Continuing the mythological theme, we present the sign — VIRGO
If the sign of Libra is associated with socio-political regulation of human relationships, the archetype of Virgo establishes the principles of economic life, closely linked to the natural order of things. Iron tools and the invention of the plow ensure the flourishing of agricultural cultures and foster in human consciousness the image of the Earth as a nurturing mother, symbolizing fertility and abundance, similar to the Greek Demeter (“earth mother”). Her role includes overseeing the sequence of agricultural tasks, meticulous harvesting, and preserving the yield until the following spring.
For grain to sprout, it must be buried in the earth — it must die. Each year, the earth mother Ceres sacrifices her daughter Proserpina (“proserpo” means “to sprout”) to the underworld, and their names are given to celestial bodies with characteristics of the Virgo sign. For half the year, the lord of the underworld releases his wife to her mother: the earth becomes covered with vegetation and bears fruit. For the other half, she mourns her daughter and remains barren. The Egyptian Renenutet and her son Neper (“grain”) form a similar pair. Their virtuous purity is connected with the righteousness of dying and resurrecting gods, who exemplify self-sacrifice for the sake of duty — reflecting the very name of the Virgo constellation. Later, agricultural deities may also acquire skills in the scribal arts, such as the Sumerian Nisaba, helping them monitor seasonal work and keep grain accounts. Within the economic system, domesticated animals also find their place as subordinate to humans. An interesting image is that of the dutiful animal — the Russian winged dog Simargl, who guards the crops.
In people born under the sign of Virgo, there is an emphasized desire for service and precise fulfillment of duties. This sign is associated with military service and law enforcement agencies, essential for maintaining societal health. These reflect a readiness to sacrifice personal interests in the name of upholding higher laws. Virgo may sometimes incline individuals toward routine — seemingly necessary but essentially futile — mechanical functioning without inner effort or the willpower required for true creativity. The role of Virgo is to channel the forces of the element into creation as much as possible, much like Hercules redirecting a river’s flow to cleanse the Augean stables. By carefully preserving the achieved level of life and civilization and participating in the creative processes of human life, Virgo enables genuine progress.
(author A. Gromova based on materials by Semir and V. Vetash “Astrology and Mythology”)
Source ASTRODATA
