Alongside the four elements, astrology divides the signs into three qualities (modalities): cardinal, fixed and mutable. They describe how a sign acts.
Cardinal Signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn) stand at the beginning of the seasons. They are the initiators: They start, take the lead, and set things in motion.
Fixed Signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius) hold firm to what they've started. They are steadfast, strong-willed, and persistent – sometimes stubborn too.
Mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces) stand at the turning points of seasons. They're flexible, adaptable and mediating – but sometimes need more grounding.
Which quality predominates in your birth chart shows whether you tend to be a starter, a persister, or an adapter. Together with the elements, this reveals your astrological temperament.
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