Elements, Polarities and Modalities
The signs of the Zodiac can be broken down into three basic components that create the qualities and attributes of the signs. They are polarities, elements (aka triplicities) and modalities (aka quadruplicities). They also describe how a planet will express itself during it’s stay in one of the zodiacal signs.
The Polarities describe the gender of a sign, i.e., whether the sign is male or female, Ying or yang, active or receptive. Masculine signs are associated with swift action and they get up and make things happen. They are more driven
and action orientated. The feminine energy is slower, more introverted and draws things to it. The masculine signs seek to make things happen and create change, The female signs, nurture and build security.
The elements (triplicities) refer to a sign’s primary quality or basic substance. The elements are fire, air, earth or water.
The Fire element is dynamic, active, it inspires others, it radiates and is enthusiastic.
The air element likes to share ideas, connect and communicate with others, it also has an objective quality and is restless.
The Earth element is focused on stability and foundations, it’s grounded, pragmatic and organised.
The water element is concerned with feeling secure and safe, it’s also concerned with emotions and wants to connect deeply and is intuitive.
The Modalities (quadruplicities) tells us how a sign takes action and are characterised by the cycles of the seasons based on the northern hemisphere.
The cardinal signs are when the Sun enters a sign at the beginning of a season and therefore are associated with beginnings and starting things. They are driven to initiate and take action. They are dynamic, impatient and move from one thing to the next easily.
The fixed signs are in the middle of a season, they are stable and like to keep the status quo. They react in a steady, cautious manner and don’t give up easily.
Mutable signs are at the end of a season. They are associated with change, transitions, and like to make new connection. They get things done in an indirect fashion and are flexible and open to change.
Below is a list of the signs and their modalities, polarities and elements.
Aries: Masculine, Cardinal and Fire
Taurus: Feminine, Fixed and Earth
Gemini: Masculine, Mutable and Air
Cancer: Feminine, Cardinal and Water
Leo: Masculine, Fixed and Fire
Virgo: Feminine, Mutable and Earth
Libra: Masculine, Cardinal and Air
Scorpio: Feminine, Fixed and Water
Sagittarius: Masculine, Mutable and Fire
Capricorn: Feminine, Cardinal and Earth
Aquarius: Masculine, fixed and Air
Pisces: Feminine, Mutable and water