The Inner Life of a Virgo

Virgo is a very mental sign. Since Virgo is ruled by Mercury, the planet of mental activity and commnicaion, it is very drawn to intellectual clarity.

Part of what goes on in the mind of a Virgo is constant analysis. Which means every minute of everyday the mental wheels are turnng at full speed. Traveling down 10 roads at a time, Virgo is deep in consideration and juggling the implications of all that analysis in a fit of mental gymastics. So while a Virgo may appear calm on the outside, on the inside they are a whirlwind of possibilities and generally stress.

Although this mental whirlwind isnt always fun for Virgo, having this master of mental machinations on your side is always a plus. And a Virgo would have it no other way.

Earth Signs - Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn

Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn and Earth Signs. They all have a solidity and stability in common.

Earth is the source of nourishment and life. In this sense there is a supportive, nurturing side to these signs. With Virgo this is displayed in a desire to be of service. With Taurus a desire to create material things and with Capricorn, once you get past their sometimes gruff exterior a desire to nurture.

The stability of earth signs displays itself in many ways. One on hand there is the diligence and hard work that is the strength of these signs. One the other hand is the fixed immobility of stubbornness. Earth brings a desire for security, constancy and an appreciation for the stability of tradition.

What is a Cusp?

You may have heard the phrase "on the cusp". What this means is that you are on the edge of a sign. Traditionally, the cut off date between signs is the 21st of the month. For example, to be a Leo you would be born between July 21 and August 20. July 20th would be a Cancer and August 21 would be a Virgo.

However, for the first few days before and after the 21st you would be considered on the cusp. This means you are likely to have characteristics of the sign on the other side of the cut off day. In the above example, while someone born on July 20th would be a Cancer, they are highly likely to have Leo tendencies.

There are several reasons for this. First astrology is about the change of the seasons and stars of life. It is about gradations of difference. So things move from sign to sign incrementally and these slow movement show up in the changes and overlap from sign to sign. The second reason for the cusp concept is that our calendar is not perfectly aligned with the stars. So the signs change based on the movement of the heavens does not actually happen on the 21st every month. If you want an accurate representation of the stars on the day of your birth you would need to refer to an ephemeris for exact information or have your natal chart done.

Without going thru this level of detail its just good to remember there is a lot of change and fluctuation around the edges of the signs.

Virgo Characteristics - For the Love of Data

Virgo Characteristics - Fascination with Data and its Analysis

Virgo is the sign of the virgin. This may a first glance not seem to mesh with the love of data, which sounds so technical. However, the virgin has an innocence that leads to discovery. And part of the joy of discovery is the acquisition of new data or information. It is the love of new data and the collection of it that leads to Virgos strengths and downfall.

Virgo Characteristics - Data Collection

Inquisitive by nature, Virgo prefers more data over less. They have a burning need to know. They ask questions, look for sources and are determined to come up with the "right" answer. In this they tend to create a lot of stress for themselves by having sometimes inhumanly high standards. And often these same standards are applied to the lucky people in their lives. This attachment to standards is strong in earth signs (so Taurus and Capricorn the other two earth signs do it as well in slightly different flavors) and supports them in staying grounded which is necessary to their well being.

Virgo Characteristics - Data Analysis

Once a Virgo has gotten all the data they need, and this may take awhile, they move into the analysis stage. This is one of the strengths of Virgo, to be able to assimilate large quantities of data and find just the conclusive meaningful bits and pieces out of a huge pile of information. Virgos revel in an unanalyzed pile of information as long as it on a subject matter that interests them. The Virgo Characteristics in play here are diligence, mental quickness, painstaking, organized, thorough, and completely detail oriented. This is what makes Virgos great accountants, government workers and insurance adjusters.

