Qualities

Just like there are four elements that speak of general characteristics of signs that belong to them, there are three qualities (also called modalities) to the signs of the zodiacal circle. There are four signs for each quality, each one from a separate quadrant of the zodiac. This characterization is of great help when we try to understand one’s character and interpret a certain planet in someone’s chart. Still, to this day, their most important and specific role is tied to horary astrology and timelines needed as an answer to a question.

Qualities and Elements

Each of the three qualities has its speed and characteristic, and combines with only one sign from each element. This means that there are no two signs of the same element with the same quality. If we understand the nature of the element, it will be even easier to understand each specific sign through its combination with the quality. Opposite signs share the same quality and this is their gateway to mend differences and discover how to incorporate each other’s philosophy into their own life. In a way, this means they share a similar pace in life, even though their element brings a difference in their speed. Each couple in the zodiac is presented by a connection of two close elements, Water and Earth, Fire and Air, and qualities represent a bridge between their worlds that helps them build mutual understanding.

The Power of Three

Number three is a truly special entity that we should always see as important. All good things do come in threes, but regular things do to. If you think about it, you will see that there is the Earth, the Fire and the Sea, the Underground, the Heaven and our World, and the Core, the Surface and the Atmosphere of planet Earth. It is important that we don’t forget the fact that there are three qualities in the zodiac, just like there are three types of houses in each quadrant of the zodiacal circle. Number three is ruled by Jupiter, the most beneficent planet of all, and the king of all gods. This serves well to say that each opposition in the zodiac has been given and secret benefactor, something to connect it and give it purpose. Qualities seem to be here to give us faith in a positive outcome of any conflict, misunderstanding or a difference that seems too big to be overcome.

After the elements, Astrology uses another classification to define the different temperaments of the Signs. The Qualities, also called the Quadruplicities, because they are divided into groups of four, describe a person’s attitude in life. Your Quality is a good indicator of how you deal with your environment. The qualities are sometimes explained as: Cardinal is the rim of a wheel, Fixed is the hub of a wheel, and Mutable is the spoke of a wheel.

Qualities – What They Are

There are three kinds of people; those that make things happen, those that watch things happen, and those who don’t know what’s happening. — American Proverb The Qualities of astrology refer to three basic modes of operation: Cardinal, Fixed, and Mutable.

They are also called Modalities and Quadruplicities. Each mode of expression operates on the same vibrational level in every fourth sign, which form stressful square aspects to each other.

How qualities are used

When you’re learning Astrology, you’ll discover that every person has a mix of different zodiac signs, elements and qualities in their birth charts. Once you understand the energy of each quality and combine that information with what you know of each zodiac sign and element, a more complete picture will begin to develop. For example, the Aries zodiac sign is the element of Fire and the quality is Cardinal. This “Cardinal Fire” combination is very bold, so the more Aries energy a person has in their birth chart, the more brazen they will be. On the other hand, Taurus is an Earth sign with a Fixed quality, so it would be called “Fixed Earth” and its overall energy is very slow and grounded. Knowing how much of each quality you have in your birth chart is very important. These astrological nuances are what shape us as individuals, so going beyond your Sun sign is key when it comes to understanding Astrology.

The 12 Zodiac Signs are divided into 3 Qualities: Cardinal, Fixed and Mutable

CARDINAL or GOAL-ORIENTED Aries, Cancer, Libra & Capricorn Cardinal energy is energetic but can be impatient
FIXED or CONTROLLED Taurus, Leo, Scorpio & Aquarius Fixed energy is loyal but can be stubborn
MUTABLE or FLEXIBLE Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius & Pisces Mutable energy is adaptable but can be chaotic

The balance of qualities in your birth chart influences your energy and the way you express it. If there is an emphasis of one quality in your horoscope, you will take it for granted and use it without being aware that you are doing so. If you lack a quality or qualities, you will strive to compensate for their absence. The qualities of the 12 zodiac signs can help you to understand:

what type of profession or vocation you might be best suited to
what kind of lifestyle you tend to be most comfortable with
how to work with your natural energy flow and direct it effectively
how ambitious, determined and adaptable you are

Compatibility between the Qualities

Traditional Astrology used to believe that it would be difficult for signs of the same Quality to get on with one another. This view was based on what was judged to be hard or challenging patterns between the signs. In the days when astrology took a more fatalistic and less free will approach, angles of 90 or 180 degrees between two signs were seen as very challenging. Actually, signs of the same quality are likely to bring out the best in one another although there could be difficulties when their energies clash and turn confrontational.

