Virgo
August 23 to September 22 · Mutable Earth · Ruled by Mercury
- Dates
- August 23 to September 22
- Element
- Earth
- Modality
- Mutable
- Ruling planet
- Mercury
- Birthstone
- Sapphire
- Lucky colors
- Navy, Grey
About Virgo
Virgo is a mutable earth sign ruled by Mercury, linked in tradition to service, precision and practical care. The maiden holding a sheaf of wheat represents the harvest and the sign's attention to detail. Virgo season closes summer.
Virgo traits
As a mutable earth sign, Virgo is often described with these strengths and challenges. Astrology is a tradition, not a science, so read this as a character sketch rather than a prediction.
Strengths
- Practical
- Analytical
- Diligent
- Kind
Challenges
- Critical
- Overthinking
- Perfectionist
Virgo dates and cusps
Virgo runs from August 23 to September 22. Because the sun does not cross the sign boundaries at exactly the same clock time each year, the first and last dates can shift by a day. If your birthday sits right on the edge, the birth profile tool will show the sign for your exact date. Virgo falls in August and September.
Virgo birthstone and colors
The traditional Virgo birthstone is Sapphire, and the sign's lucky colors are Navy and Grey. These pair naturally with Virgo in jewelry or a birth profile card.
Virgo compatibility
Virgo tends to match most easily with Taurus, Capricorn, Cancer and Scorpio. These are the classic element-based matches. See how Virgo pairs with any sign on the compatibility pages.
Frequently asked questions
What are the Virgo dates?
Virgo covers August 23 to September 22. Boundary dates can shift by a day between years, so if you were born right at the edge, check your exact birthday.
What element is Virgo?
Virgo is a earth sign, and specifically a mutable earth sign ruled by Mercury.
What is the Virgo birthstone?
The traditional Virgo birthstone is Sapphire.
Who is Virgo most compatible with?
Virgo is traditionally most compatible with Taurus, Capricorn, Cancer, Scorpio. Those ratings come from a published formula, not a reading, and you can check the arithmetic on the method page.
Is Virgo an earth sign?
Yes. Virgo is a mutable earth sign. The symbol is often misread: the maiden carries a sheaf of wheat, a harvest image, which fits Virgo being an earth sign.
Why is Virgo ruled by Mercury?
In the classical scheme each planet governs one or two signs, and Mercury was assigned to Virgo. It is a convention from the tradition, not a physical relationship.
Other zodiac signs
Related guides
Last reviewed . Method: how we work this out.