♍

Unknown, but it has been suggested that the symbol derives from a letter M for (the Virgin) Mary in the Middle Ages, though the sign had earlier been identified with the goddess Ceres/Demeter. It has also been suggested to be a ligature of Greek παρ, for Ancient Greek παρθένος (parthénos, “maiden”).

♍︎

1. (astrology) The symbol for the sign Virgo.
2. (astronomy, rare) The symbol for the constellation Virgo.
3. (rare) August[1]
4. (alchemy, archaic) distillation

   Synonym: 🝠

(2): The 1833 US Nautical Almanac using the symbol ♍︎ for stars in the constellation of Virgo, here θ ♍︎ (Theta Virginis), ν ♍︎ (Nu Virginis), π ♍︎ (Pi Virginis).