Astrology 101: Qualities

The twelve signs of the zodiac are grouped into quadruplicities (four), known as qualities based on how the sign behaves. Each element has one of each of the "qualities." Another name used for these groupings is "modes." The qualities are Cardinal, Fixed and Mutable.

What are the Cardinal signs?
Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn

What do Cardinal signs have in common?
They're the instigators, ready to forge ahead with plans, and attract those that can support their efforts. Cardinal signs are leaders, and tend to be outgoing because they're engaged with the world in a dynamic way. They're restless to start new projects, and happiest when running the show.

How are they different by element?
Each projects the self onto the world in a different way, depending which of the four elements it's associated with. Cardinal Fire (Aries) is a catalyst, a firebrand that inspires others by being totally committed to his/her own vision. Cardinal Water (Cancer) leads by the heart, and casts a palpable emotional force that pushes into new territory, but does it sideways like the crab. Cardinal Air (Libra) initiates through new ideas, and by being a balancing force among people. Cardinal Earth (Capricorn) has a formidable, grounded presence, and a natural authority from being masters of the physical plane.

What are the Fixed signs in astrology?
Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius and Taurus

What do Fixed signs have in common?
Since fixed signs come along as the season is underway, they represent going deeper, and pursuing the full realization of what's already begun. They can initiate, but their true gifts emerge when they're able to sink deeply into an ongoing project. The fixed signs have a remarkable ability to perservere, and often they're models of solo productivity. They enjoy those peak moments of achievement, but seem most at home with themselves when immersed in a sustained, worthwhile, challenging pursuit. The gift of fixed signs is that they can stick with something to the end. But it's hard for them to let go, even when something appears to be a lost cause. They're not known for their flexibility, and have a harder time with change than the other qualities. At their worst, they can be dogmatic, rigid, stubborn, petulant. Usually, there's a mix of qualities in a birth chart, so nobody has to bear the weight of all those nasty traits. Fixed signs are a marvel when it comes to getting things done. Because of this they're often able to enjoy success in whatever they set their minds to. But I've noticed that sometimes it feels empty, and they wonder if it's what they really want to be doing. When they know that they're heading on a path in harmony with they're deeper soul calling, this is when they're at their most powerful.

What's the difference between the fixed signs based on element?
Each of the fixed signs creates stability through the vehicle of their element. For fixed fire (Leo)this can mean a career of self-expression, and ongoing respect in their chosen fields. For fixed water (Scorpio), permanence is found through achievement, and going deep into the timeless mysteries of the imagination, dreams, primal sexuality. As fixed air, Aquarius fixes on a continuum that reaches into the future, and can doggedly push for reform, or spend a lifetime on their personal inventions. For fixed earth, Taurus digs into the earth, builds with real elements to construct a solid life.


What are the Mutable signs?
Sagittarius, Pisces, Gemini and Virgo

What are the characteristics of the mutable signs?
They're flexible, adaptable and thrive on change. Their swift changeability allows them to see life from many different perspectives. Mutable signs have a restless nature that comes from being the breakdown before the breakthrough -- in preparation for the end of the season. They bring people and ideas together in an innovative synthesis. The adaptability of mutable signs makes them light on their feet in a crisis. They travel well in and among different types of people, exchanging ideas on what to do next. With quickly evolving natures, they understand change intimately, and are at home in chaos. Mutable signs experience the sense of multiple selves, and sometimes struggle to feel real and solid in themselves. Their sense of identity is loose, and like a kaleidoscope, always changing. But over time, a core sense of self emerges, based on this changeability, but transcending it, too.

What's the difference between the mutable signs based on element?
Each of the mutable signs mutates itself with the tools of its particular element. Mutable fire (Sagittarius) evolves through learning, travel, seeking knowledge -- and using intuition to glean the truth from all this experience. Mutable water (Pisces) dwells in the collective depths, and contains all the signs as the last one. Mutable air (Gemini) rides the circuits of ideas, taking in and disseminating what it collects. Mutable earth (Virgo) changes through purification of the body and by being a force of healing for others.

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More Astrology Basics

A continuation of Astrology 101. . .

What are the Elements?
The four elements -- earth, air, water and fire -- are the very elements (or energies) of life. In the zodiac, three signs share the same element, thus there are 3 fire signs, 3 earth signs, 3 air signs and 3 water signs. Each element is identified by specific characteristics and signs that share the same element are said to be positive towards each other. The elements are the primary or basic states of being. It is your basic nature or natural temperament.

What do the signs of a certain Element have in common?
The signs in a grouping share certain associations:

• Fire signs: the spirit, inspired, energy, instinctual, outgoing, active
• Air signs: the mind, intellectual, ideas, detached, social, conceptual
• Water signs: the emotions, imaginative, nurturing, introverted
• Earth Signs: the body, practical, sensual, grounded

What are the Fire Signs?
Aries, Leo and Sagittarius

What are the general characteristics of the Fire signs?
Those with planets in fire signs have a simmering at-the-ready stance, as they hunt for things that light them up. They're prone to sudden illuminating flashes of insight and bursts of enthusiasm. Like fire itself, they can flare up when inspired, making them seem very passionate about life. They like to live large, and often feel frustrated by mundane chores and duties.

