Elements and modalities are terms used to assign a specific characteristic to a sign. Traditionally referred to as quadruplicities and triplicities, each sign has a certain trait that is in their nature.
This is useful not only in understanding your own nature but also the synastry between you and another. It’s also crucial in understanding why some signs are the way they are and why they function in a specific way, relative to the planet of expression.
Elements or Triplicities
FIRE ELEMENTS
Aries, Leo and Sagittarius
Bold. Passionate. Quick to anger. Goes from 0 to 100 in an instant. Needs that extra flair of oomph in their lives and they live for it. The fire in them is always there, big or small. They will be able to work things they enjoy passionately and ‘make the fire bigger’.
AIR ELEMENTS
Libra, Aquarius, Gemini
Sociable. Intellectual. Imaginative. They are the ones who are friends with everybody but they might not necessarily consider you a friend, instead more of an acquaintance.
EARTH ELEMENTS
Capricorn, Taurus, Virgo
Stable. Logical. Sensible. They are very reliable and the only element where it goes one straight line. You know what to expect from them and know they can deliver it.
WATER ELEMENTS
Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
Emotional. Intuitive. They feel emotions very deeply. Even if a situation is not happening to them, they feel as if whatever is going on, is indeed happening to them. They feel it. There is also an inner knowing about things, as if their ‘sixth sense’ is telling them about something.
Modalities or Quadruplicities
CARDINALS
Aries, Libra, Capricorn, Cancer
Initiates change. These signs start things easily but has little to no interest to maintain or end things.
FIXED
Leo, Aquarius, Taurus, Scorpio
Carries out tasks and maintains it well. Stubborn. Has their own mind about things. Firm. Solid.
MUTABLE
Sagittarius, Gemini, Virgo, Pisces
Usually prefers to close off cycles. Not one to start or maintain things. Often gets override by others. Double-bodied.
Elements and modalities will allow you to understand the foundation of your nature, before you dive deeper into your own characteristics and personality. These are just basic interpretations, broad brush strokes if you will. Looking at any aspects the stars are making with each other will greatly impact the birth chart as a whole.
Leave a Reply