There are three earth signs in the Zodiac (Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn). Earth signs are sensible and dependable, and approach life from a practical perspective. They have an inherent need to order and organize their world to protect themselves from unforeseen circumstances, behaviour and hazards. Sensibilities rule over emotions, earth signs are certainly in tune with the feel of things and feelings, but these may be based more on the actual than an emotional response. The sense of touch is an earthy feeling mechanism.
Earth signs are steady more suited for the marathon, energy is conserved and actions contemplated and considered before taken. Taurus likes to go at a steady pace, and cannot be pushed into action until he/she is good and ready. Virgo likes to take the thinking and planning route before springing into action, and Capricorn takes the slow and well-planned action, time is of no consequence in the grand scheme of things.
Fire initiates endeavours, sparks the inspiration. Earth is the elemental force that helps give form and moulds to our visionary ideas. Air is the element we need to think and analyze, to formulate these ideas further. Water is the element we use to determine how what we have created makes us feel and how it can feed our needs.
Hollywood has taught us that when something sad happens such as a death or a loss, we need to weep uncontrollably and be incapable of rational action. We don't all feel this way. Each one of the earth signs has a different approach and as individuals we have each of these three earth signs in our make up influencing three or more areas of our lives. (To identify the areas we need to know the particulars of birth such as the date of birth, the time of birth and the place of birth. Next we need to look at planets and the aspects that are formed. We also look at the houses, which represent areas of life, and how these are influenced by the zodiacal sign on the cusp of the house as well how the planet which rules the particular house is positioned.)
Virgo is ruled by Mercury the communication and information planet. Virgo is the sign of the organizer, the one who finds ways of putting information to good use. This is one of the most adaptable signs, many actors are Virgos, and they can readily assume a different role in order to make things more organized or to ensure matters run smoothly.
Virgo is associated with the intellect but more in terms of analyzing the information, wonderful conversationalists with sound information. Need to know how to do something or even buy a product ask a Virgo, they are likely to be able to help you. Helping is their middle name, this is the zodiacal sign we associate with the helping professions, and they like to feel useful.
I often think that the silver tongue belongs to Virgo, they are good at listening and have a good memory and always seem to find just the right thing to say. They are practical with their advise not prepared to just toss ideas to you but something you can chew.
Virgo can be critical because they have a mind trained at critical thinking, they can be picky because they have researched what is available in terms of both the concrete and the abstract. In relationships Virgos need communication, talking through it and they like to be able to look after and advise others. They may take longer to settle down to a relationship because they'll check out all of their options so that they can make an informed choice. Remember this sign can truly adapt and learn how to be the best partner, they do require a little praise like the Leo and typically balance in their lives like Libra. Virgos may be attracted to someone that needs them more than someone they need. Need help or advice, call your Virgo friend.
The third modality is mutable or changeable. The mutable signs are Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces. Like the willow tree they will bend but won't break. They have the easiest time adapting to change and even welcoming adjustments, the most flexible of the zodiacal signs. That does not translate to weak by the way. Gemini is the fact gatherer and student of the Zodiac and when new information is brought in that indicates a mid-course adjustment is in order the Gemini is all for it. Spring is full in Gemini, the birds return from warmer lands and the nature is full of life. Virgo analyzes facts, figures and information and learns new ways of doing things, and voila let's just change a little and life will run more smoothly. Virgo harvests the fruits of summer, and perhaps explains the fact that we astrologer refer to Virgo as the caretaker, once harvested the produce of course has to be processed and stored so that we may eat nature's products during the winter months when the earth is dormant. Sagittarius is exposure to foreign or new people and things and with more knowledge adaptation is what is needed. It is darkest before dawn, or the winter solstice. During this time we prepare to celebrate the return of the light. In earlier days when outdoor activity was limited due to lack of light, Sagittarius marked this time frame, when withdrawn from activity people tend to draw within, and from within springs wonderful wisdom. This is a deep sign indeed, not just the court jester or Santa Claus. Pisces absorbs new experiences and feelings out of his/her environment and with the changing tides welcomes a new outlook or approach. The Spring is around the corner; the earth is preparing for renewal and a new cycle. Wherever I have lived this has been the time of the most variance in weather from brilliant winter's days to torrential down pours and mudslides. With Pisces in nature and Pisces in a person you get a broad spectrum.
Virgo is the sign that can get the best out of you, they like to improve you and to challenge you to be the best you can be. Give them a diamond in the rough and they will uncover the beauty of the multi-faceted diamond within. It is not that something needs to better, but that it can be, which titillates the Virgo into action.
Compatability of Sun signs is not the ideal way to look at how we get along. The astrological chart offers many other factors that become far more important when you are analyzing how the relationship functions. Virgo gets along with ease with the other two earth signs, Taurus and Capricorn. Virgo is the more flexible sign as compared to stubborn Taurus or ambitious Capricorn. All three share the same practical approach to life, and work well together. This aspect between two Suns— earth to earth i.e. trine— is wonderful for friendship, rapport and camaraderie.
Taurus also has affinity with the two water signs, Cancer and Pisces. The aspect is called a sextile, and it is kind of a conversation aspect, great for communication, obviously. Scorpio can be a bit more challenging for Taurus, but we know opposites attract, you tend to bring the best in each other and the worst—got to have it all! Earth and Water are the feminine elements, and as such are more receptive, nurturing and tend to yield more readily than the masculine signs and elements.
The Air signs, Gemini, Libra and Aquarius are a mixed bag. The practical earthy, Taurus wants to do things rather than simply talk about it. However, may a Taurus Sun has Gemini planets, so that modifies things considerably, because once we begin talking about cross-aspects from Sun to other planets, we are deeper into relationship territory. Relationships with Libra can work well, if they are approached from that shared connection to Venus. Taurus-Libra relationships require adjustment, but every relationship does. The best ones are the ones where we expend effort each day, to improve and solidify. Taurus and Aquarius are ninety degrees apart, this aspect is called a square. A square is an aspect of friction, tension and argument. That ain't bad, because in order to have a passionate relationship we need that friction and tension, just insert the word sexual in front of those words and you could imagine the characters in the Honeymooners or in the movie and play 'Cat on a hot Tin Roof'— we are talking chemistry.
The last element is Fire, Aries, Leo and Sagittarius. Taurus and Leo combo would be similar to Taurus and Aquarius written about above. The difference is that Aquarius is logical and rational, whereas Leo is enthusiastic, impatient and rather hot-tempered. However, all fixed signs like stability. Many Taurus Sun individuals have Aries planets, which brings about those cross-aspects as talked about above with Gemini, this can work rather well. Statistics actually show that we are more likely to pair up with someone whose birthday is within 30-60 of ours. Sagittarius, apart from the elemental difference, tends to bring a similar relationship for Taurus as with Libra, read the previous paragraph. You think you know the Sagittarian or Libran, but just when you thought you had a handle on things something shifted and you had to adjust to understanding the new facet of your partner.
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© Anne Massey 1988-2002
Revisions August 2008
Banner Graphic by, Warwick J. Massey, www.silentw.com
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is a certified astrological professional. who has maintained an astrological practise since 1988. To learn more about Anne read her bio and to learn about consultations click here. To book a consultation with Anne call her office at 1.604.574.9545 or send an email.
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Photograph: Ritva Sillanmäki August 2007
Anne is the the founding president of the Fraser Valley Astrological Guild, an International VP for ISAR in Western Canada (International Society for Astrological Research), a member of the Finnish Astrological Association, and a member of the Canadian Association for Astrological Education and of the National Council for Geocosmic Research