Two Cardinal Signs would share an enthusiasm for setting goals and the potential for encouraging one another to achieve their ambitions. Difficulties would arise when it came to deciding who should lead and who should follow within the relationship.
Two Fixed Signs would share the same values when it came to loyalty and perseverance. Most difficulties within the relationship would be caused by stubborn pride and a reluctance to concede to the partner’s point of view.
Two Mutable Signs would share the ability to adjust and adapt to changing circumstances. Difficulties would be caused by a lack of focus, or an inability to be clear about what both partners expected from the relationship.

Cardinal

The word itself speaks of a quality that rules all others. Maybe this would be a bit of an overstatement, since all qualities have their important role in the entire system, but this is definitely the quality the leads the way and stands first, open for the new and unexplored. Cardinal quality represents all new beginnings and the energy of things that are just starting. Each sign of this quality has the ability to make a sharp turn, and change their life and the life of others. If you look around you, it will become clear that everyone you know born only under one of these Sun signs, had or wants to have the opportunity for a deep change of direction and focus in life. Sings of cardinal modality are Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn. Each of them represents a beginning of one season, and this makes them innovative and new.

Aries

This sign belongs to the element of Fire and begins with the first day of spring when all of nature is waking up, while life begins to bloom. This is a sign of the beginning of one circle, the first sign of the zodiac, and the leader in every sense of the word. An Aries leads the way from point zero, bravely, with a masculine forceful energy that clears the way in front of them. Aries relies on infinite energy, but when they get to a wall they can’t break through (and after numerous attempts), they will make a cut and move in a completely new direction.

Cancer

Cancer belongs to the element of Water and begins with the first day of summer. After life came to existence in the spring, this is a sign that starts the second zodiacal quadrant and is in charge of warmth, creation and inspiration. Cancer is the sign of our Soul and our emotional wellbeing. This is already seen through the element of Water, but cardinal quality is what makes it as endurable and caring as it is. Compassion will get a Cancer very far, but only until their emotional cup fills up and they completely make a shift into their own new summer.

Libra

The sign of Libra starts with the beginning of autumn and belongs to the element of Air. This is a time when life dies down, which is exactly why the Sun has fallen in the sign of Libra. Cardinal quality in this sign will manifest through the process of decision-making. We see Libra as indecisive, which is quite normal when you think about giving up on the warmth of summer. However, once Libra makes a decision, there is probably nothing in this world that could change it. This is a way to build up character step by step, from the point where life and energy fade, and progress has to be made in a direction strange for mankind.

Capricorn

The sign of Capricorn belongs to the element of Earth, and this represents a true turning point when we speak of quality. As one of the most stubborn signs that always holds on to proven methods and history, it will be a real surprise to see a Capricorn make a turn once things, choices or people in their life, lose their usefulness. This may seem a bit cold, but it is actually a way to truly clear up your life, and Capricorn and its ruler speak of deep cleansing processes that need to take place so we can build what we want in our material reality.

Cardinal

Cancer, Aries, Libra and Capricorn share this quality. The Cardinal Signs are known as the initiators of the Zodiac. You are not likely to find a person in this group slacking off- they like to keep one step ahead of the crowd. They have a strong need to control what is happening around them. Cancer controls emotions, home, and family; Aries look for leadership and control in many areas; Libra likes to control the social atmosphere and their partnerships; Capricorn uses and controls the material environment.

