Many individuals will pick up the newspaper and read their daily horoscope, but few really understand the true meaning being the zodiac symbol they were born under. With Vedic Astrology, the symbols or signs of the Zodiac that an individual is born under are considered as characteristic traits of that individual. In the Zodiac, the sun represents the inner nature, character, and personality of individuals.

The sixth symbol of the Zodiac is Virgo, the Virgin, which is considered to be an earth sign. The symbol for Virgo is a virgin who is holding sheaves of wheat within her hands, which symbolizes wisdom that has been gained through experience. Virgo the Virgin is considered to be a mutable sign, which is ruled by the planet Mercury that is considered to be the messenger from the gods, as well as a magical trickster.

The planet Mercury controls the intellect and communicative functions of individuals who are born under the Virgo sign. It also controls female Virgos who are intellectual, critical, and analytical in their approach to life whenever it is in the right cycle.

Individuals who are born under the symbol of Virgo the Virgin are inclined to be practical, industrious, and adaptable. They seem to possess a remarkable eye for detail. Virgos are shy, but are waiting for that perfect love, so they are also idealistic. Disappointment will harden them to become cynical and skeptical, which is due to disappointments that have been either discriminating in nature or on a more sensitive issue. Virgos are known to be intellectual, but yet critical, especially of their own self and of the circumstances around them.

Individuals born under the sign of Virgo tend to be very health-conscious and try to stay in good health by participating in a regular exercise program so they can continue to stay physically fit. They tend to enjoy tennis, swimming, biking, fishing, racquetball, and sailing, but not competitively, just mostly for fun. Whatever skills Virgos seek, they aim to be the best in it. They tend to have talents in a variety of crafts such as designing and dressmaking, and may participate in the art of cartography and philately. Virgos enjoy reading books and magazines as well as writing, so communication is very important to them.

Virgos are perfectionists and are ceaseless in their pursuit. They have an irresistible urge to improve everything and everyone, with irresistible motives of helping others. They are service-oriented in seeking to improve the environment by pursuing careers in health fields such as teaching and counseling.

Virgos who have a tendency to act the martyr will use guilt as a weapon when their offerings are ignored. This is when Virgos can be destructive in their motives, but not on purpose. Virgo the Virgin rules the sinus, respiratory system, and bowels of the body, so they are prone to colds, flu, allergies, constipation, and problems with the intestines. They complain of black moods or bouts of depression and can be despondent at times.

Their colors are blue, yellow, navy, lilac, and yellow with blue being the principal color. The birthstone for Virgos is the sapphire, which is a combination of corundum and was known as a love charm in some ancient societies. Sapphires are available in a variety of colors with some even being transparent, but the most valuable of these are the blue ones. The flowers and plants commonly known to be associated with Virgos are the aster, ivy, fern, and the chrysanthemum.