Virgo is the second-largest constellation in the sky. It is only one of two human representations, instead of an animal, in the Western horoscope.
There has been some confusion over what is the origin of the constellation Virgo as she has been variously identified as Isis or a Babylonian corn goddess. The sign is symbolized by a girl holding a sheaf of wheat, signifying the harvest.
The Virgo constellation story sees her portrayed as an earth mother deity. As such, she has been related to birth and the renewal of life. The most prevalent legend concerns the Greek myth of creation. Two Titan siblings named Prometheus and Epimetheus were instructed by Zeus to create humans and animals. Each creature received a gift from Epimetheus when it was created. Unfortunately, the titan was so free with these gifts that they ran out before mankind could receive its gift.
At a request from his brother, Prometheus went to Mount Olympus and stole some of the flame of the gods to give to mankind. With fire, mankind was able to develop their society at a far greater rate than that of animals. However, the gods were selfish creatures, and Prometheus’ deed earned the wrath of Zeus. The king of gods ordered the unfortunate titan to be bound to a rock on Mount Caucasus.
There, an eagle would tear out his liver and consume it while the titan remained alive. The next morning, his liver would have grown back and the eagle would return.
At the same time, Pandora, the first woman sent to earth, opened a box which she had been expressly forbidden to, releasing the misfortunes that plague mankind till today: sickness, death, anger, revenge and envy, marking the end of the golden age. How is this related to what is the origin of the constellation Virgo? In the ensuing mayhem, the gods left Earth to return to Mt. Olympus.
The last of these was Astraea, goddess of the harvest and associated with purity and innocence. Zeus placed her among the stars to form the constellation we see today.
The ending of the Virgo constellation story is related to the second golden age of mankind, which will either mark the return of Astraea or be heralded by the goddess.
