18
Understanding the Sun Signs
Like any truly satisfying system, astrology classifies and interprets its basic components in a number of ways. The twelve signs can be split into two groups, each of which is associated with a positive or negative polarity. They can be organized into three groups, each of which has been assigned a quality or modality — cardinal, fixed, or mutable. Most famously, they can be divided into four groups, each of which is associated with an element: fire, earth, air, or water.
Polarity: Dividing the zodiac by two
Beginning with Aries, six positive or masculine signs alternate with six negative or feminine signs. The sexist language, I regret to say, is traditional. Many astrologers use the terms yin and yang instead. Call them what you will, both qualities are part of every individual’s chart. The meanings are as follows:
Positive or yang signs — Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius, and Aquarius — are more extroverted, objective, assertive, feisty, energetic, and determined.
Negative or yin signs — Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn, and Pisces — are more introverted, subjective, receptive, reflective, open, and nurturing.
Modality: Dividing the zodiac by three
The zodiac can also be divided into three groups, each with its own way of interacting with the world, its own mode of operation or modality. The three modalities — cardinal, fixed, and mutable — occur in a repeating sequence: first a cardinal sign, then a fixed sign, then a mutable sign.
The Cardinal signs are natural leaders, enterprising and encouraging, initiating change, and making things happen. The cardinal signs are Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn.
The Fixed signs are focused, persistent, and firm. They are Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius.
The Mutable signs adapt and adjust. They are known for flexibility and resilience. Those signs are Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces.
Elements: Dividing the zodiac by four
Allocating each sign to one of the four ancient elements of Western thought is probably the most well-known and evocative method of classification. The four elements are fire, earth, air, and water.
Fire is the first of the traditional elements, and you don’t need to be an astrologer to guess what it means. Ancient astrologers associated fire with the forces of creation. That association stands. Fire brings vitality, activity, and desire. It generates heat. People born under these dynamic signs are vigorous and courageous. They’re also restless and impatient. And they have trouble accepting limits — which may be why they’re prone to burn out. The fire signs are Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius.
Earth signs turn the spark of fire into something tangible. Cautious where fire is bold, earth signs are sensible, productive, and materialistic — and I don’t mean that in a bad way. Sensuous and responsive, they understand and respect material things, including nature. They are attuned to reality, and they get things done. The earth signs are Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn.
Air enlivens the intellect and enhances sociability. Those born under its influence are bright, curious, versatile, and intellectually restless, always collecting information, trying out ideas, and connecting people. They revel in conversation and are supremely social. The air signs are Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius.
Water amplifies emotions and awareness. Vulnerable and receptive, those born under its influence are highly sensitive and often swamped by their feelings. They’re intuitive, empathetic, and instinctively responsive to the emotional atmosphere. They also tend to have a spiritual bent. The water signs are Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces.
Putting the zodiac back together
Once you know the order of the signs, it’s easy to assign them their correct polarity, modality, and element. You don’t have to bother memorizing them because those classifications always occur in sequence, as you can clearly see in Table 1-2. Even if you know nothing else about a sign, those classifications tell you a lot.
TABLE 1-2 The Qualities of the Signs
| Sign | Polarity | Modality | Element |
| Aries | Positive | Cardinal | Fire |
| Taurus | Negative | Fixed | Earth |
| Gemini | Positive | Mutable | Air |
| Cancer | Negative | Cardinal | Water |
| Leo | Positive | Fixed | Fire |
| Virgo | Negative | Mutable | Earth |
| Libra | Positive | Cardinal | Air |
| Scorpio | Negative | Fixed | Water |
| Sagittarius | Positive | Mutable | Fire |
| Capricorn | Negative | Cardinal | Earth |
| Aquarius | Positive | Fixed | Air |
| Pisces | Negative | Mutable |
|