A Cardinal Quality is attached to the signs Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn. The Cardinal Houses are the First, Fourth, Seventh and Tenth; if an astrological chart shows a preponderance of planets in these houses, its energy is weighted toward cardinality. Cardinal Signs are the initiators of the zodiac. They are also found at key jumping-off points on the chart wheel, specifically the Ascendant, Medium Coeli (M.C. or Midheaven), Descendant and Imum Coeli (I.C.). Individuals possessing a Cardinal Quality like to get things going. They are active, quick and ambitious. Many projects get started, thanks to Cardinal initiative, although a good deal of them are never finished. That’s because Cardinal folks are much fonder of starting things than finishing them. You won’t find a Cardinal person slacking off. These people are full of vim and vigor and possess a drive and ambition that is unmistakable. Enthusiasm and a zest for life fill the Cardinal individual. Some might perceive this rampant energy as domineering, and, at times, it can be. Cardinal people can easily forget about the rest of the pack when they are busily focusing on their own endeavors. Even so, their energetic spirit often wins the day. Cardinal folks are clever and want to win. They love to start things, and whether they finish them or not, there’s always a lot going on. Naysayers who find them to be too self-centered will simply have to watch (and marvel) as they speed by!

The Cardinal Signs: Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn

They are creative and enterprising signs, some sort of engines. Their peculiarity is to be selfish, to pay excessive attention to themselves, and to always want to be at the top of the list. However, this means of assertion may vary significantly from one sign to another. Aries asserts himself through his physical strength and great energy. He does not hesitate to “blindly charge headlong”. Cancer progresses by discreetly moving sideways, and pounces on what she wants when she is certain that the way is clear. In case of failure, she uses emotions in order to soften up his entourage. Libra uses charm to coax other people. Thanks to his magnetism and his apparent gentleness, he always manages to be forgiven. Capricorn behaves cautiously and discreetly. She is slow, but endowed with great ambition. As a result, she obtains whatever she wants without anyone suspecting anything, and exploits this advantage in order to exert power on other people. To illustrate the Cardinal mode, you will find thousands of celebrities horoscopes who have the Cardinal mode dominant.

Cardinal Signs Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn These signs start every season—Aries kicks off spring, Cancer starts summer, Libra begins fall and Capricorn is the first winter sign. Thus, they are the leaders and “idea people” of the zodiac. These signs prize originality and like to be first in everything they do. They’re the trendsetters and trendspotters, the ones who get the party started and the crowd hyped. Count on them to initiate a winning idea or plan.

The Cardinal Signs: Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn.

Jefferson Memorial, Washington DC

The word “cardinal” relates to anything that is of prime importance. The cardinal signs are associated with starting new things. In nature, each of these four signs serve as the beginning of a new season. During Aries, we experience the Spring Equinox, when the Sun is over the equator on its way north. In Cancer, we have the Summer Solstice when the Sun has reached its most northerly point and is turning back southward.

Libra gives us the Autumn Equinox when the Sun is again at the equator, but still heading south. And Capricorn covers the Winter Solstice when the Sun is as far south as it will go before once again heading north The four cardinal signs are associated with an urge to get started on things, to initiate change. They don’t always finish what they start, but at least they get us moving. Whenever there are a lot of planets in these signs, you will not feel satisfied with the status quo. You will burst at the seams until you start something new.

Dominant Cardinal Qualities

6 cardinal points is strong, while 7 or more is very strong. The following keywords are attributes of a strong cardinal quality.

People with 7 or more cardinal signs would rather be overly active than bored. Although very concerned with their activities and projects, they also focus their attention on the crucial areas of life-home and family, love and profession, and are intent upon meeting challenges and resolving crises. Much depends upon whether Aries, Cancer, Libra or Capricorn dominates the chart.