Fire signs are known to be intuitive, and to rely on gut-level instincts. Going on faith in their inner guidance gets them far, but they have a tendency to skip crucial steps, or to be unaware of the emotional impact of their actions.

The Fire Element in Astrology
When the fire element is present, there's a warm radiance, a trust in life's journey and a willingness to take risks. Any party or celebration is made better with the presence of a fully-charged up fire sign. They're great catalysts for play, and liable to unearth the spontaneous side of those around them. Because they sense a golden thread of destiny and potential running through their own lives, they have a knack for leading others to theirs.

Fire signs act on instinct or "sixth sense," and that makes them look reckless to more cautious types. They're actually following a powerful intuition that keeps them at the leading edge of fresh experiences.

Fire is infused with the divine spark, and this can spread like wildfire to everyone around them. They've got a lust for life that is enviable. Those that are weighted down might try to toss a wet blanket on their enthusiasm, so Fire must vigilantly guard its beacon. It's important for them to have cheerleaders to fan the flames of their interests.

But Fire that thinks only of itself learns the wisdom of the other elements the hard way. They'll keep coming up against resistance, until there is willingness to see there are no short cuts. Each of the other elements has something to offer, and in return, Fire gives off a glow that is as nourishing as the rays of the Sun.

What are the Air Signs?
Libra, Gemini and Aquarius

What are the general characterstics of the Air signs?
Those with planets in air signs use their minds to make sense of their lives. With Air, there's more space between the life lived and the observing mind. This can lead air signs to appear detached, aloof, remote, cool. Sometimes they'll try to talk their way through feelings or analyze a situation instead of encountering it's full emotional weight.

The gift of Air is flexibility, and their ability to experience life through many prisms. They're often excellent communicators, storytellers, interpreters and journalists. They link people together socially, and often have a curiousity that keeps them out and about.

The Air Element in Astrology
Those with planets in Air signs lead with the head, and those wheels are always turning to analyze and interpret their world. These are the "idea people," who breeze in and offer a fresh perspective on the situation at hand. As observers, they're often seeing from a loftier position, and able to offer clarity that others don't have.

The air signs are social creatures, since their currency is ideas, and they'll find more stimulation when out mingling. Some are drawn to words and become professional communicators, while others -- especially Aquarius -- have a more conceptual way of thinking. Air signs are masters at navigating through the collective waters, and therefore are astute commentators of the cultural trends, attitudes, consciousness of the times.

When Air is out of balance, you can encounter a talking head, someone cut off from his own physical self. Air signs are more vulnerable to the excesses of our mind-body split, and could benefit from yoga and other somatic practices. A meditation practice helps Air signs calm the static.

In relationships, the distance of Air to their emotions can be refreshing. They're great conversationalists because they're the keepers of so much knowledge, gossip, strange factoids, etc. Talking with an inspired Air sign can be like skipping through a kind of virtual reality full of detail, specificity and local color.

What are the Water Signs?
Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces

What are the general characteristics of the Water signs?
Water signs are attuned to waves of emotion, and often seem to have a built-in sonar for reading a mood. This gives them a special sensitivity in relationships, knowing when to show warmth and when to hold back. At their best, they are a healing force that brings people together -- at their worst, they are psychic vampires, able to manipulate and drain the life force of those closest to them.

Water signs are tuned into the many shades of meaning in relationships, and at times can absorb "vibes" from others. They have to work harder than other elements to maintain their personal boundaries.

The Water Element in Astrology
Those with planets in Water signs are often assessing a situation by its undercurrents. It can give them an air of being aloof or even shy at first, but they're the warmest of souls when you've won their trust. Going forward in a relationship or situation often means being sure of their emotional ground, a kind of decision-making process that is baffling to others. Their perceptions border on psychic, but these insights get clouded by the intensity of feelings, or are altered by the vivid imagination.

The nuances of feeling experienced by Water signs can lead them into the arts. Some find release from their own personal dramas when they're able to express them as universal. As writers, musicians and actors, they help others make sense of the human experience. But this also happens in everyday life, since Water signs soften the edges of the mundane by padding it with emotional meaning.

Water is a formless element on its own, and that's why those with this sign are so quickly shaped by their relationships to others. They need time alone to remember where they end and others begin. And to let what's been stirred up by life find its way to a quiet calm again. These are people who need people, but also need the restoring space of solitude.

What are the Earth Signs?
Capricorn, Taurus and Virgo

What are the general characterstics of the Earth signs?
It's common to hear someone described as "earthy." Such a person blends in with their natural habitat. They're sensual, meaning they engage with life through the five senses. It takes time to sense the dense physical world, and earth signs can operate at a slower, more thorough pace than the other elements.

