Astrological Modalities
In each of the three astrological modalities or modes ? cardinal, fixed and mutable ? there are four zodiac signs. These four-sign groups are known as quadruplicities. The signs that are grouped together in each mode share the same essential and key qualities; however, they also have many individual differences.
Cardinal
The cardinal signs are Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn. Each of the cardinal signs falls on either a solstice or an equinox and the change of seasons. The solstice signs are Cancer and Capricorn. The equinox signs are Aries and Libra. Aries represents spring; Cancer brings on summer; Libra introduces fall; and Capricorn reflects winter. This is why these signs are associated with new beginnings. Cardinal signs are initiators, enterprising, creative in character, assertive and at times seemingly aggressive. However, they do get things done. They are an unstoppable force and are direct and decisive.
Fixed
The fixed signs are Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius. Each of these signs appears in the middle of one of the four seasons. Taurus is found in the middle of spring; Leo is found in the middle of summer; Scorpio is found in the middle of fall; and Aquarius is found in the middle of winter. Fixed signs represent stability, reliability and determination. They can also be resistant to change and stubborn at times. But they are goal-oriented and willing to do whatever it takes to accomplish what they have set out to do.
Mutable
The mutable signs are Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces. Each of these signs appears at the change of the four seasons, which reflects the changeability associated with them. Gemini represents the end of spring and the beginning of summer. Virgo transitions the end of summer to the beginning of fall. Sagittarius transitions the end of fall and brings us into winter. Pisces represents the end of winter and the beginning of spring. These signs are adaptable and flexible ? able to go with the flow, no matter what the circumstance. In fact, they are able to see all sides of a situation and are also excellent in handling a crisis. By nature, mutable signs are communicative and sometimes their energies may be misconstrued as being rebellious.
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