Weak, or Lack of, Cardinal Qualities

Compensations Before reading on, note these compensations for a lack of cardinal quality in the chart. Compensations do not necessarily make up for an extreme deficiency, unless they are very strong or very numerous compensations. Compensations for weak (or lack of) cardinal signs include:

Mars in cardinal sign (particularly Aries)
focal Mars (conjunct an angle, at the end of a t-square or at the handle of a “bucket” configuration)
Mars in or ruling a cardinal (angular) house
Mars conjunct Sun
Mars conjunct Moon
Mars conjunct Saturn
Sun in Aries
Moon in Aries
Saturn in Capricorn
Predominance of fire signs
bucket pattern

Lack of (or Weak) Cardinal Quality These people can easily enjoy observing and simply “being” without necessarily “doing.” But if they have 0 or only 1 cardinal sign, they may feel driven to prove themselves through activity or may substitute an emotionally intense inner life for active involvement in external challenges.

Quality: Cardinal Signs: Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn Cardinal signs initiate energy. Cardinal signs are idea people, that unique breed who always get so excited to start something new and is able to get everyone else around them motivated and inspired as well. Cardinal signs are always thinking of new and fresh ways to approach a situation, create a more fulfilling life, or help a friend out of a bad situation. Unfortunately, on the other side of that flow of ideas comes a lack of action and follow through. Cardinal signs can easily get themselves jazzed up talking about big plans and endless possibilities, but struggle when it comes to making those plans a reality. As a cardinal sign … you love to inspire and help out those around you and get frustrated when others don’t jump on board with your ideas.

Cardinal signs

There are four Cardinal signs: Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn. Because these signs each start a new season, the quality of their energy is full of initiative. Cardinal signs are impulsive and dynamic, and they push strongly to start new things. In general, people with Cardinal signs in their birth charts generate more new ideas and projects, while those lacking Cardinal energy are more passive.

CARDINAL or GOAL-ORIENTED – ARIES, CANCER, LIBRA & CAPRICORN An emphasis on cardinal signs in your birth chart makes you naturally goal-oriented. You have plenty of motivation and it comes naturally to you to progress as fast and effectively as you can. But you tend to get impatient or disappointed if the results you wanted aren’t coming as quickly as you expected them to. A lack of cardinal signs in your birth chart would make it hard for you to motivate yourself. The difficult bit for you is the initial launching of your ideas or getting started on your projects. You may also struggle with identifying goals.

Mutable

This is the quality of all signs that have already had enough and need change. They all look forward to the new season, whatever it is, and they are already a mix of the old with the new. We can’t say that they represent the end of something, but rather a combination of an end with a new beginning, intertwined. This is a quality of constant changes and the unexpected, and something that brings message of the future and what is yet to come. All of the signs with this quality have the ability to sense things before they arrive, and many of those gifted individuals that foretell our future have these areas of the zodiac accented. Mutable signs are Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces.

Gemini

Gemini is a mutable sign that belongs to the element of Air. This makes it the most changeable and “windy” of all signs in the zodiac. It has real trouble connecting to planet Earth, and interestingly, the other side of its ruler Mercury is represented through Virgo, the Earth sign that shares the same quality. The sign of Gemini begins at the end of spring, in preparations for the summer.

Virgo

Virgo is the “other side” of Mercury, practical and easy to comprehend, and also its sign of exaltation. It belongs to the element of Earth and represents the end of summer, when we still enjoy the warmth but look forward to a cooler time of the year. To add to that, this is a sign that holds the fall of Venus as if Virgos look forward to the colors of the autumn to regenerate from aggressive mental and hormonal summer activity. Virgo sign does rule our health and our physiology, and speaks of changes in the way our body functions daily following waves of our routine.

Sagittarius

Sagittarius is a mutable sign belonging to the element of Fire that comes at the end of autumn. You will often see that a person born with the Sun in Sagittarius honestly and truly looks forward to the winter. This is the time of year when optimism actually has a purpose, and after all that dying in the sign of Scorpio and the middle of autumn, it speaks of a time when the future is evident, there at the grab of our hand, and couldn’t possibly be any worse than the past. It is a time of peaceful sleep that leads to something interesting and deep that covers tracks of life, and opens us up to it in the spring.