They're oriented toward what's real, and often this makes them very productive, able to create tangible results. But if there are no balancing elements, earth's extremes could lead to being a work-a-holic, hoarding of possessions, pettiness, getting stuck in the mundane, stubbornness, etc.

The Earth Element in Astrology
Those with Earth signs often seem to inhabit their physical bodies which can be described in new-age terms as "grounded." Whatever their ground is -- whether it is a high-rise office building or rural cottage -- they're sending out feelers through the senses. The physical is the densest plane, and they're masters at assessing and organizing tangible things.

One expression of Earth sign qualities, and I'm envisioning a hippie chick here, might be someone who is easy-going and languid, aware of the local flora and fauna, often have leaves in their hair or dirt on their hands. They're intimately attuned to the dance of nature, and love to spend time outdoors.

But Earth signs can just as easily work their magic in urban places, since they're often centers of a certain kind of high-level productivity. The focus on the tasks at hand make them vulnerable to the "all work and no play" cul de sac of life. They're more apt to base their reality on what is around them in form, instead of creating personal myths or assigning symbolic meanings to everything. That's why too much of a good thing -- Earth -- can be stifling to things like inspiration, going on faith, a sense of purpose.

Earth signs are here to shape, manifest, cultivate and revel in Earthly delights. Their gift to others is bringing form to ideas, making them a balancing partner for an idle dreamer with potential. They tend their own garden, and inspire others to make the most of theirs.

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Astrology 101

Since I started following @ZodiacFacts, @LoveScopes and @Sexstrology I have become slightly obsessed with Astrology. The little tidbits they tweet are appetizing, but just don’t satisfy my insatiable thirst for knowledge about the topic du jour. So, I’m not gonna go all-in and hit you with everything today, but I thought I’d start with the basics:

What is Astrology?
Astrology is a group of systems, traditions, and beliefs which hold that the relative positions of celestial bodies and related details can provide information about personality, human affairs, and other terrestrial matters.

What is a Horoscope?
A horoscope is a chart or diagram representing the positions of the Sun, Moon, Planets and the astrological aspects, and sensitive angles at the time of an event, such as the moment of a person’s birth. In common usage, it is an astrologer’s interpretation, usually through a system of Sun sign astrology.

What is the Zodiac?
The zodiac is the ring of constellations that lines the ecliptic, which is the apparent path of the Sun across the sky over the course of a year. The zodiac denotes those signs that divide the ecliptic into twelve equal zones of celestial longitude.

Astrological Signs & Symbols

Aries (The Ram) (cardinal, fire, personal): In astrology Aries is ruled by the planet Mars. The tropical duration of Aries is March 21 to April 19.

Taurus (The Bull) (fixed, earth, personal): In astrology Taurus is ruled by the planet Venus and for a few modern astrologers, the dwarf planet Ceres. The tropical duration of Taurus is April 20 to May 20.

Gemini (The Twins) (mutable, wind, personal): In astrology Gemini is ruled by the planet Mercury. The tropical duration of Gemini is May 21 to June 20.

Cancer (The Crab) (cardinal, water, personal): In astrology Cancer is ruled by the Moon. The tropical duration of Cancer is June 21 to July 22.

Leo (The Lion) (fixed, fire, social): In astrology Leo is ruled by the Sun. The tropical duration of Leo is July 23 to August 22.

Virgo (The Virgin) (mutable, earth, social): There is some debate in regards to a modern ruler of this sign with Chiron, Pallas, Vesta and Ceres often considered candidate by some modern astrologers, but the planet Mercury is typically used as the default by tradition pending a consensus among modern practitioners; but no one knows. The tropical duration of Virgo is August 23 to September 22.

Libra (The Scales) (cardinal, wind, social): In astrology Libra is ruled by the planet Venus. The tropical duration of Libra is September 23 to October 22.

Scorpio (The Scorpion) (fixed, water, social): In astrology Scorpio is ruled by the planet Pluto. The tropical duration of Scorpio is October 23 to November 21.

Sagittarius (The Archer/Centaur) (mutable, fire, universal): In astrology Sagittarius is ruled by the planet Jupiter. The tropical duration of Sagittarius is November 22 to December 21.

Capricorn (The Mountain-goat) (cardinal, earth, universal): In astrology Capricorn is ruled by the planet Saturn. The tropical duration of Capricorn is December 22 to January 19.

Aquarius (The Water Carrier) (fixed, wind, universal): In astrology Aquarius is ruled by the planets Saturn and Uranus. The tropical duration of Aquarius is January 20 to February 19.

Pisces (The Fish) (mutable, water, universal): In astrology Pisces is ruled by the planets Jupiter and Neptune. The tropical duration of Pisces is February 20 to March 20.


This is enough for now. The more I dig the more fascinating it becomes.  Hope you learned something new!


‘Til next time!

BTW - I'm an Aries.

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