Virgo Characteristics - Critical Analysis vs Criticism

Once a Virgo has completed their analysis, they know they are right because they have the data to back them up. In fact, until Virgo has all the facts in front of them, Virgo will appear indecisive as they will not want to make a decision. One of the strongest Virgo Characteristics is to believe life should be lived logically or rationally. All that is required is sufficient data and the logical answer presents itself. Virgo views people who make decisions without data or inspite of data as stupid. A Virgo will acknowledge that someone disagrees with them and believe all they need to do to change their mind is provide enough information. If a Virgo provides you with information and you dont agree with them, they will first want to provide you with more information. If you still dont agree they will become frustrated and finally decide you just aren't that bright. They switch very easily from critical analysis to criticism of those who do not agree with or do what their data determines is the appropriate response.

All this analysis focus, aids Virgo in having an organized and structured life but can cause struggle in personal relationships.

Interview with a Capricorn - Capricorn Traits

The Ages of Capricorn - Capricorn Traits

In an effort to be more thorough, I am submitting an additional post based on the comments of a 47 year old Capricorn male. He read my last post Capricorn Traits from a Wife's point of view and thought I'd missed the point entirely. As far as he is concerned there's no point discussing Capricorn Traits unless you're going to qualify the age of the Capricorn male. (Please note: These two posts are relating to the Capricorn Traits for males. There are often substantial differences in the traits of males and females of every sign.) From his perspective, a Capricorn is like a fine wine and maturing improves the quality substantially.

Capricorn Traits - The Young Capricorn Male

According to our in house Capricorn expert, there are no greater jerks than a young Capricorn male. Or as he put it they are "a**holes when they are younger". As I am sure he is fondly remembering from his younger days. Actually more accurately, he has become more and more aware of this by watching young Capricorn males reenact the hostilities of his youth. And for the record, our expert claims Capricorn Traits for younger males don't transform into the preferred signs of maturity until after 40 in most cases. If he's a slow learner, as many Capricorns are with their stubborn ways, he may not catch on until after 45 if at all. The notes below document our Capricorn experts in depth personal knowledge of the Capricorn traits at work. Welcome to the inner workings of a Capricorn's mind....

First and foremost of the Capricorn Traits of the younger male is "i dont give a f*ck" syndrome. This is a combination of a capricorn's disdain for authority, desire to protect himself, indignation at others demands of him and his affinity for rebels and underdogs. Whether idgaf is a response to punishment doled out by an unhappy boss or a response to a request from a loved one, idgaf allows the young capricorn male to escape. Whether its escape from intimacy or expectations at work or at home, this hostile proclamation provides the capricorn with lots of wiggle room and thus is used often.

Another of the Capricorn Traits of the younger male is "me against the world" syndrome. From the Capricorn male's point of view its a hard cold world out there. Life is hard and requires constant struggle in order to get ahead. Whether its fighting against the establishment, or working all those long long hours it takes to get a head, or struggling to find a way to get what he wants when there is only one possible solution and a million obstacles between him and his goal - the capricorn knows: life sucks and he's probably about to get screwed again. This happens so frequently that struggle and obstacles become the expected norm, even to the point capricorns can feel defeated and like a failure before they really even get started. This leads to a propensity to see everything as doom, gloom and disaster. (Which can often be difficult to take seriously since another capricorn trait is sarcasm).

The next of the Capricorn Traits of the younger male is the "apology-hostility" cycle. Since Capricorn sees everything as a struggle, an argument or misunderstanding just adds to this belief. So when he finally overcomes his disdain of the person he's been arguing with and offers an apology, an immediate acceptance is expected. Should this take more than a split second for the offended part to joyfully accept the apology, Capricorn will lash out with hostile jabs, shocking the person who was only seconds before contemplating the amazing gift of a young capricorn admitting they were wrong. The hostilities resume until once again the young capricorn apologizes. This will be a never ending cycle unless you are prepared and jump on the apology the second it appears, showering the young cap with gratitude for the gift he has bestowed upon you. If this seems inane, then don't comment and see how many times the "apology-hostility" cycle goes on. I promise after a few rounds of this you'll either learn to instantaneously accept apologies or wish you could.

