Astrology Modalities: Cardinal, Fixed and Mutable
The other day I wrote about the zodiac signs each belonging to one of the four elements. The other organizing principle for the signs is modalities. These are the basic states natural to each sign: cardinal signs lead or initiate; fixed signs have a tendency to remain, to stay stable; mutable signs have an affinity for change. Each modality includes one sign from each of the four elements.
Cardinal signs: Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn
The first day of each cardinal sign coincides with one of the four quarters of the year, each of which marks the beginning of a season: spring equinox, summer solstice, autumn equinox and winter solstice. People with several planets or key points such as the Ascendant, in cardinal signs have a natural tendency to initiate projects. They may be pioneers or innovators in some way and may express impatience with others whom they see as dawdling or fearful. On the other hand, people with little or no cardinal energy may find it difficult to break new ground. If you look at a zodiac wheel, you will notice the cardinal signs, like the other modalities; comprise two pairs of opposite signs. Aries and Libra form one polarity, in the natural zodiac sitting on the cusp of the first and seventh houses, while Cancer and Capricorn are also opposite each other.
Fixed signs: Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius
The fixed signs are often viewed as the pillars of the zodiac, maintaining structure through their stability. Fixed zodiac signs all occur during the middle of a season. People with several planets or angles in fixed planets have a great deal of perseverance and determination but can also be very stubborn and resistant to change. Individuals whose charts have very little of this modality tend to lack the ability to stick to adhere to their goals and commitments. Again, this modality groups two pairs of opposites: Taurus and Scorpio, Leo and Aquarius. While people sharing the same element tend to get along, there is often friction between different signs of the same modality.
Mutable signs: Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces
In contrast to the fixed signs, mutable signs, each of which concludes with the shift of one season into the next, are proud of their flexibility and ability to embrace change. People with a lot of mutable energy in their charts tend to be resourceful, easygoing and adaptable which permits them to weather transitions and transformation more easily than fixed signs. However, they can also have a hard time making decisions and committing their energy fully to a project or relationship. As with the other modalities, this grouping includes two pairs of opposite signs: Gemini and Sagittarius, Virgo and Pisces.
For astrology novices
As you learn astrology, using the organizing principles of elements and modalities will help speed your ability to remember and understand the twelve signs of the zodiac. If you put together the qualities of fire, for example, with the concept of fixity, you get a clearer picture of Leo. You will begin to see why Leo differs from Pisces, which is mutable water. This will help you not only understand different individuals in terms of the energies they represent, but to perceive the ways some parts of yourself work harmoniously with each other, while other facets of your personality seem to contradict each other.
