The Modalities
Each of the astrological signs is identified by two basic qualities: the element (Earth, Air, Fire or Water) to which it resonates and the quality of that particular element (Cardinal, Fixed or Mutable).
The Modalities of Cardinal, Fixed and Mutable chart a phase similar to that of the waxing, peak and waning of the moon.
If you look carefully at the table below you will see a pattern emerging. As the signs progress through the zodiac every 3 signs represents the trinity of the 3 modalities. This supports the flow of energy and natural progression from one sign to the next in reflecting its story of progression and evolution through the dynamics of the zodiac cycle. Additionally, each of the modalities has within it's specific energy the four elements of Fire-Water-Air and Earth .
|
Sign |
Quality |
Element |
|
Aries |
Cardinal |
Fire |
|
Taurus |
Fixed
|
Earth |
|
Gemini |
Mutable
|
Air |
|
Cancer |
Cardinal
|
Water |
|
Leo |
Fixed
|
Fire |
|
Virgo |
Mutable
|
Earth |
| Libra |
Cardinal
|
Air |
| Scorpio |
Fixed
|
Water |
| Sagittarius |
Mutable
|
Fire |
| Capricorn |
Cardinal
|
Earth |
|
Aquarius |
Fixed
|
Air |
|
Pisces |
Mutable |
Water |
Cardinal = Becoming/Initiating
Fixed = Stable/Solid
Mutable = Flexible/Flowing
The Cardinal Signs
Aries- Cancer- Libra and Capricorn
Impart qualities which are those of initiating whatever they are exerting their energy upon.
The Fixed Signs
Taurus- Leo- Scorpio and Aquarius
Are stable and the product of the initial burst of movement to a place of permanence and center point.
** It is worth noting that the Four Fixed Signs of the Zodiac are the astrological attributes of the Four Holy Creatures.
Taurus is the winged Bull- Earth
Scorpio is the Eagle - Water
Leo is the Winged Lion - Fire
Aquarius is the Winged Man- Air
The addition of wings to these creatures represents the elements of nature and man in their highest form and the aspirations and achievement of spiritual purpose having transcended the lower planes.
The Mutable Signs
Gemini- Virgo- Sagittarius and Pisces
Are those that are flexible in nature. Their movement is that of having come from a stable center point to a place of stretching towards endings, completion and anticipation of the next phase of new catalytic action.
** More as we move through the Solar Year