign to help you out, but likely you'll be less successful than you would have been.

Some professions and areas ruled by Virgo include:

• The armed forces ("Service" is one of Virgo's key words)
• Health professional for any living thing
• Scientist
• Any profession that requires exceptional attention to detail
• Writer

Speaking of writers, my beloved, Jennifer Wells, has a new book coming out next month that's set in an astrology-based world. Practically Dreaming is the title, the first in a series of astrological fiction called Sabian Symbols from Crescent Moon Press. Her main character? A Virgo named Tierra. You can check out her website at www.jennifer-wells.com, or her blog at jennifer-wells.blogspot.com.

Thanks for tuning in, and for checking out Jen's website and blog! Check back tomorrow for my "W" post!