Virgo season 2023: What to know about 'perfectionist' Zodiac sign's traits, compatibility

Virgo season straddles the line separating Fall and Summer. Ever the perfectionist, Virgo signs are known for their selfless nature and desire to create order.

In conversation with astrologer Renée Watt, USA TODAY explores what type of person a Virgo is, from key personality characteristics to career habits and approaches to both romantic relationships and friendships.

Watt, who has been a practicing astrologer for seven years and started reading tarot cards at the age of 10 tells me the stars are a unique and powerful way to ground yourself. "It makes us feel more connected to the universe to feel like the planets have a direct impact on us," she says. "It also brings through a self-awareness where we can recognize patterns within ourselves and work on evolving and becoming better, more efficient, more successful people."

Virgo horoscope: Look ahead to see what's next for your star sign

Learn more about each Zodiac sign

Pisces | Aquarius | Capricorn | Sagittarius | Scorpio | Libra | Virgo | Leo | Cancer | Gemini | Taurus | Aries

When does Virgo season begin?

Virgo season's dates run from August 23 to September 22. Virgos are an earth sign, represented by the virgin or maiden symbol.

Key personality traits of Virgos

"They're the perfectionists of the Zodiac," Watt says. "Virgos have sometimes too discerning of an eye. They see things with too much clarity, and they may sometimes hone in on small details that other people are kind of brushing over."

That demand for perfectionism goes for both themselves and others. In fact, sometimes a Virgo might try to fuss with a friend or a partner to get them to meet their bar for perfectionism, Watt says.

Virgos are also helpers, eager to lend a hand in any situation, almost to a fault. Virgo is the sign that rules servitude, so sometimes the desire to be helpful can cause Virgos to put their own needs aside in the service of others, Watts explains.

Career

Virgos are very team-oriented and enjoy working with others, Watt says. They have a talent with animals and are natural healers. Many end up in the medical field.

That perfectionism definitely translates to the workplace. "They're good at excelling quickly within whatever line of work they choose because they tend to be efficient, on time, and so demanding of themselves that they turn in excellent work," Watt explains.

Virgos are not immune to stress though, in fact, they are one of the more outwardly stressed signs, rarely asking for help when they need it, and preferring instead to forge ahead on their own.

Relationships

"A Virgo in a relationship is going to be really blunt and honest and transparent," Watt tells me. They are good with their words and incredibly pragmatic.

In fact, they are often the first to point out the holes in a friend's fantasy and offer a practical perspective. This of course can backfire, Watt says, as people can become temperamental and sensitive when their plans are criticized.

In romantic relationships, Virgos need to be very mindful about choosing a partner who has their act together. "Virgos are fixers. They like to fix things." Watt says, later warning, "Don't get a partner project. Don't invest in someone who isn't really trying to do the work." It's best to find a connection that is mutually supportive.

In terms of compatibility, Virgos are an easy fit with lots of signs, Watt explains, as they themselves are a mutable sign and can easily go with the flow. The most important thing is to find a partner who is aligned in the ways that are most important.

That said, Watt does point out that air signs might be a good fit as they tend to be intellectuals and Virgos really need that mental stimulation.

Weaknesses

Virgos can be a bit nitpicky due to their perfectionism.

They very much like for people to stay in their own lane and can sometimes bristle when others try to tell them what to do or mess with their sense of order.

Virgos can be easily overwhelmed by the state of the world, Watt tells me. This can be both a strength and a weakness. They have a great sensitivity to matters of political and environmental concern, but can also drive themselves a bit crazy, letting bad news stories or bad interactions with others stick in their psyche throughout the day. "It's all about managing your expectations about what your role in this life, what you can do to make the world a little bit better without feeling like you have to take on everyone's problems," Watts explains.

Strengths

In a conflict, a Virgo will remember everything and present a case with the precision of a prosecutor. It's not wise to try and gaslight as Virgo, Watt says, as they are not likely to bring about conflict with no reason, and they're too direct and pragmatic to be vulnerable to another person denying their truth.

Virgos are lovers of order, but they don't allow that to interfere with others' creative freedom of expression. "On one hand, they appreciate structure, but on the other hand they tend to be supportive of people being able to pursue what makes them happy," Watt explains.

Virgos tend to be excellent wordsmiths and are natural-born helpers, always looking to improve the world and lend a hand to a friend in need. "Virgos want to be superheroes, like superhuman," Watts says, "but they really need to understand that it's about the small steps that they can do to make the earth a little bit better.

New to Astrology? We've got you covered. Explore more Zodiac coverage and find out what the stars say about you with USA TODAY's astrological sign series.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Virgo zodiac sign: Key characteristics, season dates, compatibility