Modes in Astrology: Cardinal, Fixed, Mutable

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The Three Modes in Astrology:  CardinalFixedMutable

The twelve signs of the zodiac are divided into three categories or modes: cardinal, fixed and mutable

CARDINAL:

Cardinal energy is about new beginnings, it is active, initiative, self reliant, assertive and aggressive.  The cardinal signs are Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn – the signs associated with the beginning of each new season.

Aries – cardinal fire sign rules the first house (ego development) of the zodiac wheel and is the sign of the Spring Equinox. Aries always wants to be FIRST, is impetuous, eager, filled with (too much!) boundless energy.  You want an Aries to lead things, but don’t expect them to care about your needs.

Cancercardinal water sign rules the fourth house (home and family) and is the sign of the Summer Solstice. Cancer is the nurturer and governs family and specifically Mother. We enter the world, the first experience of life from our mother’s womb. Cancer is willing to be the caretaker, you can definitely count on them for that, but their enabling tendency needs to be beaten back with a big stick.

Libra cardinal air sign rules the seventh house (partners)  and is the sign of the Autumn Equinox. Libra is about relationships, the one who initiates the desire to relate to others. Libra teaches others about how to relate well and expressed the value of relationships. Libra is elegant, graceful and lovely to be with, but puts romance and relationship above everything else so don’t expect them to do otherwise.

Capricorncardinal earth sign rules the 10th house (career/profession) and is the sign of the Winter Solstice. Capricorn initiates the drive to succeed in the worldly arena and keeps pushing to reach the top. Capricorns are the CEO managers of the universe, great at that, but remember work is play to Capricorn and they don’t understand why it’s not for you.

FIXED:

Fixed energy expresses continuity, the desire to maintain, ground and complete. It resists change and can be relentless in pursuing goals.  The fixed signs are Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius.

Taurus fixed earth sign rules the second house (resources/finances) of the zodiac wheel. Taurus is steadfast, reliable, stubborn and trustworthy. Taurus can fix, repair and grow just about anything. You can depend on Taurus to do the task but don’t ask them to do anything they don’t want to do.

Leofixed fire sign rules the fifth house (creativity).  Leo has a persistent creative drive, in fact it is the most creative sign of all. You’ll enjoy Leo’s child like delight in life and how they stimulate your own creativity too.  Leos stick to something, and people too, until they achieve the desired result (obsessive and demanding). Leo is so much fun to be with…. until they aren’t.

Scorpiofixed water sign rules the eight house (shared energies/resources).  Scorpio is the most powerful, not just of the fixed signs, but of all signs. Scorpio figures out how to do something when others have given up. Scorpio is possessive (jealous!) and the most determined sign with will power to spare. Get out of their way.

Aquariusfixed air sign rules the eleventh house (networking/friends). Aquarius is relentlessly intelligent, brilliant and frustrating. They are the original ten thousand foot perspective thinkers. You want an Aquarius at your cocktail party to keep the conversation stimulating. Aquarius is the sneaky stubborn sign. They don’t argue with you, they just do what they want anyway.

MUTABLE:

Mutable energy is flexible, adaptable, accommodating, changeable and fluid – the original multi-taskers. The Mutable signs are Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces.

Gemini mutable air sign rules the third house (mind/communication) of the zodiac wheel. Gemini invented multi-tasking, they have intelligent (street smarts) quicksilver minds that can skip from one idea to the next in lightening speed and leave you in the dust. You definitely want a fun loving Gemini at any party you have because they keep the conversation going and come up with entertaining things to do (like gossip about the friends that aren’t there).  But never ever depend on a Gemini for just about anything.

Virgomutable earth sign rules the sixth house (daily work/job). Virgo is adept at analyzing and are the best teachers, counselors and problem solvers around. The original IT person must have been a Virgo. Virgo will obsessively work on something until it is finished to perfection or is chewed down until nothing is left. Virgo has the elegant and discerning (judgemental!) eye of the crafts person, you just don’t want them to cast it on you.

Sagittariusmutable fire sign rules the ninth house (higher mind/travels). Sagittarius knows how to inspire others with their large ideas and love of life. Sagittarius has a thirst for knowledge that is unquenchable (will wear you out) and an eager zest to embrace it all! You want a Sagittarius buddy to hang with because they’ll encourage you in general, and lead you to interesting places. Sagittarius trusts their luck, so don’t expect them to have planned out how to escape from the pirates.

Piscesmutable water sign rules the twelfth house (non-material, spirit realm).  Pisces are the original empaths and know how to go with the flow in any situation. They are good to have around because they will remind you to loosen up too. Pisces are the mystical poets and dreamers who lead you on magical mystery tours but you had better set your stop watch because Pisces never knows what time it is and doesn’t want to return to the real world anyway.

Here are a couple more  good article on the modes: The 3 Modes: Cardinal, Fixed, and Mutable from Molly’s Astrology and Astrological Modalities by Psychic Library