Pisces

The sign of Pisces is a Water sign of mutable quality and speaks of the change in our waters. It starts at the end of winter and prepares us for the beginning of spring. Even though it is said that the night is darkest before the dawn, Pisces know that there is light and life ahead. They have something to live for, their mission and a goal, feeling the upcoming life that is about to blossom in the next couple of months. The sign of Pisces might be the sign of ends, but it is also a place of change from death to life, and from darkness to light. It is the sweet expectation of spring.

Mutable

The Mutable Signs are Virgo, Gemini, Sagittarius, and Pisces. This group is the most exposed to environmental influences. It’s easy for these people to let go, but they do tend to look for security to anchor their own instabilities on. Virgo is very much dominated by his or her environment; Gemini tends to change ideas and directions often; Sagittarius goes through life with a continually adaptive view of things; from the outside, Pisces appear to adapt to their environment.

A Mutable Quality is attached to the signs Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces. The Mutable Houses are the Third, Sixth, Ninth and Twelfth; if a horoscope shows a preponderance of planets in these houses, its energy is weighted toward mutability. Mutable Signs know how to go with the flow. They are adaptable and flexible and can change their form of expression to whatever a situation requires. Standing their ground is of little import to Mutable folks. These people would much rather conform to the norm, so long as their doing so will help the greater good. Luckily, Mutable individuals are versatile and find it quite easy to change. Consider them the chameleons of the zodiac, since they can take on varied personae. Mutable people are blessed with a tremendous resourcefulness. Talk about making lemonade out of lemons! They know how to squeeze that last drop of juice and make things better in the process. Those influenced by a Mutable Quality in their horoscope also enjoy learning, play fair and are diplomatic and well-liked by others. To their further credit, they are sharp, sympathetic and can see (via a sixth sense?) the essential elements of a situation. At times, however, their desire to please everyone can get them into hot water. They may come across as wishy-washy, inconsistent and downright duplicitous. All this in the name of aiming to please! The beauty of mutability is that those possessing it are flexible, versatile and highly resourceful. These folks are quick to help others and are selfless in the process. While they may occasionally stretch themselves to the breaking point, they know how to bounce back.

The Mutables Signs: Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces

They are volatile, changing, quick, and they lack depth. Nevertheless, they adjust well to all situations. They are complex, with a dual nature that is mistaken for instability. They are very flexible and tolerant. Gemini is unstable and swift in intellectual areas. He does not linger for too long on a subject and shifts from one topic to another. He is superficial, talkative, and a real weathervane. Virgo changes her mind. In practical areas, she is a perfectionist who looks for new means to continuously improve herself. Sagittarius is enthusiastic in all his activities and can practice many at the same time. He craves discoveries and new adventures. Pisces constantly changes in her emotions. She can rapidly shift from deep ecstasy to the most severe depression, and it is difficult to follow her because her inner life is complex and rich. She forgets and forgives easily. To illustrate the Mutable mode, you will find thousands of celebrities horoscopes who have the Mutable mode dominant.

Mutable Signs Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces These signs end every season—and have learned the hard lessons taught by spring, summer, fall and winter. They know that all good things come to an end, and their role is to prepare everyone for the changing of seasons. Mutable signs are the adapters of the zodiac, a little bit older and wiser. More flexible and comfortable with change than other signs, they can “chameleon” themselves to fit into a variety of situations. Mutables are also the editors of the zodiac—the ones who complete the package with a winning touch. A plan can be sparked by a cardinal sign, built by a fixed sign, then perfected with the critical eye of a mutable sign.

The Mutable Signs: Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces.

Autumn Leaves

The keyword here is variety. As the last sign of each season, these signs represent times when we are finishing up one set of activities and planning for a new set. As such, they are associated with being able to handle a wide variety of things. In fact, they need a wide variety of things to feel complete. All of these signs thirst for more — more ideas, more details, more knowledge, and more love.

These are the ones who can easily adapt to change, who in fact love it! A heavy emphasis on mutable signs is like a meeting of the United Nations all talking at once.

