Virgo (astrology) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Virgo |
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| Zodiac symbol | Maiden |
| Duration (tropical, western) | August 22 – September 22 (2025, UT1) |
| Constellation | Virgo |
| Zodiac element | Earth |
| Zodiac quality | Mutable |
| Sign ruler | Mercury |
| Detriment | Jupiter and Neptune |
| Exaltation | Mercury and Pluto |
| Fall | Venus |
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Virgo (♍︎) is the sixth astrological sign in the zodiac. Its name comes from a Latin word meaning "virgin" or "maiden." If you were born between approximately August 24 and September 23, you might be called a Virgo. This is when the Sun appears to pass through the part of the sky linked to Virgo.
This sign is often connected to Astraea, a figure from Greek mythology. Astraea was a goddess who lived on Earth long ago. When the gods left Earth for Olympus, Astraea was the last to go. Because of this story, Virgo is seen as an Earth sign, like Capricorn and Taurus. Astraea later became the constellation of Virgo in the night sky.
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Ancient Stories: The Origins of Virgo
The constellation Virgo has many interesting stories from different mythologies. Most of these stories show Virgo as a young maiden, often linked to wheat or harvests.
Greek Myths of Virgo
In ancient Greek and Roman stories, Virgo is sometimes connected to Demeter. She was the Greek goddess of harvests and autumn. Virgo is also linked to Demeter's daughter, Persephone. Persephone was the queen of the Underworld and the goddess of spring.
Another Greek myth tells of Parthenos. She was the daughter of Staphylus and Chrysothemis. Parthenos and her sister Molpadia faced a difficult situation. To escape trouble, they fled and were saved by the god Apollo. Apollo then placed Molpadia in Castabus, where she became the goddess Hemithea. Parthenos was placed in Bubastis and was also worshipped as a local goddess. Some stories say Parthenos was Apollo's own daughter, and the constellation remembers her short life.
There is also a myth about Erigone, an Athenian maiden. Her father, Icarius, was sadly killed. Erigone was heartbroken, and her loyal dog, Maera, also passed away from grief. To honor them, Zeus or Dionysus placed them in the sky. Erigone became the constellation Virgo. Her father, Icarius, became Bootes. And her dog, Maera, became Canis Minor.
Other Ancient Connections
In Egyptian mythology, the time when the Sun was in Virgo meant the start of the wheat harvest. This is why Virgo is often shown with wheat.
In Christianity, some people see a symbolic link between Virgo and the birth of Jesus. He was born to a virgin in Bethlehem.
Long ago, the ancient zodiac actually started with Virgo and ended with Leo.
In Hindu astrology, the sign similar to Virgo is called Kanya. This name also means "maiden."
See also
In Spanish: Virgo (astrología) para niños