One of the most fun (ok, just kidding) of the Capricorn traits is his unwavering certainty that he has the right and the only answer. This one of the Capricorn traits assures the young cap will be
opinionated, domineering, antagonists and generally disgusted with others who have differing viewpoints. The have the way, the truth and the light. They have taken the time to explain to (er, um, lecture at) you what this way is. You should do it. If you don't you are obviously an idiot. Fortunately for you, they wont mind telling you that you're an idiot - so you'll always know when this gem is happening.

Disconnection from reality is the next of the young male capricorn traits. This takes many forms, the first is isolating from family & friends. They want people in their lives, they value you, really they do. Not that you'd notice since you have to do all the work to maintain the relationship. They mean to do it themselves, just as soon as they get done working on.... This one of Capricorn Traits also ensures they have no idea how difficult they are being.

Last but not least is the Capricorn trait of loving to make people laugh, which sounds innocuous enough but can lead to serious problems for the unsuspecting Capricorn. If only he would learn that when your girlfriend is breaking down in tears in a rare moment of vulnerability or when your boss is furious with the latest report on your department is not the time to try to resolve everything with levity.

Capricorn Traits - The Mature Capricorn Male

Fortunately, as they get older Capricorns become very very mellow, at least in comparison to their earlier behavior. Behind that gruff exterior lives a heart of gold which starts to shine thru as a Capricorn ages. They finally realize they do care, and so stop the verbal hostilities. After decades of struggle, argument and battling against the world in general, the Capricorn male finally discovers a strong desire for peace. Unfortunately, he may decide to hide from everyone to preserve the peace he so desperately craves. Its time to enjoy the fruits of all that hard work so in general Capricorn mellows. While the edges become softer, the core personality doesn't disappear. They are still opinionated SOBs but at least they are willing to allow a different opinion. They still have challenges connecting, particularly emotionally. However, at times they wear their hearts on their sleeve and you can see them for the kind-hearted softies they really are... so if you aren't so excited with your young Capricorn male, give him a few decades to sort it all out. You may be pleasantly surprised. Or not. So says the Capricorn who has traveled down this path, he should know.

Capricorn Traits from a Wife's point of view

Musings from the Wife of a Capricorn on Capricorn Traits

I think it really comes down to knowing yourself and what you are looking for in a husband. I never expected to be married to a Capricorn. I don’t think I ever thought of the sum of Capricorn Traits as being husband worthy. They always seemed like solitary hermits to me and being the social creature I am I just couldn’t find that appealing. But I’ve learned a lot about Capricorn Traits and their strengths and weaknesses being married to one.

Capricorn Traits - Money

Let’s start off with the money. Marriages so often succeed or fail based on either compatibility or satisfactory negotiations on this one point alone. And this is definitely related to the strongest of Capricorn Traits so I highly recommend that here. Capricorns love money, more accurately they love the security money can buy. Well that’s a bit off too. They love the security that being debt free brings them. And a big pile of money in the bank just makes it that much better. Not that they are cheap. Capricorns love nice things, very very nice things. They want the best of the best and have the taste to recognize it when they see it. And as long as they are secure (i.e. debt free and have a pile of money in the bank and a large source of funds to keep it that way) they are more than happy to spend on the finer things in life. So if you’re a security minded Virgo or Taurus, this will work for you. You can rest assured your man is taking care of business and building that nest egg to keep you safe and secure in your retirement. If on the other hand you’re one of the more freewheeling, shopping spree types like Libra, Gemini and Leo – you may want to reconsider if your Capricorn hasn’t yet arrived where he wants to be. You’ll just end up feeling stifled and like you’ve married the cheapest bastard on the planet.

Capricorn Traits - Strong, Silent, Stready

Another of the strongest Capricorn traits is steadiness. Being an earth sign, Capricorn is very down to earth and grounded. Solid. This is great if you need a shoulder to cry on as they are much more sensitive and compassionate than their gruff first impressions may lead you to believe. Many Capricorns are born Knights in Shining Armor. They have a great appreciation for women and want to see them treated properly. They will want to come to your defense if they perceive you as being mistreated. This strength and chivalry combined with their tendency to being men of few words definitely puts them in the Strong and Silent type. At least from the outside, they appear to be…. And I feel pretty comfortable saying another strong one of the Capricorn Traits is his ability to converse at great (and I do mean Great) length on the subjects that matter to them. This is often their work as they derive so much of their self definition from their careers and success in them.

