VIRGO the Sign & its Symbols.

THE SIGN
The main ruling planet of Virgo is Mercury, named after the fleet-footed messenger to the gods of Ancient Greece. Virgo is a mutable, feminine earth sign whose positive characteristics include a gentle sympathetic nature, a sense of order and helpfulness and a quick wit, while more challenging traits include untidiness, a love of gossip and a tendency to worry. Mercury indicates a concern for practicalities rather than wild ideas.

THE SYMBOLS
The astrological symbol for Virgo is represented by the letter ‘m’ with a line curving away and back across the third downstroke of the letter. According to some sources, it is composed of the letter mem from the Hebrew alphabet, and the Phoenician graph for fish. Certain herbs, spices, flowers, trees, shrubs, gemstones, metals and animals have long been associated with particular signs of the zodiac. Several plants, for example, have lucky connections with Virgo and, it is said, they are most effective when picked on a day that is influenced by their ruling planet. Most small brightly coloured flowers have associations with Virgo including tansy, whose leaves were used in the eighteenth century in puddings, as dyes and as an insect repellent; chamomile which can be used to treat headaches and caraway whose seeds can be chewed to help alleviate colic. Gemstones linked to Virgo include aquamarine, the ‘gem of the sea’. Legend says that it is the treasure of mermaids with the power to keep sailors safe at sea, as well as giving protection against the wiles of the devil; agate which worn on the arm or carried while gardening increases fertility and ensures a bountiful harvest; jade an ancient love-attracting stone. Wearing jade is believed to help kidney, heart, and stomach problems. Animal connections include all domestic pets, mainly cats and dogs indicating the hearth and home aspect of this sign.

THE VIRGO NEEDLEPOINT DESIGN
Motifs have been selected from all the different astrological aspects of Virgo and include: the slightly ethereal central image of a woman, symbolising Astraea looking down on Earth; in two of the corners agate, indicating acceptance and emotional balance, in the opposite corners sheaves of corn representing the harvest and continued fertility of Mother Earth. The symbol for Virgo sits on a border of lace, the lace signifying the Virgo fascination with intricate detail, diagonally opposite a sprig of tansy whose name Tanacetum comes from the Latin word for ‘immortal.’

KEY WORDS
Gentle
Sympathetic
Humane
Witty
Sensual
Modest

To further personalise your needlepoint cushion, add your chosen name and date of birth to the outer border, along with one or two of the Virgo characteristics. On the chart, the borders have been left plain ready for you to draw in your own lettering, as preferred. Instructions and alphabets have been supplied or alternatively you can use lettering of your own choice.