Cardinal, Fixed, Mutable (Quadruplicities)
In astrology, a quadruplicity is a group of four zodiac signs. There are three types of quadruplicities: cardinal, fixed, and mutable. The cardinal quadruplicity consists of Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn.
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(In astrology, the terms angular, succedent, and cadent refer to the houses and are known as house quadruplicities).
The term “cardinal” originates from the French word “cardo,” meaning a hinge, and refers to something of great importance that serves as a pivot point. In astrology, the cardinal signs are Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn, which are considered the first, fourth, seventh, and tenth signs, respectively. These signs are characterized by their ability to initiate and take charge.
Aries and Libra are sometimes referred to as the equinox signs, marking the times of equal day and night, while Cancer and Capricorn are called the solstice signs, marking the longest day and longest night, respectively. Cardinal signs are associated with new beginnings, balance, and abrupt change.
The term “fixed” refers to something securely placed and implies unchanging. In astrology, the fixed signs are Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius, which are considered the second, fifth, eighth, and eleventh signs, respectively. These signs are characterized by stability and dependability.
The term “mutable” means subject to change. The mutable signs in astrology are Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces, which are considered the third, sixth, ninth, and twelfth signs, respectively. These signs are characterized by adaptability.
The natural zodiac starts with Aries in the first position and the signs on their natural angles, with the Ascendant (ASC) arrow pointing left and the Mid Heaven (MC) arrow pointing upwards. Each of the four quarters of the circle contains the three signs of a specific quadruplicity.
The table below shows the quadruplicities:
The sequence of cardinal, fixed, and mutable refers to the cycle of creation, maintenance, and transformation in the world. This pattern is reflected in the four quarters of the zodiac, known as the quadruplicities. Cardinal signs initiate and begin new things, fixed signs maintain and preserve what exists, and mutable signs transform and bring about change or endings.
The following table shows the relationship between cardinal, fixed and mutable and other cycles of action:
The cardinal signs, which include Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn, are astrological signs associated with starting and initiating. People born under these signs are often seen as forceful and aggressive, with a strong will to accomplish something, often something new. They are creative in their approach, as they possess the ability to cause things to happen and to bring about change.
Aries (♈) is known for acting energetically and impatiently, driven by their enthusiasm for what they want to achieve. They have a sense of urgency and cannot wait to get started on their projects.
Cancer (♋), on the other hand, projects emotions in a protective and sensitive manner, showing their assertiveness through their emotions.
Libra (♎) approaches their projects in a balanced way, considering the viewpoints of others. As an air sign, they are more likely to project themselves in a verbal way, using language to influence others and bring about change.
In contrast, Capricorn (♑) projects themselves in a practical, down-to-earth manner, taking action based on practical needs and success.
In conclusion, the cardinal signs represent a range of approaches to starting and initiating, characterized by assertiveness, creativity, and the drive to accomplish something new.
Fixed Signs
The fixed signs in astrology, including Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius, are known for their focus on maintaining stability, resisting change, and preserving a certain state. Although it may seem contradictory, these signs often require change in order to maintain a stable state. For example, in order to keep a house clean, it must be regularly tidied and cleaned. In order to keep a body alive, it must be fed and hydrated.
Taurus (♉), symbolized by the bull, is particularly concerned with maintaining their material wealth. They value stability and permanence in their possessions and finances, and tend to resist changes in their financial state.
Leo (♌), represented by the lion, is focused on maintaining their personal power and influence over others. They want to be seen as impressive and creative, and they make changes in order to retain this power dynamic in their relationships with others.
Scorpio (♏), symbolized by the scorpion, is fixed in their emotional reactions. They seek to understand the emotions of those around them, feeling more secure when they know what motivates others. They make changes in order to delve deeper into these emotions, seeking to maintain a deep understanding of others.
Aquarius (♒), represented by the water-bearer, values stability in their beliefs and relationships with others. They seek to keep their friends close and maintain their ideals, even if this means resisting change and standing firm in their convictions.
In conclusion, the fixed signs in astrology represent a focus on stability and resistance to change, but this stability often requires change in order to be maintained. Whether it is Taurus preserving their material wealth, Leo maintaining their personal power, Scorpio understanding the emotions of others, or Aquarius steadfast in their beliefs, these signs embody the astrological aspects of stability and resistance to change.
Mutable Signs
The mutable signs, Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces, are characterized by adaptability and change. These signs represent the end of a cycle and the beginning of a new one.
Gemini (♊), as an air sign, is focused on communication, words, and the mind. They are able to adapt to their surroundings and are more likely to blend in than to resist change. This is true for all of the mutable signs, who tend to adapt their goals and wants to the environment rather than trying to change the environment to fit their needs.
Virgo (♍), with its critical and analytical nature, brings an end to false beliefs by subjecting them to analysis and discarding them.
Sagittarius (♐), as a fire sign and the seeker of knowledge, aims to bring about the end of ignorance by discovering the truth and seeking final knowledge.
Pisces (♓), on the other hand, seeks to dissolve emotions into the oneness of all things, bringing about the end of emotional attachment.
