virgo

Everyday

1. Virgo is a large constellation (a group of stars) whose name is Latin for «the virgin» or «young woman». tree →
2. Virgo is one of the twelve signs of the zodiac used in astrology, for people born from about 23 August to 22 September. tree →
3. (informal) A Virgo is a person born under that sign. tree →

In the lessons

Used in science and space lessons (constellations, the bright star Spica) and in horoscopes in magazines. Astronomy is science; astrology (star signs telling your future) is not science.

Examples

• Virgo is one of the biggest constellations in the sky. tree →
• The bright star Spica is in Virgo. tree →
• My birthday is in September, so my star sign is Virgo. tree →
• My sister is a Virgo and loves things tidy. tree →
• The Virgo cluster contains thousands of galaxies. tree →
• The horoscope for Virgo said I would have a lucky day. tree →

Note

Written with a capital V. Pronounced VUR-go. Star signs are fun but not science: there is no evidence they decide anyone's character or future. Plural for people: «Virgos».

In Jewish tradition

In Sefer Yetzirah, Virgo is the zodiac sign linked to the month of Elul, the letter Yod and the left hand.

Interpretation. The Hebrew sign is Betulah, "the maiden." Sefer Yetzirah gives each sign a month, a letter and a part of the body.

Examples

• [paragraph continues] Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagitarius, Capricornus, Aquarius and Pisces. (Sefer Yetzirah, Kalisch 1877) tree →
• He produced Yod, predominant in Labor, crowned, combined, and formed Virgo in the world, Elul in the year, and the left hand of man. (Sefer Yetzirah, Westcott 1887) tree →
• He produced Yod, predominant in Work, crowned it, combined and formed with it Virgo in the Universe, Elul in the Year, and the left hand of Man. (Sefer Yetzirah, Westcott 1893) tree →

Note

Written with a capital V. Pronounced VUR-go. Star signs are fun but not science: there is no evidence they decide anyone's character or future. Plural for people: «Virgos».