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What is a Modality?

There are three modalities in astrology: cardinal, fixed, and mutable. They are tied to a cycle of initiating (cardinal), sustaining (fixed), and transforming (mutable). This means the pattern of cardinal, fixed, and mutable is always repeated in that order. For example, Aries, a cardinal sign, is followed by Taurus, a fixed sign, and next Gemini, a mutable sign. Cardinal sign Cancer starts the next cycle.

This sequence is aligned with the sign’s position in the season. 

1. Cardinal signs signal the beginning of the season: Aries (Spring), Cancer (Summer), Libra (Fall), and Capricorn (Winter). Each of these signs likes to initiate activity.
2. Fixed signs, which fall in the middle of the season, prefer to sustain and maintain. Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius are the four members of this modality. They prefer to sustain and maintain, which means there is a steadiness to their character.
3. Mutable signs represent the end of the cycle or season. Mutables like change and are comfortable with endings. They tend to be more adaptable than the other signs. Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces are mutable signs.

When you combine the modality with the element, you can see how this manifests as unique personas for each of the 12 zodiac signs. For example, Gemini is a mutable air sign, which means they adore change and can be unpredictable.

The Modalities and the Signs

1. Cardinal: Initiation

Cardinal signs mark the beginning of the season, which means each cardinal sign is keen to take initiative, but in their own unique ways. These go-getters are often in positions of leadership, whether at work or home.

Aries (March 21–April 19)

Aries is the first sign in the astrological calendar and the signal that spring has arrived. It’s also a fire sign, so when you combine the action-oriented cardinal energy with the fire element, you get a bold, dynamic, and feisty personality. Those born under the sign of the Ram are never afraid to go first. In fact, these brave pioneers prefer it.

Cancer (June 21–July 22)

Cancers are water signs, so they tend to be sensitive. But don’t assume that means they are pushovers! These cardinal crabs love to be in charge, especially regarding the home front. They will do whatever it takes to create a secure fortress and protect their loved ones. As a cardinal sign, Cancers are never afraid to take the initiative when the family needs it.

Libra (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)

Libra season arrives when the temps begin to drop and leaves start to turn. It’s a beautiful time of year, perfect for the sign associated with beauty and harmony. Diplomatic Libras are excellent at forging connections. They initiate new relationships with ease and grace. If trouble erupts, they know exactly what to do to smooth things over. An air sign, Libras are known for their intellect. If you get in a debate with them, you’ll see the cardinal energy come through as they quickly (and fairly) lay out the facts.

Capricorn (Dec. 22–Jan. 19)

Earth signs tend to be laid back. But not Capricorn! They are cardinal signs, so they have plenty of determination and hustle, especially when it comes to their career. Success drives them, so they’ll take the wheel when the opportunity arises. Even if it doesn’t, the ambitious Mountain Goat will find a way to reach the top. Sometimes, they can be too focused on the outcome and lose sight of the present moment. It’s important for Capricorns to take life step by step instead of treating it like a race.

2. Fixed: Maintenance

Fixed signs are the middle of the season, a time when everything seems to be solidified. For example, Taurus (an Earth Sign) falls smack-dab in the middle of spring, when new blooms paint the earth a vibrant green. This adds a rich, steady energy to fixed sign personalities. This can also lead to resistance to change. After all, why move on when you’ve settled in?

Taurus (April 20–May 20)

Taurus is an earth sign, which adds a grounded, steady vibe to their personality. When you consider they are also a fixed sign, you know they won’t be moved unless they are good and ready. They prefer to take their time and can quickly turn stubborn if pushed. Taurus season happens in the middle of spring, a time when mother nature continues to bloom. This matches Taurus’s love for pretty things, something they’ll manifest through sustained momentum.

Leo (July 23–Aug. 22)

Leo is ruled by the Sun, fitting since their season lands in the middle of summer. Those born under the sign of the Lion are optimistic, passionate, and noble. Because Leo is a fire sign, the fixed energy manifests as loyalty and inspiring leadership. They rule with their whole heart. But if you hurt their pride, they become world-class grudge holders. That’s when you see the fixed side of their sunny personas.

Scorpio (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)

Fierce, intense, and mysterious. Those words are often used to describe Scorpio. Because they’re a water sign, they are emotional. When you add in the fixed quality, those feelings become strong. Think: volcanic, stormy, and sensitive. Scorpios tend to love and hate with a red-hot nature. Middle ground? Don’t count on it. Once they feel a certain way about any situation, they rarely change.

Aquarius (Jan. 20–Feb. 18)

Brainy Aquarius is an air sign, so they tend to filter everything through their keen minds. These tolerant nonconformists tend to subscribe to the philosophy of “live and let live.” However, if they see an injustice, their fixed nature comes through loud and clear. They have powerful opinions about right or wrong, which can lead to obstinance. Even so, their airy side means eventually they will come around if you have facts to back up your position.

3. Mutable: Transformation

Mutable signs are at the end of the season when everything begins to transform. So, it’s no surprise that flexibility and adaptability are traits associated with each mutable sign. However, this can sometimes manifest as restlessness.

Gemini (May 21–June 20)

Born as spring is coming to an end, Geminis are fascinated with change. An air sign, they’re breezy, cheerful, and always on the go. Sometimes, it’s hard for them to sit still. This is due to their insatiable curiosity, something that drives them to constantly learn. Their tendency to dash off to the latest thing can be frustrating for loved ones who want a little less excitement. Their need for novelty can lead to a reputation for fickleness.

Virgo (Aug. 23–Sept. 22)

Like the other earth signs, Virgo is as reliable as can be. They are down-to-earth, practical, and steady. But the mutable quality means they want to fix or change things, especially if they see a problem. They’ll put their analytical brains to work to suss out the most minor details and flaws. Then, they’ll keep working until everything is perfect. Once they’re satisfied, they’re off to find a solution for the next thing.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22–Dec. 21)

When you combine fire and mutable, you get passion and freedom rolled up into one fascinating package. That’s the best way to describe Sagittarius, a sign that prefers to roam rather than stay at home. They’re in search of adventure, so why sit and wait for something to happen when you can make it happen? Sagittarius season falls at the end of autumn, a time of year that is crisp, a perfect metaphor for their sharp, truthful manner.

Pisces (Feb. 19–March 20)

Gentle Pisces is born as winter comes to a close. As water signs, they are tender-hearted, emotional, and intuitive. Throw in the mutable quality, and they become like their sign, the Fish, swimming with the flow of life. They can be deep or shallow, sometimes navigating between both. When they feel hurt, they’ll look for an escape hatch and float away. Although this quality might make them seem like escapists, sometimes opting out of drama is a way to protect their sensitive nature.

Fun Fact: Most signs have a mix of the three modalities; cardinal, fixed and mutable, all dependent on the . However, you could be dominant in one. 

• For example, you might have an abundance of planets in fixed signs. This would put emphasis on your steady, stubborn nature.

If you have a missing modality, it could play out two ways. 

• In some cases, it could be obvious such as a lack of fixed signs might produce a personality that is always on the go and not too hot at finishing things already in motion. 
• The second way it could work out is that you subconsciously “overcompensate.” Using our fixed sign deficient example, you might choose to be extremely reliable or overly stubborn. In that case, you’ll work hard to prove that you’re no flake!

Remember, no matter what your balance, you still have a choice in how you manifest the energy and make your own reality.