Continuing the mythological theme, we publish the sign — Virgo. If the sign of Libra is associated with the socio-political regulation of human relationships, the Virgo archetype establishes the principles of economic life, closely tied to the natural order of things. Iron tools and the invention of the plow ensured the flourishing of agricultural cultures and contributed to the development of the image of the Earth as a nurturing mother in human consciousness, symbolizing fertility and abundance, much like the Greek Demeter (“mother-earth”). Its role is to oversee the sequence of agricultural work, the meticulous harvesting, and the preservation of the harvest until the following spring. For grain to sprout, it must be buried in the earth — to die. Every year, the earth-mother Ceres sacrifices her daughter Proserpina (“proserpo” means “to sprout”) to the underworld, and their names have been given to celestial bodies with Virgo’s characteristics. For half a year, the ruler of the underworld releases his wife to her mother: the earth is covered with vegetation and bears fruit. The other half of the year, she mourns her daughter and remains barren. The Egyptian Renenutet and her son Neper (“grain”) form a similar pair. Their chaste purity, corresponding to the very name of the Virgo constellation, is linked to the righteousness of dying and resurrecting gods, who serve as an example of self-sacrifice for the sake of fulfilling duty. Over time, agricultural deities may also acquire the skills of scribal art, such as the Sumerian Nisaba, who helps them keep track of seasonal work and grain accounting. In the economic system, domesticated animals also hold their place as beings subordinate to humans. An interesting image of an animal fulfilling its duty is the Russian winged dog Simargl, who guards the crops.
In people born under the sign of Virgo, there is a pronounced desire for service and strict adherence to duties. This sign is associated with military service and law enforcement, essential for preserving the health of society. It instills a readiness to sacrifice personal interests for the sake of upholding higher laws. Virgo sometimes inclines people toward habitual — seemingly necessary, but in reality, futile — mechanical functioning without inner effort and the willpower required for true creativity. Virgo’s role is to channel the forces of the elements into creation, much like Hercules redirected the flow of a river to clean the Augean stables. By carefully preserving the achieved level of life and civilization and participating in the human creativity of life processes, Virgo enables true progress.
(author A. Gromova based on materials by Semir and V. Vetash “Astrology and Mythology”)
