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A modality in astrology reveals a certain type of energy that we each hold. Do we thrive within new beginnings and initiations? Do we find ourselves flowing freely from space to space, adapting with ease? Or are we in our magic when sustaining and settling deeply into our foundation?
Known as categories of cardinal, fixed, and mutable signs, each a modality in astrology comprises four zodiac signs and contains all four elements. For example, the cardinal signs include Aries (fire), Cancer (water), Libra (air), and Capricorn (earth).
This cycle of birthing (cardinal), sustaining (fixed), and transforming (mutable) continues over and over throughout the sequencing of the signs in the zodiac wheel, with a cardinal sign always followed by fixed sign, and a mutable sign always found after a fixed sign.
To birth, sustain, and transform is a cycle that seems to be found in all of nature. Seen through the seasons of the Earth and across the human lifespan. In the beginning, middle, and transition of each calendar month that passes us by. And in our own inner and outer life chapters. Astrology is a mirror to the inner and outer experience of life itself. And knowing our dominant modality brings awareness to the way in which we move through the world.
But what does this mean for you?
What Each Modality in Astrology Means for You
Within each of us exist all 12 zodiac signs and four elements in differing prominence and proportions. The same is true for all of the modalities.
Although looking at the modality of our Sun sign can be deeply insightful, certain online calculators take into account our entire astrological makeup by conveying the modality and element of our rising sign, Moon sign, and so much more. For example, your Leo Sun might be fixed in nature although there may also be an emphasis on mutable energy in your birth chart owing to different planets and placements in Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, or Pisces.
Cardinal Zodiac Signs
Aries | Cancer | Libra | Capricorn
To initiate, begin, breathe new life into something, and get the wheels turning—this is the role of each cardinal zodiac sign. Those of us with an emphasis on cardinal energy possess the spark of a new idea and the enthusiasm that comes from leaping into it.
There is an aura of leadership within cardinal archetypes, a visionary capacity that taps into inspiration as well as the force to create those very visions.
If you find yourself rich with cardinal energy, give yourself permission to be in experiences and spaces and roles that allow you to begin, over and over again. Spaces that allow you to spark new ideas and express the inspiration, excitement, and energy behind your ideas to those around you. Also, give yourself permission to dream often. New beginnings, new doorways, and new chapters are where life force seems to flow in abundance, even if they are simply new chapters within a larger vision.
Each season of the Earth coincides with the beginning of the astrological season of a cardinal sign, speaking to their capacity to initiate. Aries begins spring with the March equinox, Cancer begins summer with the summer solstice in June, Libra fall with the September equinox, and Capricorn winter with the winter solstice in December.
Fixed Signs
Taurus | Leo | Scorpio | Aquarius
The fixed zodiac signs offer a beautiful opportunity to sink into a space. To maintain, sustain, and put down roots. To dedicate, nurture, and stabilize the continued growth of the new beginning offered by the cardinal signs.
Those of us with an emphasis of fixed energy are gifted an incredible focus, loyalty, and devotion to deepening into the current season or chapter, a stability of self, and an ability to bring that same energy to our dreams and visions.
Found within the middle of each astrological season, fixed energy shines when offered the opportunity to build continued and sustained momentum within a space or project or long-term vision and steadily see it come into reality through dedication, focus, and step-by-step building.
If you are someone with much fixed energy, give yourself permission to sink into the big visions, trust in your capacity to continue with them long term, allow patience to be your ally, and bring discernment to the spaces where you bring this superpower. Having a sense of stability within these chosen pathways will also allow the ever-changing experiences of life to be met with more grace and ease.
Mutable Signs
Gemini | Virgo | Sagittarius | Pisces
If there is any constant in life, it is change. And it is the role of the mutable signs to act as the pathways in between these changes, between the shifting of moment to moment, season to season, chapter to chapter, self to self.
These signs embody the space of transition and transformation, bringing a beautiful vibe of adaptability, flexibility, openness, and flow not just to life around them but to themselves as well.
Those of us with an abundance of mutable energy thrive when in spaces of variety, spontaneity, and movement. If this describes you, allow yourself to witness the magic in your gift of acceptance. To accept the inevitable changes of life. To ride those waves with a curiosity about the opening found only within a closing. To shift as easily, openly, and naturally as the Earth shifts through her seasons. To not become too attached to any one way of being, doing, perceiving, or living.
Mutable signs teach us that we are not here to control or hold onto what is around or within us. That means to no longer be in a state of alignment. You are the embodiment of the truth that everything constantly exists in a state of change.
Your Invitation
Like many other categories within astrology, the modalities, when placed together, complete a cycle. Independent in their role, yet each contributing to a larger ecosystem, they work together, support one another, and build upon each other.
Similarly, we contain each modality in astrology within ourselves. It is only when our modalities are in balance that we can begin and adapt, build and persevere. We can navigate initiate new spaces, change with relative ease, and create stability for ourselves. We experience this balance through intention, by exploring the modalities that we hold, and even in leaning into the people we often unintentionally choose around us to bring some of that modality.
Although learning our own unique balance will support and nurture us through each experience that life gifts us, so will leaning into and owning the role and energy that uniquely make us feel alive, for it is entirely on purpose that you are you. Allow yourself to move accordingly.
Learn more about the influence of astrology in your life, including astrological events, the Moon cycles, your Sun and Moon and rising signs, how journaling can help you connect with the current influences, and more with Jordane Maree at Girl and her Moon.
About Our Contributor
Jordane Maree is the founder of Girl and Her Moon, a platform and community exploring Soul through the lens of astrology, tarot, and energy healing. She is a writer, intuitive astrologer, energy and soul guide, and host of Girl and Her Moon, The Podcast. She is inspired, every single day, to be the mirror for you to see all that you truly are, you in all your infinite abilities, in total expansion, in infinite opportunity and love.