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Horoscopes

Earth Signs: Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn Explained

Grounded in the material world and firmly rooted in reality.

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For centuries, people have looked to the stars for comfort and connection —  to share mythology and stories, to navigate the meaning of the stars and constellations, and to better understand themselves. It’s easy to dismiss the zodiac as artificial horoscopes and pseudo-science, but I find that astrology helps me communicate with the people I love and discover purpose in the material world. It’s a practice that’s more accessible now than ever before, with apps and daily updates that provide insight into how the planets are affecting your personality traits (and those of the people around you, too).

There are a number of ways to examine our zodiac signs. For example, the elements play a key role in both how your zodiac sign operates in the world and your degree of compatibility with other signs (based on modality). Signs can be mutable signs, fixed signs, or cardinal signs. Also, you must consider multiple signs of the zodiac when reviewing your birth chart. For instance, your sun sign is the most commonly referenced element of the zodiac, but your personality traits also depend on your moon sign, your rising sign, and other planets, like Mercury.

Among these many, many considerations — and we haven’t even mentioned houses — your zodiac sign falls into one of four elements: water signs, fire signs, air signs, and earth signs. Here, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the earth signs and what kind of personality traits you’ll encounter in earth sign besties, partners, and family members.

Earth Signs at a Glance

The three earth element signs are Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn, and they take inspiration from their natural element. Earth signs are known for being grounded in the material world and firmly rooted in reality. This allows them to follow their goals, maintain high standards, and work hard to create the life they want for themselves. They tend to be patient and hardworking, but they also enjoy the finer things in life (think “upper-crust” experiences and rich foods). This works well for earth signs, as their ability to think systematically and meet their goals allows them to accumulate and maintain wealth. Earth signs are practical and reliable, love finding solutions to problems, and are honest in all their relationships. They’re willing to work hard if they believe a relationship is worth it, which makes them both ideal friends and great long-term partners. 

A Closer Look 

While there are certain traits you can expect to find in most earth signs, each sign has its own individual characteristics and features. Here’s how to distinguish between all three of the earth signs. 

Taurus (April 20th  – May 20th) 

Tauruses are the first earth sign in the calendar, which is pretty fitting. They are an earth sign ruled by the planet Venus and represented by the bull. This aligns because Tauruses can be stubborn and strong-willed, as well as ambitious, hard-working, and resilient in the face of adversity. (Perhaps this is why Wall Street is represented by a bull!) But Taurus also knows how to relax. The ruling planet Venus is where Tauruses get their love of love and the finer things in life — like an upscale New York apartment or a designer purse. On a good day, like the bull in the field, Taurus will sit back and relax, taking joy from something as simple as a soak in a tub. 

Taurus signs are often represented by overflowing nature and lushness. That’s because they have a deep appreciation for soft scents, sounds, and textures. They strive for stability and creature comforts, and they work hard in both their professional and personal lives to create relationships that last. To that end, Taurus signs make for enduring and loyal friends, and they’ll inspire you to work hard and play hard in equal measure. 

Virgo (August 23rd – September 22nd) 

Virgos, the second sign in the earth category, are known for their systematic and pragmatic approaches to challenges and big projects. They’re typically perfectionists who take pride in meeting (and exceeding) their own high standards. They are associated with the goddess of wheat and often represented by maidens because of their strong relationship with the material world. Many of the stories related to Virgos are related to agriculture, like Demeter and Persephone’s tale from Greek mythology. Virgos are ruled by the planet Mercury, which is known for managing communication. Unlike Geminis, which are also ruled by Mercury, they use that communication for introspection and processing. (Geminis tend to use their communication skills for outward conversation and engagement.) 

Those born under this sign are highly capable of understanding patterns and are adept at making sense of puzzles and larger detailed collections. That’s why they often find careers in mathematics, research, or data analysis. Virgos are also known for being incredibly hard-working, and they often hold themselves and the people around them to high standards. To ensure they enjoy the luxuries they’ve worked hard for, it’s crucial that Virgos find balance in their lives. They’re loyal and reliable friends who can be counted on in a crisis — and although it may take time to connect with a Virgo, it’s worth it.

Capricorn (December 21st – January 20th) 

Capricorns are absolutely fearless and capable of rising from the ashes of rejection time and again. They rely on themselves and their capability — and they always deliver, thanks to hard work and determination. They are represented by the Sea Goat and fall under the delineation of cardinal signs, which makes them exceedingly wise. Capricorns are driven by the planet Saturn, which is associated with tasks, responsibilities, and the process of time. That’s why Capricorns often convey a sense of urgency. It might also have something to do with the fact that they actually age backward: Younger Capricorns tend to be all about work and drive, while older Capricorns begin to let go and enjoy the dividends of their effort and persistence. Once they achieve a little more stability and comfort, they begin to relax more, which is when the devilish fun begins to happen. 

They’re the celestial Sea Goat for a reason. Under the surface, all Capricorns have a touch of mischievousness and daring, and they’re willing to bring their friends along for the ride. Once you penetrate their cold and distant exterior, Capricorns are one of the most fun and colorful signs to spend time with. They’ll make you work for friendships — and they’re not ones to sugarcoat hard truths — but they’re incredibly loyal, and the friendships are always worth it.

As with other earth signs, Capricorns can struggle with balance. It’s important for them to remember that while big projects and hard-won accomplishments keep them excited and engaged, not everyone is driven by the same goals and aspirations. They can stick to their goals and timelines, but balance is key, and grace for their friends and loved ones will ensure their relationships persevere. 

Last Thoughts

Earth signs comprise a third of the zodiac and include Virgos, Capricorns, and Tauruses. They’re known for being down-to-earth, ambitious, and industrious. They have high standards and hold others to the same, and they never back down in the face of challenges and rejection. 

Each of the earth signs has its own unique traits and features: Tauruses are associated with the bull, both because of their stubbornness and tenacity and their comfort in bucolic farmlands. Virgos are perfectionists with an eye for detail and an ability to see the bigger picture. And Capricorns are known for their strong work ethic, under-the-surface playfulness, and loyalty to their friends and loved ones. 

The more you know about your zodiac sign and the other signs of the zodiac, the easier it will be to understand your own behaviors and characteristics, plus those of the people around you.

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