Virgo Qualities and Characteristics

Ironically, most of your best qualities are often seen by other people as your worst. It wasn't always so: in ancient times, when priorities were different, yours was the most prized of the signs. Now, it is often the most disliked. Fear not, though-you're just misunderstood.

You're more complex than others give you credit for. As a Mercury sign, your head rules your heart, but this doesn't mean you're cold and unfeeling. On the contrary, your sensitivity is unmatched by any other sign except Pisces. It's often unseen, however, because you tend to be quite shy and reserved. This explains why Virgos are so generous-you want deeply to be loved, so you demonstrate this by going out of your way to be of service to others. You care for them, you do favors for them, you find just the right gift, and above all you give them your loyalty. Because of your shyness, you believe that once you've found someone special, you should do your best to keep them.

Mercury is a sign of intellect, so you're also quite smart. You're particulary adept at analysis and logic-many Virgos are scientists, doctors, and engineers for this reason. You also notice details more than any other sign-and this serves you well in a variety of careers: writer, editor (Mercury rules words), surgeon, even secretary.

You have a great work ethic-you're disciplined, highly organized, punctual, and tireless. (Much has been made of Virgos and neatness as well, but it's usually overstated.) Many Virgos find themselves at an economic disadvantage early in life, so they become extremely motivated to succeed as a result, and most achieve comfortable, if not lavish, means.

Finally, you're a perfectionist. When you tackle a project, you do it right, to the nth degree. You believe you have to be the best at it, so you study, you practice, you go the extra mile, you apply all your little advantages-smarts, hard work, and especially analysis-to get that edge. Once you've conquered it, you like to share it with people, but this often leads to your biggest fault...