Earth Signs—what does being Taurus, Virgo, or Capricorn mean?

The Earth Signs of the zodiac share common traits that link them together and make them stand out from other signs in the zodiac. They also each have their own individual energies that set them apart from one another.

You might be aware of your sun, rising, and moon signs from your astrology birth chart, but are you familiar with the most prominent element in your chart? 

Elements in a chart can also speak to your personality, strengths, and weaknesses. In astrology, there are four elements—air signs, earth signs, water signs, and fire signs. Each element consists of three zodiac signs that all share common traits. 

Here’s everything you need to know about the earth signs in the zodiac—Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn. 

Earth Signs traits

Earth signs are incredibly attuned to, you guessed it, earth. Now, we don't necessarily mean outdoorsy types or those interested in easy gardening tips to make their outside space an oasis. Think more along the lines of 'down to earth.'

It may sound obvious, but these earthly beings rely on their physical senses. They are rooted, grounded, and practical. If they can’t see it, they probably don’t believe it. 

The same way we shape forms from clay, earth signs are interested in building something long-lasting. If you have a lot of personal planets (moon, Mercury, Venus, or Mars) in earth signs, you may heavily relate to the more analytical nature of this element.

This type of elemental archetype is preoccupied with creating a sustainable vision for the future, maintaining a connection to their physical being, and building up material worth. 

That’s not to say that all earth signs are superficial, the opposite can actually be true, many are deeply connected to nature. There is an emphasis on building and working toward material success as a means of providing safety and security for themselves.

What are the earth signs?

• Taurus zodiac dates: April 20—May 20
• Virgo zodiac dates: August 23—September 22
• Capricorn zodiac dates: December 22—January 19

Earth Sign Traits

Each earth sign has a plan. They are here to show us how structure can lead to success. If we want to achieve our dreams, we damn well better have a plan in place. 

These signs are also honest with their feedback. They won’t hold back based on how a piece of advice might affect someone emotionally. They will let you know what they think the best piece of advice is for you.

As natural overachievers, earth signs are logical and need a plan. If you’re trying to make plans to hang out with your earth sign friend, don’t text them a few hours before.

Earth sign energy needs at least a few days of a head’s up, their calendar is probably filled out at least a month in advance. This is why, when it comes to more last-minute signs like Aquarius, compatibility isn't necessarily there.

These signs can also be slow-moving, but that is because they trust their patience. They know that they will ultimately reach their goal with sustained effort and dedication. 

Taurus

Oh, Taurus. You know one when you see one—physically exquisite, practical, grounded, and possibly indulgent as all hell. In astrology, Taurus is ruled by the planet Venus, which represents love, beauty, and finances. Taurus possesses a natural and enchanting Venusian charm. They seek pleasure and comfort through their sensations. They are cuddlers and romantics at heart.

They are also incredibly creative. It’s hard to find a Taurus that doesn’t dabble in some type of creative hobby whether it’s fashion, photography, or painting. This sign has a wealth of creativity built up within them that is just dying to be expressed. 

Taurus is also a fixed sign, which means it can be a very stubborn sign. Their zodiac symbol is the Bull—need I say more? Imagine those horns. They aren’t budging. Taurus is certainly one of the most stubborn signs in the zodiac. If they’ve set their mind to something, no one else will change it.

They also have a natural ability to manifest. They don't even need to harness lunar energy via full moon rituals; to them, it's innate.  A massive part of manifestation work is embodying a feeling and energy. This is one of Taurus’ natural gifts, whether they believe in the powers of manifestation or not. 

The way they not only enjoy the taste of a homemade meal, but savor it, and embody gratitude as they eat it, is an example of their deep connection with the physical realm. 

This is a gift. They also have a deep connection to nature. Match with a Taurus on a dating profile and you’d be hard to find someone who doesn’t have a picture of them hiking or on some type of outdoor excursion.

Virgo

As a mutable sign, Virgo marks the change of a season as Virgo season arrives at the tail end of summer, right before we transition to fall. Virgo gets a bad wrap for overthinking and being fussy, but they are actually incredibly adaptable. You have to be adaptable when you are planning so much and there are so many moving parts! 

In astrology, Virgo is ruled by the planet Mercury, which is the planet of the mind, communication, thinking, and learning. This is why Mercury retrograde shadow period and the retrograde itself causes such chaos in all of the above!

Virgo’s are incredibly organized, methodical, and system-oriented. They are great project managers and pay close attention to details. Their minds move a mile a minute, and with that active mind does come the possibility of overthinking and anxious thoughts.

One thing you can’t say about Virgos is that they don’t care. Are they overly critical? Sure, but guaranteed they are harder on themselves than they are on you. They are eager to be of service and love to feel useful and helpful. The friend you call in the middle of the night after a wild fight with your partner? A Virgo. This earth sign proves that friends are family. They are loyal and will problem-solve with you all night until the sun rises. 

Capricorn

Capricorn is major CEO energy. This earth sign did not come to play, Capricorns set their eye on success and do everything in their power to achieve it. Capricorn’s ruling planet is Saturn, the lord of time, responsibility, dedication, and challenges—Saturn return anybody?!

There is a knowing that many Capricorns have, they are wise. This is because of lived experience. Many Capricorns had to grow up quickly or learned about life and its complexities earlier on than other zodiac signs.

When they commit to a plan, there is no changing it and there is no stopping it. Capricorn has a long game, and like a grandmaster chess player, they are 8 steps ahead of you. As a cardinal sign in the zodiac, Capricorns are incredibly talented at leading and initiating. They can take charge and shift ideas into motive and shape.

Status and reputation matter to Capricorn, they are interested in building a lasting legacy. Something their family can be proud of. They also are more reserved and calculated when it comes to their emotions. They aren't’ ones for grand displays of affection or dramatic fights. Saturn’s influence can build a wall around their emotional expression so it may take some time for them to let you into their inner world.

Earth Sign Compatibility

Earth signs are generally compatible with water signs. That being said, astrological compatibility is very complex and layered. It depends more on the two people involved and the work they’ve done on themselves throughout their lives more than on specific elements within the chart. It’s also important to factor in a more complete look at the entire birth chart before determining compatibility. As far as basics go, though, water sign energy can nurture earth signs' soil. There is a natural flow of energy between the two.

If water signs get caught up in the psychic realm and world of emotions, earth signs can help guide them back to Earth. There is a symbiotic relationship between these elements. Water signs’ natural access to their sensitive and emotional side provides earth signs with the safety, comfort, and bravery to dive deeper into their own emotional world. Earth signs also show water signs how to stay grounded during emotional upheaval. There is much to be learned from one another.