Dominant Mutable Qualities

6 mutable points is strong, while 7 or more is very strong. The following keywords are attributes of a strong mutable quality.

People with 7 or more mutable points are concerned with personal relationships, and thrive on variety and change. More inclined to flow with the current than swim against the tide, they adapt themselves readily to the people and circumstances of their lives. Frequently, however, they don’t know what they want or where they want to go.

Weak, or Lack of, Mutable Qualities

Compensations Before reading on, note these compensations for a lack of mutable quality in the chart. Compensations do not necessarily make up for an extreme deficiency, unless they are very strong or very numerous compensations. Compensations for weak (or lack of) mutable signs include:

Mercury in a mutable sign (particularly Gemini or Virgo)
focal Mercury (conjunct an angle, at the end of a t-square or at the handle of a “bucket” configuration)
Mercury in or ruling a mutable (cadent) house
Mercury conjunct Sun
Mercury conjunct Moon
Mercury conjunct Jupiter
Mercury conjunct Neptune
Predominance of air or water signs
Splash pattern

Lack of (or Weak) Mutable Quality These people usually know what they want. Frequently unwilling to compromise, they may insist that other people be adaptable and accommodate them. Because they have difficulty bending with circumstances and making personal changes, they often attempt to force change in their external circumstances, sometimes in dramatic ways.

Quality: Mutable Signs: Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces Mutable signs change energy. Their ability to change makes them the most adaptable signs in the zodiac. They can change as quickly as the weather, and go with the flow of situations, circumstances, and other people. They tend to be open-minded and easily take on the perspective of others. Their changeability makes them feel a little unsteady at times, and they often have trouble with their own shifting tides of emotion, thoughts, ideals, and lifestyle choices. As a mutable sign … you love to get to know a diverse group of people and change your personality to fit in and adapt to those around you.

Mutable signs

There are four Mutable signs: Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces. Because these signs fall at the conclusion of each season, their energy anticipates movement and change. People with Mutable signs in their birth charts tend to be more flexible and adaptable to the changing world around them, while those lacking Mutable energy may be stubborn and inflexible or have a difficult time adjusting to new situations.

MUTABLE or FLEXIBLE GEMINI, VIRGO, SAGITTARIUS & PISCES An emphasis on mutable signs in your birth chart makes you flexible and adaptable. You are great at multi-tasking and have no problem with changing to fit your circumstances. A tendency to spread yourself too thin means you may find it difficult to maintain your energy levels and stay focused on your goals. A lack of mutable signs in your birth chart would make it difficult for you to adapt to changing circumstances. You tend not to make provision for unforeseen events so they take you by surprise and unsettle you. You may also struggle with seeing how to diversify from your current situation, lifestyle or methods of doing things.

Fixed

Right after something has begun with a bang, a sign of fixed quality comes to calm the situation and last where found. Each season has a middle period when it is clearly defined, and it is understood what can be expected from it. This is a quality that finds it hard to make changes and people with the Sun or a personal planet in the sign of this quality will usually be confidently set in their ways. Fixed signs are Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius.

Taurus

The sign of Taurus is a fixed sign belonging to the element of Earth. This makes it least changeable of all signs, since it represents the slowest forms of expression in the zodiac, combined. Taurus falls in the middle of spring, and exalts the Moon, supporting life itself. It is the hardest time of year for any human hungry for life to leave behind. It speaks of our physical body, the food we eat, and our general material existence. It doesn’t change, not because it is stubborn, but because it knows that it is there to inspire and enjoy the moment.

Leo

Leo is a representative of the element of Fire, and its ruler is the fire itself. It falls in the middle of summer and speaks of the warmest and the sunniest time of year. When we think of its fixed quality, we can just imagine the Sun in the center of our solar system, brightly burning for millions of years and prepared to do so for millions of years to come. It guarantees our future and our lives, for as long as we take care of our bodies and our own planet. Leo doesn’t think much about the greenhouse effect. It burns no matter what.