Capricorn Traits - Emotionally Detached

The other big deal when it comes to Capricorn Traits in marriage is their relationship with their emotions. The rebel/loner self perception they have makes emotional connecting a bit of a challenge. They are self sufficient and have generally had to be that way as the people in their lives (often mothers) haven’t been quite what they needed. So its hard for them to place trust in another human being, no matter how close to you they are. Emotions are dangerous things in the scheme of Capricorn traits. Emotions would lead you to spending money, being impractical and generally doing things that don’t make sense. A Capricorn is used to sacrificing his emotions when necessary to achieve his goals. This works well in bringing success in the office. Not so much in the bedroom.

So trick is, as with any other sign, know yourself. Know what’s important to you and what you are willing to sacrifice for the good of your relationship. The Capricorn Traits of drive, focus, being security minded and a bit of a loner may be a challenge for some and not others. Know yourself. Then you will know where is the best situation to give the love you have to offer. For the right woman, the Capricorn Traits make for a perfect match.

Horned Signs - The land of the stubborn

Aries(the Ram), Taurus(the Bull), and Capricorn(the Goat) have a little discussed commonality and are sometimes referred to as "The Horns" since all three animals have horns. I have heard it said before that only Horns can handle Horns as if these three should only date and mate with each other. That's a bit farther than I am willing to take it, however there is definitely a sense of sameness about these apparently unrelated signs.

The main component of this commonality is the ability to butt things down with their horns. This requires a dogged determination that leans toward blatant stubbornness. Faced with a challenge, Aries will try to go thru it, Taurus will want to trample it and Capricorn will attempt to go over it. These three love to have their way and will got to great lengths and even subject themselves to suffering to get it.

Whether this can be considered a good thing or a bad thing depends almost entirely on the maturity of the person in question. The stubbornness we are discussing here is the foundation for plunging into situations they aren't prepared to handle as well as having the willpower to continue to wear away at a challenge until it is defeated. In this context the Characteristic of Taurus, can be seen as strong, stubborn and slow but inevitable. The Aries personalities characteristics of aggression, domination and selfishness define this concept. The Capricorn traits would be disciplined, determined, stubborn and authoritative. While Taurus is a fixed sign and resistant to change, Aries and Capricorn are both Cardinal signs and considered initiators. Whatever their separate nuances, these three Horned Signs will get the job done - One way or Another.

Compatible Star Signs - Love Horoscopes Part II

Compatible Star Signs - Finding True Love

As we mentioned in our last post, everyone wants to find true love and astrology can be a helpful tool. It just comes down to understanding the energy flows between yourself and your lover and working with them, not against them. This blog covers more complex concepts than our first blog on this subject: Compatible Star Signs - Love Horoscopes Part I. You may want to refer to Mystic Diva's post: Astrology more than just your main Sign, to give you some background if you are new to astrology.

Compatible Star Signs - Sun Moon Relationships

In quick review, your Sun sign is how you present yourself to the world and your moon sign is how you relate emotionally. What you will be looking for in this case is a partner whose sun sign is the same as your moon sign - and preferably vice versa for the strongest connection. So a Leo with their moon in Capricorn would be well matched with a Capricorn with their moon in Leo. This way the way each person related emotionally would match their partners way of being in the world. This allows for a natural comfort and feeling of your partner providing what you need.

Compatible Star Signs - Mars Venus Relatioships

Another point of compatibility is the Mars Venus connection. If you are a woman you will want to look at the dynamic between his Mars and your Venus. If you are a man you will want to look at the dynamic between your Mars and her Venus. In these combinations, you can refer to part one to look for positive dynamics. Primarily, combinations of the same element work strongly here. A particularly positive aspect would be a water sign connection for example a Mars in Cancer with a Venus in Pisces.

