Zodiac signs
Virgo (Kanya)
Virgo, the Maiden, is a mutable earth sign ruled by Mercury. The Sun is in tropical (Western) Virgo from August 23 – September 22, and in sidereal (Vedic) Virgo — called Kanya — from about September 17 – October 16. The sign is associated with discernment, craft and service.
| Symbol | the Maiden |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit name | Kanya |
| Element | Earth |
| Modality | Mutable |
| Ruling planet | Mercury |
| Zodiac degrees | 150° – 180° |
| Opposite sign | Pisces |
| Exalted here | Mercury |
| Debilitated here | Venus |
| Nakshatras (sidereal) | Uttara Phalguni (padas 2–4), Hasta (all four padas), Chitra (padas 1–2) |
| Western (tropical) dates | August 23 – September 22 |
| Vedic (sidereal) dates | about September 17 – October 16 |
| Sun enters, 2026 (tropical) | 23 August 2026, 02:19 UTC |
| Sun enters, 2026 (sidereal) | 17 September 2026, 02:20 UTC |
Why two sets of dates: the tropical zodiac is tied to the seasons and the sidereal zodiac to the constellations. The equinoxes have drifted about 24° against the stars since the zodiacs coincided (the Lahiri ayanamsa is 24°13′ in 2026), so the Sun enters sidereal Virgo roughly three and a half weeks after it enters tropical Virgo. The 2026 ingresses above are computed from the Sun's position, to the minute.
In Vedic astrology Kanya holds Uttara Phalguni (padas 2–4), Hasta (all four padas) and Chitra (padas 1–2). A Moon here is read through both the sign and its nakshatra.
Your Sun sign is only one placement: your Moon sign and your rising sign (ascendant) are read at least as closely, and Vedic astrology gives the Moon sign the most weight of all.
Questions
What are the dates for Virgo?
In Western (tropical) astrology, August 23 – September 22. In Vedic (sidereal) astrology, about September 17 – October 16. Both vary by about a day from year to year; in 2026 the Sun entered tropical Virgo on 23 August 2026, 02:19 UTC and sidereal Virgo on 17 September 2026, 02:20 UTC.
What is the ruling planet of Virgo?
Mercury.
Which nakshatras are in Virgo?
In the sidereal zodiac, Uttara Phalguni (padas 2–4), Hasta (all four padas) and Chitra (padas 1–2).
Which planet is exalted in Virgo?
Mercury, in the Parashari scheme.
What is Virgo called in Vedic astrology?
Kanya.
In Plutto
Plutto reads your Sun, Moon and rising sign in both zodiacs — and says which one each tradition means. Background: Western astrology.
Ask it something you actually want to know.