Scorpio

Scorpio is a Water sign of fixed quality, and we may find this strange. Water flows, it doesn’t stand still, and Scorpio represents change, curves and transformation. Interestingly, the fixed nature of Scorpio

Aquarius

The sign of Aquarius belongs to the element of Air, and its fixed quality is probably the most difficult to understand. It comes with the middle of winter and stands for the coldest time of year. In a way, this is a combination that speaks of hibernation and preparation to wake up from a long sleep. This might be the best image to depict an Aquarius. Air never stops, it moves quicker than anyone else, and when it is fixed, it seems to be trapped in its movements without the ability to ever stop. This explains the stress and limit breaking of all Aquarians, as well as their need to fight the system and anything that takes control over their activities.

Fixed

If you are a Leo, Taurus, Aquarius or Scorpio, you are a fixed sign. The fixed signs are not as interested in manipulating their environment as their Cardinal brothers and sisters- they are happy to concentrate on personal matters and will resist outside attempts at trying to change their lives. They tend to hang on to the past, which is their biggest weakness, but they are strong in their stability. Taurus is the more mainstream of the bunch; Leo has a hard time adapting behavior to different circumstances; Aquarius can become stuck in a negative self-image; Scorpio has a tendency to get mired in emotional mud. However, all of the Fixed signs are able to stick things through.

A Fixed Quality is attached to the signs Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius. The Fixed Houses are the Second, Fifth, Eighth and Eleventh; if an astrological chart shows a preponderance of planets in these houses, its energy is weighted toward fixity. Fixed Signs understand that steadiness is the key. Those influenced by this Quality are happy to forge ahead with their projects, calmly working away until they have achieved their objectives. This is no struggle for Fixed folks, rather it’s what makes them tick. These individuals are stable, determined and resolute. They want to get to the finish line and have the persistence and ability to concentrate, characteristics which will get them there. There is no lack of confidence in Fixed individuals. Self-reliance could be a Fixed person’s middle name. Those possessed of a Fixed nature are powerful, yet purposeful. There are no wasted motions here: Fixed folks move patiently and steadily toward their goals. They are also steady and reliable and always remember those who helped them out. Conversely, those born under a Fixed sign can at times be stubborn, my-way-or-the-highway folks. They may have a tendency to get stuck in their ways and to believe that they are always right. Those influenced by a Fixed Quality are determined, reliable and persistent. They have great strength, and strength of purpose, and love to get the job done. So what if they refuse to budge? They get results.

The Fixed Signs: Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius

People with prominent fixed signs usually enjoy routine. They are stubborn, inflexible and find it difficult to adjust to new situations. Nevertheless, they demonstrate tenacity and moral strength, and they always complete their projects although it takes them some time to get started. Taurus is materially fixed. She needs to own and to have materiel comfort. She does not easily let go and focuses on a single matter. Leo is fixed in his ardour, his enthusiasm, and his authority. He is endowed with great energy, both physical and moral, and thus, he easily brings his projects to a successful conclusion. Scorpio never wavers in her emotions. She is a deep and thoroughgoing person. She either loves or hates, and her feelings are never in between. She knows perfectly well how to control her emotions, which makes her appear as reserved, cold, or cruel. Aquarius is constant in his opinions. He may be intellectually intolerant. He always appears a bit paradoxical in the sense that he is an original person, but he finds it hard to change his mind in a smooth way. To illustrate the Fixed mode, you will find thousands of celebrities horoscopes who have the Fixed mode dominant.

Fixed Signs Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius These signs fall in the middle of every season. They’re the stabilizers—the ones who set up a solid goal or foundation, then start building. Fixed signs can take the enthusiastic ideas that cardinal signs spark, and craft them into something real. They pick up the ball when the cardinal sign passes it, and run the distance to the goal. Fixed signs are the trustworthy types who like “to-do” lists and fancy titles. If a cardinal signs says, “Let’s go on vacation!” the fixed sign will call the travel agency, book the tickets and hotel, and send everyone a list of what to pack.

