Elements and Modalities

The Four Elements in Astrology

Each astrological sign has a number of components that make it unique. Each sign is ruled by a natural element that helps us to understand its archetype. The four elements that exist in nature are fire, air, earth, and water.

Fire

(Aries, Leo, Sagittarius)

Fire is the first of the four elements. The energy of fire initiates life, it is the energy of heat and vital force. The fire element is dynamic, active, and impatient.

Fire is a “yang” element, which is a masculine energy. These people tend to be enthusiastic, passionate, impulsive and potentially temperamental.

Earth

(Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn)

The earth element is very stable, tangible, and sensual. Earth signs have a feminine yin energy. The energy of the earth element is passive, feminine, and receptive.

People of the earth element tend to be practical, organized, and responsible. They know how to move in the material world. They may be seen as uptight or slow, but it’s only because they like to have a solid foundation.

Air

(Gemini, Libra, Aquarius)

Air represents our mind. Air signs are intellectual, adaptable, and social. The air element represents objectivity. Think about how the air spreads ideas.

Air people are visionary, cooperative and open to listen to people with different ideas and opinions. However, they may be detached on an emotional level or from the practical world.

Water

(Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces)

The water element is very emotional. It is an element of feminine yin energy. People of the water element are sensitive, deep, and intuitive.

They can perceive the world in a more sincere and compassionate way. They are able to connect with others in a sensitive and vulnerable way. However, they can end up becoming too emotional, lacking the logic and practicality to know how to take action.

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Astrological Modalities

Each zodiac sign is divided by a specific modality. A sign’s modality is essential because it explains a deeper part of their personality that others cannot easily see.

The modalities represent how each sign group expresses its energy, how it reacts to certain circumstances and navigates through life. It should be noted that the astrological modalities are defined according to the seasons of the year.

Cardinal

(Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn)

On March 21, the sun enters Aries, marking the beginning of autumn or spring depending on which side of the world you are located. On June 22 it passes into Cancer, marking the beginning of winter or summer.

On September 23, it passes into Libra, marking the beginning of the autumn spring. Finally, on December 22, the sun enters the constellation of Capricorn, ushering in summer or winter.

With this in mind, cardinal signs are known as leaders and trendsetters. They are also visionary, ambitious and enthusiastic about new ideas and changes. They tend to be enterprising and driven people.

Fixed

(Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius)

While cardinal signs initiate projects, fixed signs are the ones with the capabilities to see plans through to completion. They are hard-working and determined to make plans and projects a reality.

This group of signs likes to create to-do lists, they are reliable and fully dedicated to their projects. They are strong in character and will. It should be noted that they are not comfortable with change.

Mutable

(Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces)

The mutable signs represent the end of each season. A project can be initiated by a cardinal sign, constructed by a fixed sign and then perfected with a reflective eye by a mutable sign.

The mutable signs are like the “chameleon” of modalities, as they are the most flexible, adaptable, and versatile. Generally, these people adapt easily to different life circumstances. Change does not scare them, which can lead them to be detached.