Virgo is a Summer Zodiac Sign (as are the Signs of Cancer and Leo). This time of the year is also known as the Summer Solstice when the days are longer and the nights are shorter than at any other time during the year. In the Northern Hemisphere, Summer usually begins on June 21, while in the Southern Hemisphere, it begins around December 21. However, for the purposes of Astrology, the Northern Hemisphere timeframe marks the beginning of this Season. Spring is the Second Quarter (or Quadrant) of the yearly cycle and is traditionally considered to be a magical time during which the new life initiated in the Springtime grows to maturity.

In terms of the human life cycle, Summer represents the time from the age of twenty-one to the age of forty-two...the dynamic period of development encompassing early adulthood to the mid-life period. Governed by the faculty of feeling, this period represents a waning which manifests in an objective manner and an unconscious orientation. In short, although objective growth is taking place in an external fashion, such growth has already begun to slow down. However, as in childhood, the internal orientation remains primarily subjective. This is largely due to the fact that Mercury (which rules the Zodiac Sign of Virgo) is classified as an "inner" or "personal" planet, meaning it is close to the Earth. Again, as in childhood, this time of human life is highly personal in outlook, but also comes with much objectivity and acquired wisdom. The maturing adult is able to discriminate between the internal self and the outside world. Not everything is so highly colored by intuitions and powerful unconscious drives as in the earlier years. Although the capacity to absorb and assimilate impressions remains great, many entrances to the personality and ego will have already closed. The maturing adult is also less likely to fall victim to the subjective self and now acts in a more rational and conscious manner.

In general, individuals who fall under the jurisdiction of Summer have more measured responses than those governed by Spring and, though equally as enthusiastic, tend to be more critical. The energies here are perhaps less focused on the initiation of projects and geared more toward bringing those projects to fruition. Summer natives tend to be a mixture of both introvert and extrovert, but feelings do now play an important role in life. Empathatic urges to help and become involved with others are strong and these individuals often experience an emotional interaction not only with people, but also with work and environment. Subjects of Summer may not display an overwhelming desire to present their contributions to the world. Many hidden characteristics develop during this period and being appreciated is not always paramount. Rather than placing personal freedom and independence above all else, Summer individuals are prepared to serve others and willing to invest time in those around them. In short, those governed by Summer need to be needed.

The Archangel presiding over the Season of Summer is Michael. This Archangel's name means "He Who Is Like God" or "Who Is Like God?" (the battle cry of the Forces of Heaven during the uprising). Traditionally considered to be the foremost of the Seven Archangels and Leader of the Host of Heaven, Michael is also credited with being the Chief of the Order of Virtues and Chief of Archangels, as well as being Ruler of the Fourth Heaven, also known as Zebhul, Machanon or Machen. According to Enoch, the Fourth Heaven is the site of heavenly Jerusalem, the Holy Temple and its Altar. It is is here that the Garden of Eden is believed to actually be located (although some sources state its location to be in the Third Heaven). The Fourth Heaven is also thought to house the City of Christ and be the native seat of the Angels. Described as being fashioned from gold with twelve encircling walls, the Fourth Heaven contains twelve gates of great beauty and four rivers...one each of honey, milk, wine and oil. Credited with being the first Angel created by God from the light of God's attribute to al-Rahman, The Merciful, Michael is the one who ejected Lucifer from Heaven and is said to have never been seen to smile again after the creation of Hell. In Revelation, the last book of the Christian Bible, it is this Archangel who is destined to lead the armies of God against the Forces of Evil. He is also the one who will bind the Satanic Dragon for one thousand years. According to some sources, Michael is the Angel who taught Adam the art of farming and tutored him on how to care for his family. He is also reputed (at the direction of God) to have prevented Abraham from sacrificing Jacob and to have been the messenger who warned Lot to flee from the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. In addition, he is the one who instructed Moses to lead the Hebrew nation out of Egypt and communicated with Moses via the burning bush. Appearing again at the burial of Moses, he disputed with Satan possession of that ancient patriarch and claimed the founder's soul. Credited with being the Angel who saved Daniel in the lion's den, Michael is the one who announced impending death to Mary, Mother of Christ, later transporting her soul to Heaven. This Archangel is equated with the Holy Ghost and is reputed to have inspired Joan of Arc to aid the King of France. Michael was once worshiped as a God of the Chaldeans. Thus, prior to his involvement with Christianity, Islam or Judaism, this Archangel was perceived as being Pagan. In the Egyptian pantheon, Michael often assumed the role of "weighing the souls" normally performed by Anubis and indeed, one of Michael's appointed tasks is to gently lead souls into the Eternal Light of Heaven. Devotion to this Archangel is common among Muslims, Christians and Jews, with writings about him in all three cultures. Michael may also be known by the names of Mikail, Beshter of Sabbathiel and, according to legend, the Cherubim were formed from the tears which this Archangel shed over the sins of the faithful.

By tradition, Michael is depicted in art form as being flaxen-haired and clad in golden armor. His wings are invariably conspicious and very grand. He usually wears a pleated kilt and curved breastplate, bearing an engraved runic sword unsheathed in his right hand. Sometimes described as the Sword of Love, this flaming weapon protects against fear and injustice, wielded by this Archangel to cut through etheric chords of negative energy and repel Satan. This sword is also believed to be a symbol of the righteousness which called for the eviction of Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden after they had fallen victim to Lucifer in the form of a serpent. Michael's left hand is frequently hidden behind a battle shield. On occasion, he is portrayed holding a set of scales...the Scales of Justice...symbolic of his future duty to weigh souls at the Last Judgment. In many houses of worship, Michael is depicted as an icon always on the extreme left and often pictured as the Guardian of Paradise. During the Renaissance Period, this Archangel was perceived as being young, strong and handsome, wearing a splendid coat of mail and equipped with sword, shield and spear. In Islamic (Muslim) literature, Michael is described as having wings "the color of green emerald" covered with "saffron hairs, each of them containing a million faces and mouths and as many tongues which, in a million dialects, implore the pardon of Allah."

