Qualities In Astrology

Qualities in Astrology

The different signs in astrology are divided into 4 classical elements: Fire, Earth, Air, and Water. They are also divided into another subgroup, which can help describe them. In Western Astrology, the constellations were fixed to the seasons, when in reality they shift with the precession of the equinoxes. Indian astrology (Joytish) and some Western Siderealists follow the precession of the equinoxes. Currently, the backdrop of the spring equinox is the constellation of Pisces, and it will be for a few more centuries. However, in Western Tropical astrology, we tie the beginning of certain signs with the Equinoxes and Solstices.

In the tropical system, there are three signs per season. The sign at the beginning of the season is known as cardinal, meaning it is the lead sign. The one in the middle of the season is known as fixed, as it is trapped between two signs. Finally, there is the sign at the end of the season, which transitions into the next season, and these are called mutable.

The following table illustrates the seasons and the signs associated with them.

Table I: The Qualities

Chart Analysis

Cardinal: Aries (fire), Cancer (water), Libra (air), Capricorn (earth).

Cardinal signs are action-oriented. They are active and get involved because they have a driving nature. They have leadership skills but act them out based on their element, where the fiery Aries leadership would be more aggressive than the watery, caring leadership of Cancer.

These signs tend to be self-starters, looking for new opportunities and to keep busy as they are ambitious. One thing that may be a drawback is that they are constantly looking for something new to start and not seeing it through to completion.

In a chart, there are several planets and points, where a person may be lacking cardinal planets, and that individual may have difficulty starting things or maybe stopping things. On the other hand, if they have an abundance of cardinal signs, then they may have issues because they overexert themselves, and could be prone to physical injuries.

Fixed: Taurus (earth), Leo (fire), Scorpio (water), Aquarius (air).

One good thing about the fixed signs is that they are determined, persistent, and goal-oriented. If you need someone to stick to the task, look for a fixed sign. They show force and have a bit of a powerful and charismatic air around them.  Because they are so determined and persistent, they can be overly stubborn.

People with an overabundance of fixed points in their chart can have a tendency towards chronic issues due to the retention of toxins, leading to issues such as constipation.  The inability to accept change can be another issue. However, if someone lacks fixed signs, then they could have difficulty seeing things through to completion or being able to plan ahead.

Mutable: Gemini (air), Virgo (earth), Sagittarius (fire), Pisces (water).

Mutable signs are associated with learning as they are very adaptable. This sign is completing the seasonal cycle and is getting ready to move into the next season. The changing energy leads to these signs being witty and versatile as they can jump from task to task with ease. This energy can also be viewed as restless, making the person also anxious, and they can be considered to be high-strung. Movement is necessary both physically and intellectually. They are not good at staying in one spot or working on one task for long. They can be very impressionable.

People with an overabundance of planets and/or points in mutable signs may have issues with the nervous system and immune system. However, when they are lacking mutable signs, then the person will have difficulties dealing with adaptation and change.

Summary

People typically ask astrologers whether this is a good thing or a bad thing, whether there is an abundance or a lack of a quality, or whether it is equally dispensed. There is no good or bad. It is just the way you are wired. You just have to know what you are best suited for. A highly mutable person can be put in a situation where there is constant flux. Don’t sit them at a desk where they have to calculate spreadsheets all day unless they are doing them for 6 different departments with variable dates, and short assignment lengths.

Also, remember your Sun sign is only one point in the sky. So an Aries (cardinal) might have 5 planets or points in mutable signs, meaning that despite being an action-oriented person, they need change. They will also not finish much of what they start.