The four Zodiac Elements...Fire, Earth, Air and Water...are also known as the Triplicities since there are three signs belonging to each Elemental category. Thus, this trio of Signs share something of a similar basic character. These Elements are also known as the Four Humors, utilized in Astro-Meteorology to describe a type of wind and in other matters associated with the weather. Empedocles, a Fifth Century Greek philosopher, originated the terms "Fire," "Earth," "Air" and "Water," explaining the nature of the universe as an interaction of two opposing principles called "Love" and "Strife" who manipulated the four Elements. Empedocles also stated that these four Elements were all equal and of the same age, each ruling its own province and each possessing its own individual character. Thus, different mixtures of these Elements produced the different natures of things.

Many historic philosophers and alchemists also believed that the four Elements exhibited themeselves in humankind as four varying natures and that one would be more prevalent in each individual than the other three. Elemental signs are basic, being general or generic in nature. The related characteristics may be tempered by other factors, but the Elemental influence nonetheless refers to core human behavior and temperament. The Elemental quality associated with a Sign is dependent upon which of the Twelve Signs of the Zodiac the Sun was residing at the time of an individual's birth.

NOTE: In the Wiccan culture and some other Western traditions, there is also a Fifth Element known as Pure Spirit, "Quinta Essentia," or Akasha. Akasha is the life force...the basic substance of the Universe and the soul or spiritual being of an individual. It is the subtle spiritual essence that pervades all space...not precisely ether, but an ether-like substance of a spiritual rather than material nature which, in ancient writings, is said to operate by mean of sound or vibration. Thus, it is often identified with the Element of Air, but in a spiritual sense...the "Breath of God" concept. Essentially Akasha stands apart from the Four Elements of the Zodiac and is not depicted within an individual's horoscope. Akasha hints at the freedom of mankind and is a reminder of the "great mystery of the eternal."

Virgo is governed by the Element of Earth...an element it shares with the Signs of Taurus and Capricorn. Earth is also the ruler of the Second, Sixth and Tenth Houses of the Zodiac. All metaphors associated with things of Earth are appropriate to those individuals who fall under the influence of this Element..."salt of the earth," "feet planted firmly on the ground," etc. These are practical, grounded and dependable individuals who are not known to be large risk-takers, much preferring to stick with a "sure thing." Earth is associated with a physical and sensual approach to life, where experiences are registered by way of the senses, resulting in situations which are evaluated based upon previous personal experiences. Earth also describes the process of containing experience by defining it boundaries...much like a clay pot holds water, enabling the utensil to be used for both drinking and cooking purposes. Earth is the most basic Element, being fertile, nurturing, stabilizing and grounding...it is indicative of the symbolic "Mother." Humana grow and raise food upon the Earth, live out their lives upon its surface and bury their dead within its depths. Essentially, the Element of Earth is practical and functional, indicative of stability. It is associated with wisdom, strength, growth and prosperity...the physical planet and the very heart of life itself. The traditional symbol for Earth is a triangle pointing downward with a horizontal line through the middle.

The Element of Earth provides the ability to manifest desires which help to ground energy and focus. Passive in nature, Earth represents both the womb and the grave by bringing forth and taking away. It is a stationary Element, lacking the active ability to create. It is the final outcome, related to the flesh and all physical matters. This Element nourishes, affirms, sees, touches, smells, senses, feels and holds. It is both sensual and practical. It can be stubborn and generous and possesses instinct rather than feeling. Earth is slow, steady and ever-changing...while remaining the same. Most Earth individuals have the essential quality of strength and are practical souls being fond of organization. As both defenders and builders, Earth natives are steady and solid in their efforts with a strong sense of responsibility. Earth Signs are concerned with reality and the constants of home, family and work. These are sensual subjects who tend to be conservative in their approach to life. They are kind and cautious and it takes much to win their trust and friendship...though once obtained, these people are forever loyal. Earth natives are attracted to power and can have a negative side when it comes to power games, often being possessive and manipulative. They are able to both forgive with little effort or hold a grudge for many years.