Michael is the highest ranking Angel to interact with mortals and is believed to help humankind in the tearing down of the old and building of the new. It is said that he has no limitations of time or space and will always be there when called upon for assistance and may be summoned to dispel psychic attack. Customarily invoked to clear negative energy from any area, Michael signifies joy and harmony. He also aids in dissipating feelings associated with the lack of commitment, motivation and dedication to personal beliefs, low self-esteem and worthlessness. In addition to being the Protector of Christians on Earth, Michael also has jurisdiction over those in Purgatory. He assists the dying, accompanies souls to their private judgment, brings them to Purgatory and afterward, presents them to God at their entrance into Heaven. Thus he is actually the Patron of Holy Souls. According to ancient writings, as Satan is the Ruler of Hell, so Michael is the Governor of Heaven. This Archangel offers protection...physically, emotionally and also in a psychological sense. This Archangel teaches that it is important to speak the truth directly from the heart. He discourages associations with those who would harm others in any manner and it is through the influence of this Archangel that individuals desire to speak out and instruct others regarding justice and equality. Michael's chief function is to rid the Earth and its inhabitants of the toxins associated with fear. It is said that the physical presence of Michael will be accompanied by sparkles or flashes of blue or purple light. On a more modern note, this Archangel is belived to possess a talent for repairing electrical and mechanical devices, including computers and automobiles, as well as being most helpful during traffic mishaps.

MICHAEL ASSOCIATIONS: Element: Fire Planet: Sun Time Of Day: Noon Compass Direction: South Colors: Red and Scarlet Celestial Retreat: Banff and Lake Louise in Canada Days: Sunday and Thursday Symbol: Dragon, Scales and Sword Divine Complement: Faith Motto: Courage Through Hope Misson: Protection and Deliverance

Michael is particularly associated with heroic deeds, protection, truth, justice, courage, strength, integrity, awareness and balance. He rules over worldly ambitions, personal physical development and music. In addition, the influence of this Archangel extends over everything concerned with official life and those in positions of power. He also has specific jurisdiction over nature, rain, snow, thunder, lightning, wind and clouds. Michael is said to offer the comfort of knowing that while changes may need to be made in life and challenges encountered, individuals will remain safe and secure under his guidance. There is some controversy as to whether the Archangel Michael and Saint Michael (canonized in 1950) should be perceived as one and the same personage. Nontheless, his Feast Day has been celebrated in Rome on September 29 from the early centuries. Today, he is honored by the Anglican and Catholic Churches on that same day, whereas the Greek, Russian and Armenian Churches celebrate his Feast Day on November 8. In France, the apparition of this Archangel at Mont-Saint-Michel is commemorated on October 16. Another apparition, on Mount Gargano in Apulia, Italy, is honored by a Memorial Feast by the entire Western Church on May 8.

Those governed by Michael have a particular affinity for clothing which is royal, cobalt or bright navy blue in color...hues which radiate with comfort and strength to such individuals. They also have a tendency to be fond of blue sapphires, diamonds, lapis, turquoise, gold, silver and platinum. This Archangel works through the First Ray, which is blue, representative of power, strength and the ability to deal with problems. It is the Throat Chakra in Eastern thought, located at the bottom of the neck, providing the ability for communication and a powerful desire to discuss personal experiences. Courtesy of this Ray, Michael helps humankind to cut through all distractions and negotiate a path to security while offering protection from evil intentions and false illusions. This First Ray is one of three flames that reside within the secret chamber of the heart as part of the Three-Fold Flame. The First Ray is at its most potent on Tuesdays.

Other Names By Which Michael Is Known Include:

- Angel of Repentance - Angel of Righteousness - Angel of Sanctification - Angel of Miracles -
- Angel of Protection - Angel of Mercy - Angel of Truth - Angel of Justice - Angel of Courage -
- Angel of Awareness -Angel of Judgment - Angel of Satisfaction - Angel of Final Reckoning -
- Guardian of Peace, Harmony and Global Cooperation - Warrior of the Sacred Flames -
- Prince of the Seraphim - Prince of the Presence -
- Great Prince of the Old Testament - Protector of the Children of Israel -

Patronages Of Michael Include:

- Archdiocese of Mobile in Alabama - Papua New Guinea - Germany - Brussels in Belgium - The Basque Region of Spain -
- Law Enforcement - The Military - Security Guards - Knights and Soldiers - Fencing and Swordsmiths -
- Mariners and Sailors - Hunters - Mountaineers - Bakers - Grocers - Artists - Paramedics -
- Cemeteries - The Sick and Dying - Engangered Children - All Individuals Defined as 'Loners' -

The Season of Summer is also governed by the Angel Tubiel...the Ruling or
Governing Angel of Summer and all the necessary energies that create the Season.
Tubiel may also be invoked for the return of small birds to their owners.
In addition, Summer natives fall under the jurisdiction of Gaviel, Tariel and
Gargatel, who function as Guardians of the Season. Chief Angel of the Summer
Solstice is Oranir, who is considered to be effective against the "evil eye."
Virgo natives share these Celestial Governors of Summer with those individuals
ruled by the other Zodiac Summer Signs of Cancer and Leo.