The Dark Side of Virgo

Every Zodiac sign has a shadow side, as a result of its own natural traits going to extremes. Virgos, on their dark days, can be detail-focused to the point of obsession, with a compelling need to control their environment and the people around them.

The Need for Perfection

Perfectionism can be motivating. Virgo students may work their hardest to achieve only straight A's, while Virgo employees may be dedicated to meeting every goal. On the other hand, unfortunately, uncontrolled perfectionism can cause a range of problems—in relationships, jobs, and self-acceptance. Here are some of the challenges Virgos may face.

• Some Virgos are physically and emotionally agitated by clutter, disrupted schedules, or an inefficient use of time. This can be tough on the Virgo, but even tougher on the people around him or her. A Virgo blowing his stack over a pile of dirty laundry can be a bit scary.
• In their quest for perfection, Virgos are actually hardest of all on themselves. This natural Virgo trait of seeking always to improve runs amok when there are deep-seated fears of not being "good enough—ever." 
• Fear of failure can lead to "analysis paralysis"—the inability to take creative risks. Virgos have active minds which are ruled by Mercury, and they have a knack for figuring out cause and effect. That can become an inhibiting factor if all the things that can go wrong are given space in the Virgo's imagination.

Virgos are challenged to tolerate that angst about uncertainty and do it anyway: Take the right creative risks, and back that with preparation and skill. 

Warped Body Image

Virgos are Earth signs and hence have a particular focus on the body. In some cases, a Virgo will turn all that intensity to their body and develop a warped body image. One perceived flaw, like thin lips or protruding ears, can be all they see in the mirror. 

It doesn't help that we live in a society that puts such a premium on ideal beauty and impossible perfection. The Virgo challenge is to see the uniqueness of the whole self, not one isolated, imperfect part.

Virgos want to be in control, and if they have a warped body image, this can lead to eating disorders. A path to healing is turning self-loathing into self-love and demonstrate that with small acts of nourishment throughout the day.

When a Virgo Gets Overwhelmed

A Virgo that does too much can burn out and end up with digestive disorders. This is symbolic of taking in too much stimulation without having a chance to digest it. "Less is more," should be a powerful Virgo mantra. Though Virgos can handle a lot of tasks, variety, and well-considered change, the overwhelmed Virgo is irritable, touchy and not clear-sighted.

Fortunately, it can be a simple matter to avoid extremes. Most Virgos just have to learn how to say "no" when appropriate, delegate responsibility and take time for themselves.

The Dark Side of Virgo at Work

Virgos can become very intense at work: always on task, and rarely looking up with a smile. When that happens, Virgos can appear judgmental of others who may be taking it easier or goofing around. The intense work ethic of Virgo makes them feel they're the only ones doing anything. This myopia takes on a life of its own in Virgo, and they lose sight of the big picture. Virgos can feel put upon, and grow to feel resentful and isolated. Some feel others get all the glory, as they toil away in jobs they might not even like. 

Virgos have a hard time letting go of control since they see others falling short of their expectations. But when Virgo gives others a break, he gives himself a break, too. The goal can shift to everyone doing their best, instead of reaching some pre-set standard. 

Why Some Virgos Love Reality TV

If you've seen reality TV lately, you know it's devolved to poking fun and finding fault. SylviaSky on Hubpages makes a great observation for Virgos on shows that put Hollywood stars under the microscope. She writes: "The daily celebrity gossip show TMZ airs video clips of Hollywood stars caught on the run. Then the TMZ staff, a little clique of nobodies, ridicules the videos. TMZ was conceived and founded by a Virgo, Harvey Levin (Sept. 2), first as a website and then a TV show, and it exemplifies negative Virgo values and the way Virgo makes enemies."

A Force for Good

A Virgo might discover that there's something driving that dark side behavior, and over time, work that out. Virgos are known for being patient and devoted to helping others. When that energy is re-directed, Virgo is a force for good, with pure motives.