Modality
Each Sign manifests its energy through a distinct Mode.
In the Vedas, it is said there are 3 gunas, or “tendencies.” They are called Rajas, Tamas, and Sattvas, and manifest as modes or forces of operation. In astrology, they are called Cardinal, Fixed, and Mutable sign energies. Through these modes, each Sign either initiates, stabilizes/integrates, or distributes/transforms its energy.
The three Modalities determine how we approach the four Signs of each Quaternary. Cardinal Signs initiate new ideas and new consciousness, Fixed Signs help us integrate and program the desired new thoughts and behaviors into the Cycle, and Mutable Signs open the door for transformation and give us the opportunity to revise our focus to more closely align with our intent for the Cycle.
In Astrology, the activating, initiating, Rajasic signs are known as Cardinal signs: Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn. These signs initiate activity, are self-reliant in their movement, and show how we approach the new in the material, emotional, mental, and inspirational levels of life. These signs are said to be “moveable” and thus can be destabilizing and disruptive even as they open new doors and directions through new focus.
The stabilizing, consolidating, Tamasic signs are known as Fixed signs: Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius. These signs stabilize conditions, organizing any process into reliable self-perpetuating forms that are resistant to change.
The distributive, fragmenting, Sattvic signs are known as Mutable signs: Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces. These signs distribute the energies stabilized by the Fixed signs that will eventually be picked up by the Cardinal signs in new forms.
By seeing which planets you have in which signs you can understand how that planet naturally expresses itself. A Sun in Gemini is illuminated by distribution, multiplicity, diversity, and fragmentation, as are Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces, each in their own way. So it is with each Modality in its turn.
Not only is understanding how the Modalities affect you through your natal chart, by knowing where the transits are working in your chart, you can see whether you’re initiating, stabilizing, or fragmenting any given area of your life. This can help explain why we are letting go of some things while other parts are moving along smoothly and other things are emerging.
Cardinal: ARIES, CANCER, LIBRA, CAPRICORN
In Astrology, the activating, initiating, Rajasic signs are known as Cardinal signs. These signs initiate/end activity, are self-reliant in their movement, and show how we approach the new in the material, emotional, mental, and inspirational levels of life. These signs are said to be “moveable” and thus can be destabilizing and disruptive even as they open new doors and directions through a new focus.
Initiates and generates energy … corresponds to centrifugal, radiating energy which moves outward in a definite direction. The essential nature of these Signs is to Initiate action … to get things started.
Skillful: enterprising, energetic, assertive, determined, creative, self-aware, independent, accomplished, efficacious, self-starter, initiating, destabilizing, disruptive, agency of the new, destroyer of the old, institute, inaugurate, activating, energizing, animating, beginning, establishing, birthing, dawning, emerging.
Unskillful: Self-seeking, dominating, impatient, ruthless, opportunistic, aggressive, forceful
Fixed: TAURUS, LEO, SCORPIO, AQUARIUS
Stabilizes and concentrates energy … corresponds to centripetal, radiating energy moving inward toward a center. The essential nature of these Signs is to preserve and sustain what was started in the Cardinal phase. Where Cardinal Signs start projects … Fixed Signs finish them: the former act, the latter draw action to them.
Skillful: Consistent, loyal, reliable, established, patient, persistent, great reserves of power, purposeful, stable, concentrating, sustaining, dependable, steady, focused, determined, predictable, conscientious, responsible, steadfast, devoted, trustworthy, assiduous, persevering.
Unskillful: Opinionated, inflexible, fanatical, stuck, hide-bound, inert, habitual, hoarder, resistant to change.
Mutable: GEMINI, VIRGO, SAGITTARIUS, PISCES
The distributive, fragmenting, Sattvic signs are known as Mutable signs: Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces. These signs distribute the energies stabilized by the Fixed signs that will eventually be picked up by the Cardinal signs in new forms. Adapts and distributes energy … corresponds to spiral patterns of energy.
The essential nature of these Signs is to take what was Initiated in the Cardinal and Stabilized in the Fixed phase and Adapt these energies to the changing conditions of time and space.
As the spokes of a wheel links the hub to the rim, the mutable Sign is the perfect go-between, making contacts and Connections wherever it is found. Contrary to the Fixed predecessor, this Sign is flexible and adaptive, thriving on change and variety.
Skillful: Adaptable, economical, flexible, adroit, conversationalist, fast learner, wide views, tolerant, supple, pliant, changeable, conformable, elastic, malleable, disperse, scatter, diffuse, spread, break up, shatter, fracture, splinter, break down, movement, maneuver, develop, evolve.
Unskilled: Weak sense of self, purposeless, exaggerating, indiscriminate in words and choices, flighty, too detailed; can’t see the forest for the trees.
By seeing which planets you have in which signs you can understand how that planet naturally expresses itself. A Sun in Gemini is illuminated by distribution, multiplicity, diversity, and fragmentation, as are Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces, each in their own way. So it is with each Modality in its turn.
Not only is understanding how the Modalities affect you through your natal chart, by knowing where the transits are working in your chart, you can see whether you’re initiating, stabilizing, or fragmenting any given area of your life. This can help explain why we are letting go of some things while other parts are moving along smoothly and other things are emerging.