Astrology basics

Modalities

Modalities (qualities) split the twelve zodiac signs into three groups of four — cardinal, fixed and mutable — describing how a sign tends to act.

Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn) initiate and start new things, fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius) sustain and hold steady, and mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces) adapt and close cycles out.\n\nModality combines with element — Aries is cardinal fire, Taurus is fixed earth, and so on — producing the twelve unique combinations that make up the twelve signs.