3 modes of FIRE

 To return to the ‘Triplicities’ or sign groupings according to element, let us look again at the qualities of Fire when combined with each of the 3 modes of Cardinal, Fixed and Mutable.

Primal God of Fire – TEFNUT

 [From Lamy, ‘Egyptian Mysteries’]

ARIES is the first fire sign of the zodiac and it is a cardinal sign, so it is going very fast – full on active fire and once let loose there is no stopping it Think of the Ram in full flight ramming at the fence that is blocking its path, think of the racing car flat out around the track, think of the barrister in peak form fighting with the mind for the right to be heard and win. This is the first outpouring of primal energy that kick starts the creative process and symbolised by the Ram.

[From Budge, ‘The Egyptian Zodiac’]

LEO is the second fire sign of the zodiac and it is a fixed sign. We are not going so fast now. There is still all the enthusiasm and dynamism of fire but it is more settled, more focused, more willing to stay put in one place, like a good fire in the hearth. Enthusiasm anchored to the spot makes a good leader, whether leading others tramping through the jungle on an expedition, or sitting in the directors chair giving out decisions, or commanding a little troop of workers, edging them on to do their best. The proud Lion/Lioness caring for the family is a good symbol.

[From Budge, ‘The Egyptian Zodiac’]

SAGITTARIUS is the third fire sign of the zodiac and it is a mutable sign. Well fire combined with a searching for direction can be a bit of a problem if it gets out of control and wanders all over the place. When given focus, direction or knowing where it is going that same wonderful adaptable fiery enthusiasm can get an awful lot done. Mutable fire will adapt to what is needed in a moment and this is why it needs to know its own mind. Like Aries it will fight its way for that all important freedom, like Leo it will command attention for achievement, but like itself it will follow its dreams which can take it far and wide. Think of the explorer into space, think of the horseman galloping to freedom or spinning down the highway on a motorbike. The freedom of the Archer’s arrow is a good symbol.

[From Budge, ‘The Egyptian Zodiac’]

“There is nothing new except what has been forgotten”. A good read is ‘The Dawn of Magic’, by Lois Pauwels and Jacques Bergier.