Compatible Star Signs - Love Horoscopes Part I

Compatible Star Signs - Finding True Love

Everyone wants to find true love and astrology can be a helpful tool. There are lots of details that give clues to compatibility. We'll cover two of the basic concepts here. First the Elements of Fire, Water, Air and Earth and how they combine. Second, we'll investigate the concept of complimentary signs.

Compatible Star Signs - Elements

Of the four elements, we can create four compatible pairings. Just a reminder the twelve signs of the horoscope can be grouped into the four separate elements. Thinking of the characteristics of each element in nature will help in understanding their respective pairings.

Fire - Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
Water - Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
Air - Gemini, Libra, Aquarius
Earth - Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn

The first compatible pairing of elements is Fire and Air. Air causes Fire to burn more brightly and without Air a Fire can not burn. Fire signs are the sparkling glow of the zodiac. They have zest, enthusiasm, charisma and charm. Paired with an Air sign, these characteristics are strengthened and they then have more to give to their Air sign lover and to the world. An excellent match, as long as the Air sign is willing to give of themselves first. Fire can be a little self involved. This means a Gemini, Libra or Aquarius would make a good match for an Aries, Leo or Sagittarius.

The second compatible pairing of elements is Water and Earth. Earth needs water to be fertile and allow things to grow. Water needs Earth to contain it as in a Lake. There is a mutually beneficial and naturally comfortable interchange between these two elements. The other thing to keep in mind here is that earth signs tend to be very fixed and unchanging. Remember that the Grand Canyon was created by water wearing away over time at seemingly immovable earth. This means a Cancer, Scorpio or Pisces would make a good match for a Taurus, Virgo or Capricorn.

The third compatible pairing of elements is Air and Water. Both Air and Water contain the element Oxygen. So there is a similiarity here that might not at first be evident. It is less of a mutually beneficial relationship than the previous two combinations. Here we see that the intellect of Air is more offset by the emotion of Water and vice versa. This is more of a balancing or cancelling out of excess than a complementary situation. This can offer either more struggle and conflict if the couple fights the differences or more security and reassurance if they cherish their differences. This means a Cancer, Scorpio or Pisces would make a good match for a Gemini, Libra or Aquarius.

The last type of compatible pairing is withing elements. This means an Earth sign would be good with an Earth sign, an Air with an Air, etc. This is more of a companionable pairing of like minded souls than a burning passionate love affair. This allows for more ease of understanding between the partners and also encourages an increase of their mutual shortfalls as there is not a different perspective to bounce off ideas.

Compatible Star Signs - Complementary Signs

The concept of complimentary signs is a derivation of the above mentioned compatibily. The basic idea is that you would be most compatible with a sign two signs from you in either direction. The order of signs is listed below for your reference.

Aries
Taurus
Gemini
Cancer
Leo
Virgo
Libra
Scorpio
Sagittarius
Capricorn
Aquarius
Pisces

For example a Libra is best paired with a Leo or a Sagittarius and a Scorpio is best paired with a Capricorn or a Virgo. In this scenario you will see that Fire is paired with Air and Earth with Water as discussed above. What is eliminated from consideration is the sign directly opposite from you. Opposite signs tend to be very physically attracted to each other but are so different in personality they tend to have a hard time maintaining a relationship. This method makes and easy reference for your ideal partner astrologically.

Scorpio Men in Love - How to Attract a Scorpio

Scorpio Men in Love - How to get your Man
Scorpio Men have a magnetism that attracts unquestionably. What's not to love about the man of mystery. Well, the stinger if you rub him the wrong way. So let's talk about how to catch him and how to keep him. And why you'll want to...

Scorpio Men in Love - What's the name of the game
Scorpio men are powerful and powerfully attractive. They have a bad reputation in love and its with just cause. Love is the area where their personal challenges are most likely to surface. He is highly defensive in his own strong silent way. And when his defenses are given cause or he thinks they are, a wicked vengeance is not far behind. Despite his secretive ways, he is a prolific lover and sensitive in the extreme. Bottom line, Scorpio is a lot to handle and handled properly, can definitely be worth it.

