Is that clear? Good. Let’s take it a step farther now. Four triplicities and three quadruplicities separate the twelve zodiac signs into sub-groups. Don’t worry if this appears a little perplexing; there’s a method to the madness. Fire Signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius), Earth Signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn), Air Signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius), and Water Signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) are the four zodiac sign elements, each with three zodiac signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces). Fire signs are passionate and energetic, earth signs are practical and grounded, air signs are intelligent and inquiring, and water signs are intuitive and emotional, to name a few characteristics.
In This Article...
What are the four zodiac sign types?
The Elements of Astrology: Fire, Earth, Air, and Water Signs
- Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius are the fire signs.
- Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn are earth signs.
- Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius are air signs.
- Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces are all water signs.
What are the three types of astrological signs?
Cardinal signs, fixed signs, and changeable signs are the three major categories of zodiac signs. The zodiac sign’s three modalities are determined by how we function and express ourselves in the world. These three modalities each have four zodiac signs, one each from the fire, earth, air, and water elements, based on the properties of each zodiac sign.
What are the twelve different forms of astrology?
Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces are the 12 zodiac signs in order. Each zodiac sign has a symbol that dates back to Middle Ages Greek manuscripts. Let’s look at the zodiac symbols, constellations, and qualities in more detail.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
The ram is the constellation that represents Aries, the first of the twelve zodiac signs. You are adventurous, active, ambitious, and competitive if you were born under this sign. Aries are recognized for their agility and leadership abilities, as well as a tendency to be impetuous and blunt (due to the “fire” aspect).
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
Taurus is the second of the twelve zodiac signs, and the constellation Taurus represents it. You are dedicated, dependable, focused, and creative if you were born under this sign. Tauruses are noted for their intelligence, trustworthiness, and stubbornness (the sign is a bull, after all). Tauruses are notorious for questioning authority and seeking pleasure.
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
The constellation Gemini, which is made up of the Dioscurithe twins, Castor and Pollux, represents Gemini, the third of the twelve zodiac signs. You are active, expressive, intellectual, and playful if you were born under this sign. Geminis are recognized for their gregarious personalities and diverse interests, yet they have a (probably undeserved) reputation for being duplicitous.
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
The constellation Cancer, which is most typically pictured as a crab, represents Cancer, the fourth of the twelve zodiac signs. If you were born under this sign, you are brave, empathetic, protective, and perceptive. Cancers are noted for their tendency to be remote and passive-aggressive, as well as their caring nature.
Leo (July 23-August 22)
The lion is the constellation that represents Leo, the fifth of the twelve zodiac signs. You are vivacious, extroverted, and fiery if you were born under this sign. Leos are recognized for their warm personalities and great self-esteem, although they can be proud or jealous at times.
Virgo (August 23-September 22)
The virgin is the constellation that represents Virgo, the sixth of the twelve zodiac signs. You are practical, analytical, and sophisticated if you were born under this sign. Virgos are recognized for their generosity and meticulous attention to detail, yet they may also be introverted and have unrealistic expectations for themselves and their loved ones.
Libra (September 23-October 22)
The scales, the only inanimate constellation, represents Libra, the seventh of the twelve zodiac signs. You are thought to be balanced, social, and diplomatic if you were born under this sign. Libras are recognized for their selflessness and camaraderie, although they can be overly pragmatic and insecure at times.
Scorpio (October 23-November 21)
Scorpio is the eighth of the twelve zodiac signs, and it is symbolized by the scorpion constellation. You are loyal, resourceful, and dedicated if you were born under this sign. Scorpios are recognized for their boldness and pioneering spirit, but they may be abrasive and walled off to strangers.
Sagittarius (November 22-December 21)
The archer is the constellation that represents Sagittarius, the ninth of the twelve zodiac signs. If you were born under this sign, you are cheerful, self-reliant, and intellectual. Sagittariuses are noted for their magnetic qualities and generosity, yet they can also be arrogant and direct.
Capricorn (December 22-January 19)
Capricorn is the tenth of the twelve zodiac signs, and it is symbolized by the sea goat constellation. If you were born under this sign, you are patient, hardworking, and disciplined. Capricorns are recognized for their tenacity and fondness for boundaries and regulations, but they may be stubborn and too concerned with perfection.
Aquarius (January 20-February 18)
Aquarius is the eleventh of the twelve zodiac signs, and it is symbolized by the water carrier constellation. If you were born under this sign, you are thought to be creative, loyal, and unique. Aquariuses are recognized for their rebellious temperament and ingenuity, but they can be aloof and unyielding with loved ones.