Earth people are basically the builders of the Zodiac. To these individuals, creation is a tangible proposition. Whether it be in building jobs or homes...or creating comfortable rooms within that home through the acquisition of possessions...earth individuals are concerned with all that is solid and steady. In short, they feel at their best once a significant number of worldly goods has been accumulated. The inherent risk in this characteristic, however, is the tendency to become greedy and far too materialistic. The Element of Earth confers a sense of duty, responsibility and reliability to those who fall within its jurisdiction. Such are the people who can be counted upon to be there when needed. Although in both desire and approach they tend toward caution and conservatism, these natives are considered to be sensualists...certainly in that they appreciate a good meal and fine wine better than most others. The logical mind of the Earth personality is always appreciated. In keeping with this measured approach, such individuals also display considerable recuperative powers. On the downside, however, those who are ruled by Earth may become so caught up in their own objectives that they are apt to sometimes overlook the feelings of others. Overall, the Earth native may be more concerned with reaching the finish line than in the journey to get there. In summary, Earth people are dependable, practical and conservative, yet relatively materialistic. They have their feet on the ground...but their eyes are focused constantly on the prize.

The Element of Earth is concerned with imposing form, structure and foundation to projects, businesses and just about anything else which requires such things. After all, Earth is essentially a building element. Those governed by this Element are the producers of the Zodiac...ones who make things happen. Earth Signs turn dreams into realities, whether such dreams be of an individual nature or those of others. Earth people understand all the steps needed to be taken...everything from drawing up a budget to the scheduling of deadlines. They are capable of overseeing the flow of work through to its completion. Dedicated and responsible, those who are ruled by the Element of Earth can be counted upon to provide exceptional follow-through. They have a talent for harnessing available resources and making the most of them. Earth Signs are perceptive and realistic, possessed of virtually no self-delusion. Such individuals also display an uncannily precise sense of timing, which is an obvious asset in any endeavor. In short, those governed by Earth are loyal, patient, stable, naturally cautious and conservative...the latter quality preventing them from rushing in and squandering time, money or labor. Earth Signs prefer to make long-range plans, being highly ambitious people who are goal-oriented. There is a powerful will to succeed here and Earth individuals are not normally known to fail in that regard. As stated earlier, natives of Earth are usually solid and dependable...much like the ground upon which they stand. They are gifted at manifestation in the concrete world and take pleasure in finding useful purposes for everything. Natural recyclers, those governed by the Element of Earth deplore wasted resources of any kind. However, Earth Signs can focus too much attention on material production and thus, become trapped in repetitive ruts, often forgetting to use their imagination.

Earth individuals frequently attract those governed the Element of Fire (Aries, Leo and Sagittarius). Fire natives will provide an element of excitement and change in the life of an Earth subject, but then the Earth individual must deal with anxiety regarding what the unpredictable Fire subject is likely to do next. In general, Fire will prove too forceful for Earth's slower and more thorough nature. Earth also has a special problem with Fire since Fire is apt to have a carefree way of "burning up" all the reserves that Earth has so carefully developed, leaving nothing behind but a scorched scenario. Earth may not only find Fire to be impetuous, forward-surging and uneconomical, but also much too thoughtless in the face of uncalculated risks. Nonetheless, warming Fire is often good for Earth, bringing healthy excitement and intensity by way of the momentum, joy and constantly-flaming optimism. Earth signs tend to be fascinated by those who fall under the jurisdiction of Air (Gemini, Libra and Aquarius), finding such individuals to be fast-moving and changeable...this despite the fact that Earth is untrusting of Air's unworkable schemes. However, the lively and restless nature of Air can often create far too much fuss for the liking of Earth natives. Air subjects constantly come up with lofty and modern ideas which fail to interest Earth individuals, who cannot comprehend why they should be obliged to involve themselves in such high-flown "mental acrobatics," particularly since theory and practice appear to be in constant contradiction under such a scenario. Earth values perceptions only when something can truly be done with them...a perception for perception's sake is quite superfluous to the Earth native. Yet, more receptiveness for Air would actually be good for Earth since the inventive spirit inherent in Air is likely to provide easy solutions and may even make things go much more smoothly for the Earth individual. Earth natives are generally most compatible with Water Signs (Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces). Both Earth and Water share the characteristics of retentitiveness, self-protectiveness and acquisitiveness. Water is able to soothe and comfort the worry element so often found in those who fall under the jurisdiction of Earth. With such support and encouragement, Earth Signs find they have an ability to work almost constantly.