The Fixed Signs: Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius

Half Dome, Yosemite National Park

These are the signs that happen in the middle of the season, when the essence of the season is at its fullest. They are not being pulled toward either end of the season when things change. And, as the name of this quality implies, they do not accept change very well. These signs relate to all that is solid and stable — the earth, our egos, our deepest secrets, what we “know”.

They are associated with dependability, stability, and deep concentration. When a lot of planets are in fixed signs, you will find yourself standing your ground, right or wrong, and just plowing on through.

Dominant Fixed Qualities

6 fixed points is strong, while 7 or more is very strong. The following keywords are attributes of a strong fixed quality.

People with 7 or more fixed points focus their attention on their values and goals, and the satisfaction of their desires. Slow to start, they are nevertheless powerhouses once they determine their course of action. They resist changing direction, and refuse to be pushed, pulled or pressured.

Weak, or Lack Of, Fixed Qualities

Compensations Before reading on, note these compensations for a lack of fixed quality in the chart. Compensations do not necessarily make up for an extreme deficiency, unless they are very strong or very numerous compensations. Compensations for weak (or lack of) fixed signs include:

Sun in fixed sign
sun conjunct Pluto
Sun conjunct Saturn
Sun conjunct Uranus
Sun conjunct the Ascendant
Sun conjunct the midheaven
Sun in or ruling a fixed (succedent) house
Predominance of earth signs
locomotive pattern

Lack of (or Weak) Fixed Quality These people may have difficulty completing what they have begun and developing structure and stability in their lifestyles. They may, as a result, become obsessed with organized or finishing, and may test their willpower by committing themselves to overly-demanding projects or goals.

Quality: Fixed Signs: Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius Fixed signs maintain energy. The fixed quality manifests in personality as people who are very driven and solid in who they are. They tend to be a bit more predictable than the other signs and are people whom you can always count on. Once a fixed sign puts something in motion whether it be a project or relationship, they will most definitely see it through. On the flipside, fixed signs may resist change, have a hard time opening their minds to other perspectives and can be quite stubborn. As a fixed sign … you expect others to be genuine, truthful, and loyal and have a hard time with unpredictable people and situations.

Fixed signs

There are four Fixed signs: Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius. These signs carry the weight of each season, which gives them a sturdy quality. Fixed signs are capable of great endurance, and generally people with much Fixed energy in their birth charts are stable and focused, whereas those lacking Fixed energy may not have much sticktoitiveness or perseverance.

FIXED or CONTROLLED – TAURUS, LEO, SCORPIO & AQUARIUS An emphasis on fixed signs in your birth chart makes you strong, determined and very focused. Perseverance is no problem for you – on the contrary, it’s knowing when to call it a day that you find difficult. Letting go isn’t easy as you always wonder if there’s a stone somewhere that you’ve left un-turned. A lack of fixed signs in your birth chart would make it difficult for you to plan for the long term, or to stay committed to your causes. Your progress may be defined by short term objectives or temporary measures and you might struggle in situations that call for a slower pace.

Qualities

Qualities and Elements

The Power of Three

Qualities – What They Are

How qualities are used

The 12 Zodiac Signs are divided into 3 Qualities: Cardinal, Fixed and Mutable

Compatibility between the Qualities

Cardinal

Aries

Cancer

Libra

Capricorn

Cardinal

The Cardinal Signs: Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn

The Cardinal Signs: Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn.

Dominant Cardinal Qualities

Weak, or Lack of, Cardinal Qualities

Cardinal signs

Mutable

Gemini

Virgo

Sagittarius

Pisces

Mutable

The Mutables Signs: Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces

The Mutable Signs: Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces.

Dominant Mutable Qualities

Weak, or Lack of, Mutable Qualities

Mutable signs

Fixed

Taurus

Leo

Scorpio

Aquarius

Fixed

The Fixed Signs: Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius

The Fixed Signs: Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius

Dominant Fixed Qualities

Weak, or Lack Of, Fixed Qualities

Fixed signs

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