If you’ve been following astrology for a while, then you’ve probably come across modalities. There are three in Western astrology: cardinal, fixed, and mutable. It’s another way to classify the zodiac signs into a particular quality, like what they do with a particular action.
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What are cardinal signs?
Each modality refers to a certain time during the season. The cardinal signs, or Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn are all at the beginning of spring, summer, fall, and winter, respectively. Since they take place at the start of each season, that makes them natural leaders and initiators, so they love taking action, says Lisa Stardust of Cosmopolitan. When they want to do something, they’ll have a one-track mind towards it, so you can trust them to start a million projects. What they lack is follow-through—they often drop one half-finished plan to start on a new, exciting one!
As the initiators of the zodiac, you can rely on them to rally everyone and start a movement, observes Korin Miller of Women’s Health Mag. Cardinal signs also tend to be group planners, trendsetters, and the ones that make things happen in their careers and relationships.
How are the cardinal signs different from each other?
Though being trailblazers are what unites these four signs, they’re also different enough from each other. Capricorns excel at knowing what needs to be done no matter how complex the situation, says Women’s Health Mag. Time is money to them, however, so they don’t have any patience for things that don’t serve them in any way, notes Cosmopolitan.
Aries are famously impulsive and impatient, but that’s also why they’re incredibly creative and innovative. They’re also self-starters, so they often make the first move in projects and relationships, typically because they don’t have the patience to wait for anyone else to do something, says Cosmopolitan.
Cancers take charge in a different, subconscious way, according to Women’s Health Mag. As emotional beings, they’re adept at helping people uncover insights about themselves that they have difficulty seeing. For this reason, they have the rare power of taking away obstructions that prevent people from realizing their true potential.
Lastly, Libras are social initiators, using their energy to regulate the room’s energy and vibes, says Women’s Health Mag. They know how to guide teams towards feeling at ease with each other, promoting harmony and balance. As a result, they foster the ideal environment for collaboration.
Sources used
Cosmpolitan, "Cardinal Signs: The CEOs of Your Group Chat"
Women's Health Mag, "What It Means If You're A Cardinal Sign In Astrology, According To Experts"
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