Pisces (February 19-March 20)
Pisces is the last of the twelve zodiac signs, and it is symbolized by the fishes constellation. You are intuitive, artistic, and sympathetic if you were born under this sign. Pisces are famed for their empathy and artistic abilities, yet they can also be overly sensitive or delusional.
What is the difference between the two sorts of zodiac signs?
Although decans or decanates are no longer used, each sign can be divided into three ten-sector segments known as decans or decanates. The sign ruler rules the first decanate, which is said to be most emphatically of its own nature. In the same triplicity, the planet controlling the next sign sub-rules the next decanate. In the same triplicity, the final decanate is sub-ruled by the next in succession.
While a sign’s element and modality are sufficient to characterize it, they might be grouped to reveal its symbolism. Personal signs are made up of the first four signs: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, and Cancer. The group of interpersonal signs is made up of the next four signs: Leo, Virgo, Libra, and Scorpio. The transpersonal signs are Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces, the last four signs of the zodiac.
Dane Rudhyar discussed the tropical zodiac fundamental factors, which are covered in the RASA School of Astrology’s curriculum. The tropical zodiac, as opposed to the sidereal zodiac, is the zodiac of seasonal variables (constellation factors). The fundamental seasonal elements are determined by the shifting light-dark ratio throughout the year. The first consideration is whether the selected time falls during the half of the year when daylight increases or during the half of the year when darkness increases. The second consideration is whether the chosen date comes during the half of the year when there is more daylight than darkness, or during the half of the year when there is more darkness than daylight. The third factor is the season in which the chosen time falls, which is determined by the first two factors. Thus
- The winter season is when the amount of daylight increases and the amount of darkness decreases.
- The spring season is when the amount of daylight increases and the amount of darkness decreases.
- The summer season is when the amount of daylight is greater than the amount of darkness.
- The autumn season is marked by an increase in darkness, with more darkness than daylight.
What are the characteristics of air signs?
Air signs are recognized for being expert communicators and for disseminating ideas. They are “change agents” who are very intelligent but have their heads in the clouds.
As the twins point out, “When things get stale, air signals give everyone a breath of fresh air. You can’t quite catch them, like the air, and you never know where they’ll dump you once they’ve swept you up. However, it will virtually always be an experience.”
These signs thrive on fascinating discourse, and communication is a common element in both their love and non-romantic relationships, as well as their professional lives. They’re usually bright and funny people who enjoy socializing and don’t want to sit still for lengthy periods of time.
While their free-spirited attitude is bound to keep things exciting, air signs must be careful not to become dispersed, as their “all over the place” energy can leave them feeling ungrounded.
What are the differences between fixed and changeable signs?
There are four different elements in the 12 zodiac signs: fire, earth, air, and water. When you break each ingredient down, you’re left with three distinct categories.
Each zodiac sign has its own set of strengths, limitations, and operating methods. Because each potential zodiac sign occurs at a different period of the year and represents a distinct characteristic of that season, this is the case.
Spring, summer, autumn, and winter are the four seasons of the Earth’s yearly cycle. We can see that the year begins (in the Northern Hemisphere) with fiery Aries season and ends with delicate Pisces season by aligning the zodiac signs in the correct order. When we consider these seasonal shifts, we notice something remarkable and lovely: the zodiac signs likewise reflect the changing seasons throughout the year.
The many stages in the year’s seasonal cycle are referred to as zodiac sign qualities (sometimes known as modalities or triplicities). Seasons begin with the zodiac signs of the cardinal signs. Each season is fully embodied by fixed zodiac signs. The mutable zodiac signs bring one season to a close and usher us into the next.
Beyond this concept, there are many fascinating components to the zodiac sign attributes, as a modality that also provides insight into how someone interacts with individuals and groups.
Keep in mind that astrology isn’t simply for predicting life events, though it excels at it. It’s about gaining a deeper knowledge of who we are and how we interact.
What are the differences between fixed and cardinal signs?
Modalities are a less well-known approach of breaking down the indications (also known as quadruplicities since there are four zodiac signs in each group). There are three modalities in astrology: cardinal, fixed, and changeable. These are the distinct ways that each sign expresses its energy, reacts to situations, and navigates through life. Here’s how they’re divided:
- Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn are the four cardinal signs.
- Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius are fixed signs.
- Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces are all mutable signs.
If you were throwing a dinner party, for example, it might go something like this: The ones who arrange the date, send out invitations, organize the guest list, and choose the cuisine are Cardinal signs. The workhorses who buy, cook, and set the table would be the fixed signs. Mutable signs would be the ones to tie it all together at the end, putting the finishing touches on the tablescape and making sure it’s just right.
So, what is the modality of your Sun sign? Are the majority of your planets in cardinal, fixed, or changeable signs in your birth chart? Here’s a rundown of what each of them entails.