ASPECT/POLARITY: Feminine, which is not a reference to gender but to the associated type of energy. In the case of the feminine aspect, the energy is receptive and traditionally conceived as being less active and more focused on the emotional/material world, lending sensitivity and emotional depth to the character. Feminine signs (Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn and Pisces) are nocturnal or night-oriented by nature, viewed in the same light as the Yin (or dark) polarity of the Tao.
ANGEL OF EARTH: Uriel (sometimes referred to as Auriel), Archangel of the North.
SEASON: Winter...the time of darkness.
VIRTUE: Propriety...conventional, proper and fitting. Earth follows what is socially acceptable in conduct, behavior and speech. Earth possesses excellent manners and is very polite. It is also prudent and has a deep regard for conventional rules of behavior
CORE/INDIVIDUALITY: Merchant...the storekeepers, bartenders and traders of the Zodiac. Earth is at its best when buying or selling either material or tangible commodities. In general, Earth is very business oriented.
NATURE: Physical with a characteristic love for the material and tangible. Earth derives pleasure from sensory stimulation...taste, smell and touch, for example. Earth surrounds itself with tangible items such as fine furniture, art and jewelry, desiring a nice home which is decorated with an expert hand. Earth possesses excellent taste in clothing and is a connoisseur of food and drink.
EMOTION: Sensory stimulation...with each of the five senses producing an emotional response of either joy or depression. Earth likes nice surroundings, good music, the feel of quality materials, the smell and taste of good foods and financial security. Lacking these things, Earth is almost sure to be emotionally unhappy.
EVILS: Chief fault is fraud. Earth is not normally prone to physical violence but, as in any given situation, there will be exceptions. Earth is mildly revengeful, liable to hold a grudge and tends to have a "my time will come" attitude. In general, revenge is apt to be by way of a "hit" in the pocketbook of the offender. When angered, Earth is quick to express such in a verbal fashion with physical violence being used only as a last resort.
HUMOR: In Medical Astrology and Astro-Meteorology, the humor of Earth is Melancholic, being cold and dry.
COLORS: Black, White, Yellow, Russet, Brown and Green.
MOON PHASE: Fourth Quarter...Dark Moon.
POSITIVE CHARACTERISTICS: Endurance, Wisdom, Stability, Humility and Reliability.
NEGATIVE CHARACTERISTICS: Materialism, Nonprogressiveness and Laziness.
SENSE: Touch.
SYMBOLS: Pentacle, Pentagram, Square, Cornucopia, Spindle, Scythe, Rocks, Gemstones, Soil, Plains, Fields, Caves and Mines.
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS: Drums and all Percussion Instruments.
PLANTS AND TREES: Alfalfa, Cotton, Ivy, Grains, Oats, Rice, Rye, Wheat, Patchouly, Moss, Lichen, Nuts, Roots and the Oak.
STONES: Rock Crystal, Salt, Coal, Moss Agate, Emerald, Peridot, Onyx, Jasper, Amethyst, Royal Azute and Tourmaline.
METALS: Iron and Lead.
LOCATIONS: Caves, Canyons, Chasms, Forests, Groves, Valleys, Fields, Farms, Gardens, Parks, Plant Nurseries, Kitchens, Basements, Mines and Mountains.
ANIMALS: Bull, Cow, Bison, Stag, Dog, Horse, Gopher, Ant, Bear, Wolf and all Burrowing Animals.
ELEMENTAL SPIRITS: Gnomes (ruled by King Gob), Dwarves and Trolls who inhabit the interior of the Earth and are the consciousness of precious gems.
POINT IN LIFE: Old Age and Death.
BODY PARTS: Bones, Sexual Organs and Legs.
HOUR: Midnight and the Dark Hours of Night.
PENTAGRAM POINT: Lower Left.
DIRECTION: North...the place of greatest darkness...ruled by Boreas, purple-winged God of the North Wind, which brings the chill of Winter.
MOTTO: To Keep Silent.

Within each of the Triplicities or Elements is found a category known as the Qualities...also referred to as the Quadruplicities, Modes or Common States. There are three Qualities: Cardinal, Fixed and Mutable. Each Quality addresses the manner of expression which will be displayed by the individual who falls within its jurisdiction, based upon which of the four Elements predominates. Thus, the Element (either Fire, Earth, Air or Water) will dictate the core characteristics, while the Quality (Cardinal, Fixed or Mutable) will dictate the way in which those characteristics are expressed.

