Not everyone with whom you share a zodiac sign will immediately feel a cosmic connection. Some people strongly believe that Virgos born in August and September are practically from different ends of the cosmos. Of course, each person has an own astrological birth chart and depending on the day, year, and even minute that we are born, our planetary placement might change. But are they supposed distinctions between August and September Virgos supported by astrology?

There are numerous astrological reasons why people born under the same zodiac sign can be so dissimilar, the most important of which is that our sun signs are only one component of our birth charts. This means that, while almost everyone born between August 23 and September 22 will be a Virgo, their moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, and rising zodiac signs may be very different. They may all share some core Virgo characteristics, but there could be significant differences in how they communicate, express themselves, behave in relationships, process their emotions, and pursue their goals.

Another factor to consider is the decan of your zodiac sign. Each zodiac sign is divided into three subdivisions (known as decals) in traditional astrology, and these groupings can affect how a sign’s energy is expressed. Each sign spans 30 degrees on the zodiac wheel, so the first ten degrees of a sign represent the first decan, the next ten degrees represent the second decan, and the final ten degrees represent the third decan. Because the sun moves one degree per day during each zodiac sign season, all August Virgos are first decan Virgos, while most September Virgos are either second or third decan Virgos.

1. August Virgos Possess the Most Typical Virgo Characteristics

The sign of Virgo is ruled by Mercury, also known as the planet of thought and communication. However, because most Virgos born after September 2 are either second or third decan Virgos, they also have a co-ruling planet that affects how their Virgo energy is portrayed. First decan Virgos (born in August) is Mercury’s only sign, hence they frequently exhibit the most traditional Virgo characteristics. August Virgos frequently exhibit the classic virtues and flaws of the Virgo energy, such as being helpful, organized, pragmatic, and detail-oriented.

2. Virgos in September are more materialistic.

Most Virgos born in September are second or third decan Virgos, which means they are co-ruled by Saturn (the planet of responsibility) or Venus (planet of values). Both of these planets add more money-driven and materially focused energy to Virgo’s down-to-earth vibe, so if you’re a September Virgo, you may find that using your work ethic to acquire luxurious things, build your wealth, and flaunt your status feels more meaningful to you than it does to August Virgos.

3. August Virgos Are the Most Inquisitive

As the only earth sign ruled by the mental planet Mercury, all Virgos have a strong sense of practicality — but August Virgo approach life with an even more rationally minded and analytical edge. First decan Virgos have most of Mercury’s clever and mentally driven influence, making them the most logical and intellectual of the Virgos. They excel at making detailed plans, organizing their thoughts, and catching typos that others have missed.

4. Virgos born in September have a refined sense of style.

When it comes to details, all Virgos are known for being acutely observant and eagle-eyed. This keen-eyed attentiveness to aesthetics is especially strong in third decan Virgos who are co-ruled by the artistic planet Venus (all of whom are born in mid-September). September Virgos are likely to be visually perceptive, with a talent for bringing more beauty into the world around them through their organizational skills. Their Virgo nature is more stylistically expressed, such as through an artistically refined fashion sense or thoughtfully curated home decor.

5. August Virgos are more adaptable.

Virgos are mutable zodiac signs, which means they are naturally adaptable and have a natural understanding of change. However, because first decan Virgos are solely ruled by the quick-thinking planet Mercury, they are more adaptable than the rest of the Virgo gang. August Virgos know how to go with the flow, and they can quickly shift gears (while remaining thorough) if circumstances change on a dime.

6. Virgos in September can be harsher on themselves.

Virgos have a reputation for being critical and perfectionistic, which is largely due to their high expectations for themselves and desire to be of honest service to others. The quest for self-improvement can feel even more weighty for second decan Virgos who are co-ruled by the strict planet Saturn (all of whom are born in early September). September Virgos are determined and work-oriented, so they can be especially hard on themselves if they fail to meet their goals or perform to expectations. Making mistakes is natural, so keep that in mind if you’re a September Virgo.