Perfectly Ideal

In C.E.O. Carter's Encyclopaedia of Psychological Astrology paragraphs headed "Idealistic Temperament" had me agreeing, then puzzling -

"The idealistic temperament has least affinity with Saturn and the earthy element, and most with the fiery (especially Sagittarius) and with Libra and Aquarius. At the same time idealism cannot be limited to one type, nor can we say that any sign invariably produces it. ...."

Nothing to argue with so far, except perhaps to point out that Saturn can be Airy as well; it was traditional ruler of Aquarius, a sign often linked to idealistic tendencies.

This, at first glance, was more surprising:

"Possibly Virgo and Taurus are the least idealistic and most matter-of-fact, but exceptions can undoubtedly be found even under them........"

Virgo-types, I'd have though were most likely of any to strive for the ideal...or is their tendency to perfectionism something different? Do perfectionists aim for THE ideal, as opposed to AN ideal?

Thinks...

Perfectionism relates to practical matters rather than airy fairy philosophical ideas and ideals. So yes, while some Virgo-types could be both perfectionists and idealists, that is not likely to be found in the majority of cases. Meticulousness, precision, practicality and attention to detail are commonly associated with Virgo, all are ingredients of perfectionism.

Perfection does not exist in doing extraordinary things, but in doing ordinary things extraordinarily well.--Angelique Arnauld

Conversely, while Sagittarius-types, Libra-types and Aquarius-types could be both idealists and perfectionists - it's not going to be the norm for them. They tend to live in their minds, or within their own philosophies of life and visions of an, often unrealistic ideal world, where fastidiousness about practical details fades into the background.

“Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace

You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one”
― John Lennon, Imagine

When investigating a particular facet of personality, the whole chart has to be taken into consideration, Sun sign alone doesn't tell the whole story, nor does a combination of Sun/Moon/ascendant. In the case of idealists especially, the position of Neptune could merit attention. Neptune's reputation for illusion or delusion could contribute to some overly idealistic visions, especially if closely linked by aspect to a personal planet.

Perfectionism and idealism can both be veritable pains in the ass; I lean more towards the latter than the former, but a fragile strand of perfectionism within me tells me that any ideals I embrace are fairly unrealistic...still, it costs nothing to embrace 'em.

Leonard Cohen says it best:

The birds they sang
At the break of day
Start again
I heard them say
Don't dwell on what
Has passed away
Or what is yet to be

Ah the wars they will
Be fought again
The holy dove
She will be caught again
Bought and sold
And bought again
The dove is never free

Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack, a crack in everything
That's how the light gets in

We asked for signs
The signs were sent:
The birth betrayed
The marriage spent
Yeah the widowhood
Of every government
Signs for all to see

I can't run no more
With that lawless crowd
While the killers in high places
Say their prayers out loud
But they've summoned up, they've summoned up
A thundercloud
And they're going to hear from me

Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack, a crack in everything
That's how the light gets in

You can add up the parts
But you won't have the sum
You can strike up the march
There is no drum
Every heart, every heart
To love will come
But like a refugee

Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack, a crack in everything
That's how the light gets in

Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack, a crack in everything
That's how the light gets in
That's how the light gets in
That's how the light gets in