There are 4 zodiac signs gathered together in a group
according to 3 ‘modes’ of action. They are the Hindu ‘Guanus’, or western
‘Quadruplicities’ of Cardinal, Fixed and Mutable modes of action. The whole
natal chart may be classified under one of these headings, or more briefly one
can look at the combination of the Sun sign, the Moon sign and the Earth sign,
which is the rising sign of the nativity.
Cardinal signs of Aries, Cancer,
Libra and Capricorn, hold the angles of the natural zodiac, indicating the
first out rushing of each of the elements at their purest and most forceful
form. These signs correspond to the 4 quarters of the year and the beginning of
our seasons where the Equinox and Solstice points are located. The Cardinal
signs are active doers of practical accomplishment; the Will of the individual
accomplishes by rapid movement, by impulse and enthusiastic outbursts of
energy. The faults of Cardinal energy are restlessness, interfering, frequently
changing aim and policies. All of which can be changed by looking at oneself
and seeing the effect of one’s actions on other people.
Fixed signs of Taurus, Leo,
Scorpio and Aquarius follow on from the Cardinal signs in the order of the
zodiac and give stability to the previous initiative action. They may be
likened to the midway points of the seasons when the air and conditions are
well established. The Fixed signs are of a ‘feeling’ nature, it is the desire
of the passions and the senses to find expression. The individual accomplishes
by the Will of enduring strength, indomitable and determined self-mastery. The
faults of Fixed energy is inertia, stubbornness, slowness at adapting to new
circumstances or seeing another point of view. All of which can be changed by
self-reflection and inner growth.
Mutable signs of Gemini, Virgo,
Sagittarius and Pisces follow on from a Fixed sign and precede the next
Cardinal sign. The mutable sign therefore allows for change to take place
between these two conditions and allows for a new start in the next cycle of
three signs. They may be likened to the change of seasons, allowing a new
influx of energy, yet quite unstable as they search for the new condition. The
Mutable signs are of the intellect, which strives to make connections.
Individuals achieve by the Will of the mind, by applying foresight and
adaptability. The faults of Mutable energy are in their instability,
unreliability and irresponsibility. All of which can be changed by self-reflection
and inner growth.
Each of the 3 qualities or modes of action draws from the
others what it needs, so that the whole can work efficiently in the mundane
world.