Scorpio Men in Love - How to attract a Scorpio man
Be attentive. Don't pretend to be attentive, actually listen. A Scorpio knows the difference. Be an individual, have your own opinions, just be sure you are respectful of his opinions. Know that in the end he will want to dominate and be comfortable with that. Make sure he knows you believe male domination is natural. Again, mean it. Scorpio sensibilities in reading people are not to be trifled with. Be honorable, honest and straightforward.

Scorpio Men in Love - How to keep him
Accept and rejoice in his dominance. Don't get into arguments - you will lose, the argument and possible him as well. Its fine to be amusing just don't ever make fun of his opinions. Learn to love water sports and activities. Spend time with successful people. Know that his home is his castle, respect the king and the castle and all should go well.

For the Love of Beauty - Venus

The planet Venus is the planet of love and beauty. It is about harmony, togetherness and pleasure. The placement of your Venus will describe your type of sex appeal. Venus rules all the finer things in life from material luxuries to the luxuries of the heart, love and happiness. Venus is the planet of high living and appreciating the wonders of life.

It governs sexual attraction. If you are a woman, it tells you what type of men you attract. If you are a man, it tells you what type of woman you are attracted to. It is part of the equation of the Mars - Venus interaction that describes and defines your relationship potential with a mate.

The positive side of Venus is a love of beauty combined with the good taste to create it. The downside of Venus is an attachment to luxury that leads to laziness, self-obsession and putting more emphasis on ease and pleasure than on discipline. Venus lends itself to materialism and a predisposition to constant spending. On the upside, it also lends the creativity that can generate large incomes to support your lavish lifestyle.

Venus moves in synch with the Sun and so will never be more than two signs from your birth sign.

Mars - Agression and Getting what you want

Mars is the planet of War. It is the masculine element, the acquisitive, agressive, domineering, get things done planet. Mars rules the way we attack problems and get what we want in life. Its the planet of physical energy and expression and rules your sex drive, temper and how you handle conflict.

Mars rules the creative force of bringing ideas into being in the physical world. It is the planet of force and getting your way with people. It is the planet of desire, sexuality and passion. It is the planet of energy.

Your leadership skills and ability to execute plans falls under Mars' sway. How you deal with conflict, obstacles and people who disagree with you or plans is ruled by this placement. Being direct, having a strong force of will and being able to bend people and situations to your needs are all signs of a strong Mars placement.

As with all influences, the impact of this sign is based upon how you use its forces. Strong, active, quick, independent, enterprising, pioneering leader are some of the descriptives of someone operating out of the positive energy of this sign. Argumentative, hostile, aggressive, controlling and impulsive are some of the negative side. Mars represents your raw power and ability to exert your will. How will you use it?

Mercury - The planet of the Mental World

Mercury is the planet of the Mind. It rules intelligence, communication and the pace of life. The flavor and style of your thinking are guided by Mercury's influences. How you acquire, assimilate and use information comes from Mercury. Short-term, local travel and transportation also find their ruler here. Many occupations are associated with this sign - actors, speechwriters, singers, songwriters, public speakers, researchers, educators, truck drivers, railroad workers, writers and storytellers.

The bright side of mercury is a quick mind with a talent for communication, attention to detail, organization or the manipulation of words or numbers. The dark side of Mercury is swindling, forgery and con artists; a tendency to be critical, argumentative and sneaky; Lies and deceit are also born here.

Like Venus, Mercury travels close to the sun. So your Mercury will never be more than one sign either way from your Sun sign.

Characteristic of Zodiac Sign

Characteristic of Zodiac Sign can be broken down into three main categories - Elements, Duplicities, Quadruplicities - with each sign having its own unique combination.

Characteristic of Zodiac Sign - Duplicities
Masculine - Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius, Aquarius
Feminine - Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn, Pisces

Characteristic of Zodiac Sign - Elements (Triplicities)
Fire - Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
Earth - Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn
Air - Gemini, Libra, Aquarius
Water - Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces

Characteristic of Zodiac Sign - Quadruplicities
Cardinal - Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn
Fixed - Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius
Mutable - Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces