Scratching the surface of astrology, many quickly realise that there is a lot more to know than just your sun star sign. In fact, we’re also influenced by a plethora of other elements, including the different zodiac modalities that the signs are sorted into, known as the cardinal, fixed and mutable signs.
It’s an added layer to a star chart, which plays a role in understanding our behavioural traits and how we approach life.
You’re probably used to the star signs being grouped by element:
- Fire: Aries, Leo, Saggitarius
- Air: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius
- Earth: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn
- Water: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
The zodiac modalities offer another way to group them. As there are 12 zodiac signs and three modalities, this time the signs get grouped by fours.
Like your ‘moon sign’ and your ‘rising sign’, the modalities aren’t the centrepiece of the horoscope puzzle, but they do influence the way we read the charts.
What Are The Three Zodiac Modalities?
The zodiac signs are divided into three categories: cardinal signs, fixed signs and mutable signs.
The modalities are all about how we express ourselves and navigate our day-to-day. For instance, a cardinal sign is probably the instigator of your group events, while a fixed sign is the ‘doer’ who will make it happen. The mutable signs are more likely to go with the flow and ensure that the finishing touches are *just so*.
So where does your sun sign fit in?
- Cardinal signs are: Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn
- Fixed signs are: Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius
- Mutable signs are: Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces
Looking for more details? Here we break down in depth what each of the zodiac modalities, cardinal, fixed and mutable signs, mean.
Cardinal Signs: Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn
Cardinal signs are the bright sparks that start the new flame of progress, just as these signs are responsible for beginning each of the four seasons.
They’re leaders and self-starters who go out there and get the thing they want. Their enthusiastic attitude is hard to damper, and they’re often weaving plans on-the-go to meet their ends. In the same way, they can be a little self-oriented in the way they plan and instigate.
Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn signs will all go about leadership differently, in a way that reflects their sun signs. Underneath their methods is a shared purpose to kickstart change and usher in something new. This energy to start things can also wane more easily as a project continues. Cardinal signs can sometimes lack the drive needed to follow through on the plans they start. They work well with a fixed sign for this reason, who are more steadfast in their approach.
Trendsetters and visionaries, these go-getters help turn winning ideas into tangible foundations.
Fixed Signs: Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius
If cardinal signs are the starters, then fixed signs are the ‘doers’. These signs are determined by nature and not afraid to grit their teeth to make something happen.
Known to be a little stubborn and immovable, it’s this steady, reassuring presence that helps fixed signs remain balanced even in times of chaos. They are not afraid of the heavy lifting if they truly believe in a shared vision.
Fixed signs are upholders and defenders of tradition, and are patient, devoted and opinionated. They may not be a fan of change, but they’re grounded, loyal and reliable. They are the hardworking people who get the job done, show up for you when you truly need them and will work creatively to find solutions and reach a common goal.
Mutable Signs: Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces
As the final sign of each season, mutable signs are brilliant dealing with change. Known for their skill in executing the ‘finishing touches’, they’re also flexible and open minded.
As deep thinkers, they tend to be wise and less judgmental, assisting cardinal and fixed signs to embrace other world views. They can still be opinionated, but they are inclusive by nature, empathetic, and will look at life from many different angles.
While this can confuse them or make them appear to ‘dither’, it is also the source of their creativity and out of the box thinking. Mutable signs use their ingenuity to bring colour and light to life, and their more ‘chill’ and ‘go with the flow’ personalities make them a pleasure to be around.
