What the Modalities (or Qualities) Mean in Astrology: Cardinal, Fixed and Mutable
In zodiacal order, the three modalities in astrology, also known as qualities, are:
- cardinal
- fixed
- mutable
Each of them are significantly different.
It’s possible to have one or more modalities dominate the birth chart. To summarise, the cardinal signs are the initiators of the zodiac system. They like to come first and to win. The fixed signs are extremely persistent and passionate, while the mutable signs tend to excel at multi-tasking, and are exceptionally adaptable and versatile.
Cardinal Quality
There are four Cardinal signs. In order, these are:
- Aries
- Cancer
- Libra
- Capricorn
These signs are located opposite each other on the zodiac wheel; Aries and Libra sit opposite each other, and Cancer and Capricorn sit opposite each other.
Opposite signs on the zodiac wheel always have lots of things in common. Their shared modality is just one of the things they have in common.
The Cardinal signs are the initiators of the zodiac system. They start things, create and invent new things for themselves, others, and society at large. Nikola Tesla, one of the greatest inventors of all time, had a Cancer Sun sign, a Libra Moon sign, and Capricorn in the 10th house of career and goals. In addition to this, he had Venus, the planet of love and self-expression, in Cancer, and Mars, the planet of initiation and action, in Libra. The majority of his birth chart contained approximately 60% cardinal energy.
Aside from starting things, and creating new things, they also make formidable leaders. They are often found at the top of all sorts of companies, showing the way to their staff, and holding the fort, so to speak. Running their own business also really appeals to these people, and plenty of them are find remarkable successful doing so.
One of the most famous entrepreneurs of all time, Richard Branson, is a Cancerian with Mars in Libra, and Aries in the 10th house of career and public image. Jeff Bezos, another one of the world’s most famous entrepreneurs, and one of the wealthiest people on Earth, has a Capricorn Sun sign, Aries Ascendant, and Capricorn in the 10th house.
Competition rarely seems to phase them. On the contrary, it probably provides plenty of mental stimulation as they think of smart ways to out-manoeuvre their opponents. While some of the other signs might be phased by having to out do others, they might think it’s all good fun, and when they win, which they often do, I’m sure that they thoroughly enjoy it.
Those with a lot of cardinal energy in their charts are also very resilient and adaptable. Obstacles and challenges don’t tend to weigh them down. They’re naturally adept at finding ways around all sorts of issues, and oftentimes, quickly too. Their new solutions may also prove to be beneficial as they help things to run faster and more efficiently. While they can tire of the things they aren’t deeply interested in rather quickly, the key to their success is to stick to whatever they’re doing, see it through, and build on it.
Fixed Quality
There are four fixed signs in the zodiac. In order, these are:
- Taurus
- Leo
- Scorpio
- Aquarius
Taurus is opposite Scorpio on the zodiac wheel, while Leo lies opposite Aquarius. Those who have a lot of fixed energy in their birth chart, have excellent sticking power. They’re extremely passionate about their projects and causes. They’re consistent, and their minds, once made up, are impenetrable.
Once they set their sights on a goal, they become unstoppable. They might take a while to reach their goals, but they always get there in the end. Oprah Winfrey, one of the wealthiest and most adored women on Earth, has a lot of fixed energy in her chart. Her enormously successful career and glowing personality demonstrates the perseverance and determination of fixed quality very well indeed.
They are also incredibly loyal people — occasionally to a fault. Their personal past means a great deal to them, and they can cling onto it. While this is rather sweet and indicative of how sentimental they are, it can hold them back if they allow it. When they’re ready to let go, it may benefit them to give away the things they no longer need, and let go of any memories that no longer serve them, especially the most disruptive ones.
Mutable Quality
There four mutable signs in the zodiac:
- Gemini
- Virgo
- Sagittarius
- Pisces
Gemini is positioned opposite Sagittarius, and Virgo is positioned opposite Pisces.
These signs are the most versatile. They always tend to go with the flow of life instead of against it. As they see it, life happens to them, rather than it being within their control. Whatever comes their way is dealt with as much ease and grace as they can muster.
Gemini and Sagittarius, are especially flexible and don’t resist change. In fact, they welcome it as the welcome the new generally; all sorts of things, ideas, and people are mental stimulating for them. All of the mutable signs also seem to be naturally skilled at multi-tasking which helps them handle lots of new things and situations well. Anything that feels challenging to them is normally met with a can-do attitude as they enjoy finding novel ways to solve problems.
The flow of life seems smooth for the most part and this is partly because change is easily and rapidly accepted rather than dreaded and resisted.
I personally think that the happy-go-lucky and laid back celebrity chef and British TV star, Paul Hollywood, with his Pisces Sun sign and his Gemini Moon sign, brilliantly demonstrates the flexible and gentle nature of mutable quality. He’s a joy to watch on the show Bake Off and you can just tell he enjoys going with the flow of life. I think that the same can be said of Julianne Moore who has a Sagittarius Sun, Gemini Moon, Gemini Ascendant, and Pisces in 10th house. She seems to have an especially joyful, kind, and laid-back demeanour.
