The Cardinal Mode
The twelve signs of the zodiac are divided into three categories or modes, cardinal, fixed and mutable.
Michael Meyer in his Handbook for the Humanistic Astrologer, describes the cardinal mode as the mode that 'is the form of energy expressed at the equinoxes
and the solstices. It refers to the principle of change and momentum.
It represents active and intense life experiences. It generates Power. '
The cardinal signs; Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn, govern the changes of the season and the cardinal points of the compass. The cardinal mode then, is regarded as dynamic, initiatory, passionate energy that promotes action and provides strong and clear direction.The strength of this mode is motivation, it's weakness is its haste.
The cardinal houses, or succedent houses as they are more correctly named are the first, fourth, seventh and tenth houses.
While consideration is given to the weighting of the zodiac mode, the weighting of the house modes is often passed over by astrologers, however the house highlights the areas of life where you will focus your energy and as such it is often helpful to be mindful of the balance of energy they contain as this can increase your understanding of your basic motivations.
The Fixed Mode
The twelve signs of the zodiac are divided into three categories or modes, cardinal, fixed and mutable.
Michael Meyer in his Handbook for the Humanistic Astrologer, describes the fixed mode as the mode that 'concentrates and focuses energy, thus symbolising
the principle of definition and structure. It projects the Cardinal
experience, giving it depth and meaning. It concentrates power for future use.'
The fixed signs, Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius govern the middle month of each season. These signs tend to offer stability, accumulation and determination and tend to stick to their guns once they have made a decision; which often results in them getting a reputation for being stubborn. The strength of this mode is its consistency, it's weakness is inflexibility.
The fixed houses, or succedent houses as they are more correctly named are the second, fifth, eighth and eleventh houses.
While consideration is given to the weighting of the zodiac mode, the weighting of the house modes is often passed over by astrologers, however the house highlights the areas of life where you will focus your energy and as such it is often helpful to be mindful of the balance of energy they contain as this can increase your understanding of your basic motivations.
The Mutable Mode
The twelve signs of the zodiac are divided into three categories or modes, cardinal, fixed and mutable.
Michael Meyer in his Handbook for the Humanistic Astrologer, describes the cardinal mode as the mode that 'distributes the energy that has been concentrated
and focused by the Fixed mode. It symbolises the principle of flexibility and adaptation. Actually, it attempts to make a new integration of body, mind and soul, working with the energy of the other two modes. It symbolises the principle of flexibility and adaptation. Actually, it attempts to make a new integration of body, mind and soul, working with the energy of the other two modes '
The mutable signs; Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces, represent the closing month of each season. These signs encompass some of the characteristics from the cardinal and fixed signs, as such they possess the ability to oscilate between extroversion and introversion, their purpose is to complete the work of the season and plan for the next season. The mutable mode is receptive to change, versatile and adaptable, people with a strong mutable influence tend to be mobile, open-minded and natural mediators.The strength of this mode is diversity, it's weakness is instability and avoidance of conflict.
The mutable houses, or cadent houses as they are more correctly named are the third, sixth, ninth and twelfth houses.
While consideration is given to the weighting of the zodiac mode, the weighting of the house modes is often passed over by astrologers, however the house highlights the areas of life where you will focus your energy and as such it is often helpful to be mindful of the balance of energy they contain as this can increase your understanding of your basic motivations.