Virgo is a Mutable Quality Sign (a Quality it shares with Gemini, Sagittarius and Pisces). Mutable Signs coincide with the times of change in the Seasons...when that which has once been firmly established breaks down to clear a passage for the new. Thus, this is an unpredictable period which calls for adaptation. Mutable Signs dissolve the Fixed Quality of the Signs which precede them. The energy associated with this Mutable Quality is open to change, responding swiftly to new circumstances and ideas...able to come up with solutions in the blink of an eye. As the third Sign of Summer, Virgo is the maintainer of this Season. The Mutable Quality is a mentally active one whose focus is directed toward knowledge and a desire to change personal consciousness. Here, there is also a constant search for ways to make improvements. Mutable Quality energy is versatile and impressionable in its approach. There is a distinct duality in all Signs which fall into the Mutable category which gives them a talent for seeing both sides at the same time. However, taken to the extreme, this Mutable energy can initiate a cycle of restless indecision which often takes its toll upon the nervous system. As the Chameleons of the Zodiac, Mutable Signs are both versatile and flexible in every new situation, being only too happy to fill an assigned role. They adapt easily to changing conditions and like variety. Mutable Signs rarely have a particular agenda and can at times be "wishy-washy" or inconsistent with a dislike for assuming responsibility. Standing their ground is of little importance to Mutable individuals and they would much rather conform to the "norm," provided doing so will help the greater good. Mutable Signs are blessed with tremendous resourcefulness. They enjoy learning, are proponents of "fair play" and are also diplomatic. Sharp, sympathetic and able to see the essential elements of any given issue, Mutable subjects are quick to help others and are selfless in the process. Although there is a tendency for Mutable Signs to occasionally stretch themselves to the point of breaking, they are also adept at bouncing back. Mutable Quality Signs are correlated with the principle of harmony and may be conceived as spiralic patterns of energy. Virgo symbolizes spirals of energy which are directed downward and connected to the past in some fashion. The essential nature of Mutable energy movement is to take what was initiated in the Cardinal and stablized in the Fixed, adapting these energies to the changing conditions of time and space. The Mutable Quality native is a perfect go-between, making contacts and connections wherever he or she might travel. In essence, the Mutable Quality is indicative of flexibility and adaptability, thriving on change and variety. It is also the most resourceful of the Qualities, able to make much from little, but can become so wrapped-up in tiny particulars that sight of the whole may be lost.

As an Earth sign with Mutable Quality, Virgo individuals focus on the guarding of health, perhaps working as a biologist, fitness instructor or in the field of medicine. There is also an inherent desire here to engage in thorough research and solid organization, which will be fine-tuned for peak performance. By nature, these subjects tend to refine whatever they tackle to the tiniest detail. All Mutable Signs are communicators in some fashion, but natives of Virgo communicate through practical and material means. The major issue for Virgo individuals is organization. Even when such natives are total "slobs" (which is rare), the issue of organization will still remain. They are adept at working with details and this frequently results in careers which require precision work. With an eye for detail, there is very little chance that even the most minute of flaws will get past those who are governed by Virgo. There may be a certain nervousness associated with this Mutable Quality sign which might not always be apparent. However, it will be easily seen through the fussiness of these individuals to have everything "just right." They may be picky regarding how a person holds his or her fork at dinner, for example. Being a subject of Earth, Virgo natives are inclinded to be rather relentless and will continually worry away at the slightest of details. They may be nervous about such behavior if criticized, or may chose to simply ignore the distraction and go on about their business. If a native of Virgo is born into a dysfunctional family, then he or she will often use this ability to ignore distractions as a survival technique while growing up. Although creatures of habit, these Virgo subjects are truly quite adaptable. Their habitual routines serve them well because they have perfected them, but when such routines cease to be useful, new ones will be perfected. These individuals are not necessarily neat and orderly in all aspects of their lives. For instance, their computer files might be perfectly tidy, but their cars could be in dire need of a tune-up and oil change. It will be whatever the Virgo native values most which will come under scrutiny...all else may likely be put on the "back burner." These are subjects who feel safest when they have routines that function...any breakdown in such becomes a matter of great concern. Thus, it seems that these Virgo natives have an affinity for work and worry. Though often described as lacking in sensuality, those who fall under the jurisdiction of this Sign are quite sexual by nature. Their appetites in this area can be particular and/or precise (possibly even what might be described as "kinky" on occasion), but they are nonetheless very selective individuals.