The Triplicities, also known as the Qualities

If you've spent any time reading about the signs of the zodiac, you've probably seen a reference to a sign's quality or element. In this lesson we'll focus on the three qualities; in the next lesson, we'll discuss the elements.

Each of the 12 signs of the zodiac is a unique combination of quality and element. The qualities are ascribed to each sign in the order listed below, starting with Aries as Cardinal and ending with Pisces as Mutable. By studying the combination of quality and element that compose each of the signs, you'll gain a better understanding of the sign's personality. And, an understanding of qualities and elements will help you better understand aspects, which will be covered in a future lesson.

In an astrological chart, it is helpful to have a happy balance of the three qualities, although that doesn't necessarily occur. The presence of planets in Cardinal signs gives one the ability to initiate, but if you don't have any fixed planets to give you the endurance to finish what you start, then all that initiating energy is for naught. Similarly, a collection of planets in fixed signs makes it easy to stay the course, but makes it difficult to start off in new directions if there is a lack of cardinal signs or to diversify due to a lack of mutable planets. Those with a collection of mutable planets may lack the determination to finish any of the myriad of projects in which they're entrenched. If you lack a particular quality in your chart, pay close attention to those who are heavily weighted in that quality. On the one hand they may drive you crazy, but if you look at them objectively, you'll realize you have a lot to learn from them.

The Qualities

Do you remember back in your general science class when you learned about the laws of motion? If not, let's refresh your memory. They state that: 1) An object in motion tends to remain in motion unless acted upon by an outside force. 2) An object at rest tends to remain at rest unless acted upon by an outside force. With that in mind let's talk about the three qualities of the signs: cardinal, fixed and mutable.

Cardinal signs are the equivalent of the first law of motion as stated above. They are the signs that initiate. They are forward-looking, tend toward spontaneity and are often quite resourceful. In keeping with their pioneering, independent nature, they're ambitious, aggressive, expressive and enthusiastic. Due to the urge to get things accomplished, they're not the most patient – tending at times toward an almost childlike impetuousness. To those of a more tame nature they can come across as intense and easily dissatisfied, especially if not given leeway to forge ahead. Cardinal signs are more likely to live in the moment, as they see no value in dwelling on the past or fantasizing about the future, since neither of these can be changed. Cardinal and mutable signs are least likely to allow grass to grow under their feet. The cardinal signs are: Aries (Fire), Cancer (Water), Libra (Air) and Capricorn (Earth).

Fixed signs represent the second law of motion, that of an object at rest. These signs are stable, consistent, reliable, dependable, persistent and determined. Because they tend to remain in place, they are more likely to accumulate, just as one accumulates 'stuff' the longer you live in one home. (As we move, we tend to purge, so we don't have as much weighing us down.)

Fixed signs are possessive, known for their reserve of power and energy, and can be prone to inertia. After all, they are sitting in one place. They possess the stubbornness of a mule. From the perspective of time they're more apt to dwell upon the past, since they are attached to where they are rooted. If these signs are to make major changes in their lives they often have to be catapulted into a change, because their habits have so entrenched them into their current mindset. The Fixed signs are: Taurus (Earth), Leo (Fire), Scorpio (Water) and Aquarius (Air).

Mutable signs, also known in classical astrology as the common signs, are the adaptable signs. They represent the outside force that can impact a body in motion or a body at rest, therefore causing a change in momentum or direction. These are the versatile jugglers, able to don hats of many trades. With the possible exception of Pisces, which is highly sensitive and reflective, the mutable signs tend to be analytical and mental. They lean toward duality, thereby making them restless and sometimes diffuse and indecisive. Due to their love of variety they can get scattered, and aren't nearly as reliable and dependable as the fixed signs, with the possible exception of Virgo. Impressionability and congeniality are also classic trademarks of this quality. With such fertile minds and imagination, they tend to live more in the realm of the future. The Mutable signs are: Gemini (Air), Virgo (Earth), Sagittarius (Fire) and Pisces (Water).

Kathryn L. Silverton is an Atlanta area astrologer. She may be contacted for consultations at 770.931.2577 or kls@planetaryperceptions.com