Whether you’re a Virgo or not, there is a great deal you can learn from the Virgo astrological sign—and Virgo season brings fresh tidings for all of us.  

The Virgo zodiac symbol is “the virgin”. This originates from the ancient Greek myth of the virgin Astraea, who was the last immortal to abandon the earth during the Silver Age as the rest of the gods fled to Olympus to reside as immortals amongst one another. Due to Astraea’s devotion to the earth, ancient astrologers determined that Virgo was an earth sign. Those born in Virgo season are said to take after the immortal virgin in that they maintain a healthy grounded nature. 

Mercury is the ruling planet for the Virgo, which has given Virgos a reputation for being highly intellectual with a well-developed sense of speech and writing. Mercury, aptly named after the Roman messenger god, is the planet that represents communication. Between the myth of the virgin and the influence of timely communication, Virgo season (August 22 - September 22) brings with it a sense of stability and self-improvement—and you know what that means: a whole new set of rules for self-care.

My word for Virgo season is temperance. Now, hear me out—I am all about the “treat yourself” mentality. However, I believe that sometimes “treating oneself” is actually best done through an act of temperance. There is a time to indulge your body in everything you can, and there is a time to lovingly limit yourself. Virgos and non-Virgos alike should consider this as behaving in a mild manner—not overdoing yourself in any area of your life. Try to keep an even and balanced approach to the situations surrounding you.

I suggest that during this season you focus on indulging the soul instead of the body. Take time to enjoy literature, art, creating, meditating. To honor our celestial virgin, try to refrain from excessive promiscuity. Limit drug and alcohol intake. Leave yourself vulnerable to an open mind and natural emotions. Make time to clear your head of distractions and allow yourself to engage fully with the world we live in. Embrace your humanity in the rawest way you can. 

Okay, but what does that look like? you might be asking. That’s the fun part—it’s totally up to you. If this looks like finally starting that book you bought but haven’t read yet, then do it! If this looks like setting aside time each day to journal and self-reflect, then do it! If this looks like taking a well-needed alcohol hiatus, then do it! If this looks like ending that toxic relationship in your life, you sure as hell better do it! If this looks like going skinny dipping in the ocean at midnight in order to feel a better connection with the earth, then do it, baby!

Take some healthy time for yourself this Virgo season. Reflect on temperance, and make it your mission to love yourself well!