Virgo might be one of the most misunderstood signs of the zodiac. Born between August 23 and September 22, Virgos are earth signs, meaning they are super sensual —they are just a little picky about their partners and want to make sure they’re worth time.
Similarly, Virgos are sometimes stereotyped as being modest, but really, they’re just a little guarded. Sure, they might seem shy or reserved at first, but once they get to know you, they’ll let their dark, sarcastic humor fly. And they make for incredibly loyal, generous friends.
Virgos are probably best known as super-smart, super-analytical perfectionists—they won’t settle for anything but the best. Even then, they’ll try to improve it. These traits are why so many Virgos are superstars in their chosen career paths (hi, Beyoncé), but as many Virgos will tell you, their perfectionistic tendencies also mean they often overwork themselves and need to carve out time to relax in their (color-coded) schedule.
Trying to understand a Virgo or just seeking the perfect caption for your (or your Virgo BFF’s) b-day Instagram post? These quotes might help.
“I am a Virgo to a T!…I like to think outside the box. I don’t believe in the answer ‘no.’ I am extremely driven and extremely critical—sometimes overly critical. Sometimes it is one of the things that I have to work on. I am a control freak. I pay attention to details. When I do something, I do it 100 percent. I have high expectations of myself and expect the same thing of everyone around me. I’ve always been that way. I am all or nothing.” —Beyoncé, Dazed & Confused interview.
“I do it best when I do it myself. I’m a Virgo and I know what I like.” —Zendaya, Vogue Australia interview.
“Virgos are unquestionably dependable and sincere.” —Sun Signs, by Linda Goodman.
“Perfectionism doesn’t allow practice shots.” —The Artist’s Way, by Julia Cameron.
“Virgos are very down to earth. She’s an earth mother and also very picky. So I’m very picky, and I’m a perfectionist to a fault. I’m also very critical…but Virgos tend to be very critical of others and of the people around them—especially people they love. But in the end, they’re really the most critical of themselves, which pretty much sums me up.” —Sanaa Lathan, Rolling Out interview.
“[I’m] a perfectionist Virgo, constantly qualifying and rethinking.” —Michelle Williams, Vanity Fair interview.
“Perfection is attained by slow degrees; it requires the hand of time.” —Voltaire.
“Virgos are more or less the canonized saints of friendship. Their empathy is limitless and comes with action.” —Astro Poets: Your Guides to the Zodiac, by Alex Dimitrov and Dorothea Lasky.
“When I was dancing, I felt in control and happy. I’m a Virgo, so I really like to be in control.” —Misty Copeland, New Yorker interview.
“There is nothing I would not do for those who are really my friends.” —Northanger Abbey, by Jane Austen.
“I’m kind of psychotic and I like to talk about things. I’m a Virgo, too, so I like to analyze and overprocess.” —Pink, Time Out interview.
“The true secret of happiness lies in taking a genuine interest in all the details of daily life.” —William Morris.
“When life feels chaotic, Virgo will tidy up.” —astrologer Chani Nicholas for O, the Oprah Magazine.