What's Your Sign: Virgo

(Previously, Leo)

Most people are aware of their astrological sign and the basic symbol behind it. Fewer people know the Greek mythology behind their Zodiac sign...

Take Virgo, which is my personal favorite sign. There are several myths and legends behind this constellation, but I'll share just one.

Virgo is the constellation commemorating Astraea, virgin goddess of purity, innocence, and justice. She was the daughter of Zeus and Themis, and the last deity to leave earth during the Iron Age. This period of time was marked by depravity and war.

Virgil wrote in his Fourth Eclogue that Astraea would return, "Now the Virgin returns, too; now Saturn's Golden Age returns." This was later thought to be a prophecy of the birth of Jesus.

Posted by Jennifer at January 11, 2005 10:31 AM

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