"[Virgos are] much more than just critical fussbudgets. Virgos are flawless in their efficiency in and execution of the simplest to grandest of tasks," Virgo-born astrologer Marissa Leigh Jackson tells Bustle. "Virgos take a lot of heat, but they can handle it. They will listen to your random rants and always remember your coffee order. Keep them around."

Virgos always strive to improve themselves and the lives of others by being patient, sharing helpful facts, and encouraging their loved ones to be the best versions of themselves. While their methods of encouragement can come across as pessimistic, they have a good heart that seeks to serve people in whichever way they can. Here’s everything you need to know about the Virgo zodiac sign.

Virgo Zodiac Sign Facts
Virgo Season Dates: August 23 to September 22
Virgo Element: Earth
Virgo Modality: Mutable
Virgo Symbol: The Maiden ♍
Virgo Ruling Planet: Mercury
Virgo Ruling House: The sixth house of lifestyle and daily work culture
Virgo Twelfth House Sign: Leo
Virgo Birthstone: Sapphire

Virgo Personality Traits

Virgos are represented by the symbol of the maiden (who is often depicted holding chaffs of wheat). This speaks to Virgo season’s association with the time of harvest and Virgo’s ability to gather the materials they need to deliver facts. Virgo's ruling planet is detail-oriented Mercury, which amplifies their observant and meticulous nature and gives them an analytical edge. As one of the mutable zodiac signs, Virgos are naturally adaptable to the ever-changing nature of life — they're great at staying on top of their schedules, even in the midst of chaos. As Virgos are of the element of earth, they're highly focused on practical matters and tend to approach life from a pragmatic perspective.

With a scrupulous eye and a strong sense of duty toward others, Virgos strive toward perfection in all things. While this fuels their productivity, it can sometimes cause them to stress about the finer details of plans, and question whether they are doing enough in their work. When they’re passionate about something, Virgos put in their all to meet every demand and ensure every T is crossed and I dotted. Among Virgo’s strengths, they have an effortless ability to make all the hard work look easy, as they rarely seek attention or accolades for their efforts. They can spot an error or a typo from a mile away and aren’t afraid to point them out to ensure that everything is to the best that it can be.

Virgos’ intentions are often misunderstood, though. While they have a reputation for being nitpicky or harsh, their criticisms typically come from a place of love. They’re fuelled by a need to prove themselves and their point which can cause them to be too controlling and unable to go with the flow. While they understand that flaws and imperfections are a part of life, they have trouble accepting that not everyone holds themselves to the high expectations they do.

Emotionally, Virgos are more reserved with their feelings and have a tendency to try to rationalize their emotions with a logical mind. This can cause frustration if they’re unable to get to the root of their feelings. It’s not always easy for them to talk about their emotions, so they prefer to express their care by doing helpful things for others rather than opening up.

On a surface level, Virgos are naturally refined and have a simple, but classic sense of style. While they may not try to steal the show, they make a good first impression as they come off as cool, calm, and collected. Virgos have a knack for presenting themselves as being put-together, even if they feel scattered inside, and often expect others to do the same.

Virgo Compatibility
Virgos have a natural inclination to improve the world around them and seek out the same qualities in the people they surround themselves with. They're helpful and attentive partners who enjoy offering favors and advice in order to show their love. However, they need a partner who understands their practical nature and won’t push them to be mushy and romantic about their feelings.

Virgo Compatible Signs In Friendship

In friendship, Virgos are compatible with water signs Scorpio and Cancer. While they differ greatly in terms of energy, they both share Virgo’s observant and thoughtful nature. Together, Virgos and Scorpios would share deep and thoughtful conversations about their shared interests. Virgos and Cancers, on the other hand, would find each other trustworthy enough to open up about their hidden sensitive sides, allowing them to build a strong friendship.

Virgo Compatible Signs In Love
Acts of service are definitely the Virgoan love language. Their willingness to run an errand for their busy partners or eagerness to help them prepare for important work events are how they express their affections. Virgos are known for having high standards and find it difficult to find someone who is compatible with them. However, when they allow themselves to be surprised by the actions and intentions of others, they will find themselves deeply compatible with fellow earth signs Capricorn and Taurus in love. Capricorns and Taureans value independence and practical gestures of appreciation. They are most likely to understand all of Virgo’s quirks and the importance that they place on tidiness, punctuality, and good manners.