Like the elements (refer to: The
Elements) there are a number of methods to weigh the
qualities of a natal chart.
Looking at the balance of the quadruplicities
in a chart can give a general feel for how an individual
utilises the energy available to them. For example, a person
with cardinal signs heavily emphasised but with very little
fixed sign focus, and no mutable sign activity at all. This
person would most probably be full of enthusiasm for life
and could have many new projects and ideas to work on at
any given time. The lack of other qualities (fixed & mutable)
could indicate that the person has difficulty in following
through on these plans and ideas, and possibly finds it
difficult to adjust these plans to suit reality and challenges.
In many cases that I have been involved with, a lack of
a quality is often compensated for within a relationship
where the other person has a heavy emphasis on the missing
quality.
Generally speaking the quadruplicities represent
the three basic qualities of life: cardinal (creation);
fixed (preservation); and mutable (adjustment). In other
words a project, phase, or relationship begins, then takes
on form or structure, and finally needs to be reorganised
as circumstances change and begin again. So the cardinal,
fixed, mutable process continues as a time goes on.
Cardinal:
(Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn)
Those heavily influenced by the cardinal signs
tend to be full of initiative, have no problems in beginning
new projects and are usually quite busy with new plans.
Within a group setting, the cardinal signs are most likely
to lead others through their enthusiasm for the group's
aim. The energy expressed through this quality is powerful,
but usually short lived - a bit like when a match is struck
- there is that initial burst of flame that is big but dies
down quickly.
Aries tends to express it's cardinality through
the world of firsthand experience and pioneering activity.
Cancer seems to be motivated by activities that
satisfy their moods and emotional needs.
Libra tends to be motivated by the need for inspiring
communication between both individuals and groups.
Capricorn tends to express itself through achieving
material rewards and be motivated by results.
Key Words:
* initiating energy * drive not sustained
for long * enterprising * use direct approach * initiate
change * uncooperative * assertive * aggressive * creative
* self-conscious * independent * self-seeking * impatient
with others * unaware of desires outside of self * ruthless
* opportunist.
Fixed (Taurus,
Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius)
Those heavily influenced by the fixed quality
are great at using their energy to keep long term projects
running smoothly and for situations that require patience.
These people also find change difficult, even when they
consciously know they need it! Using the match example
again, I would see the fixed signs representing the flame
that slowly but steadily burns through the matchstick until
it reaches the end.
Taurus seems to have a need to hold on to it's
resources and material possessions.
Leo tends towards having a very strong style
of self-expression and fixed image of themselves.
Scorpio usually has very strong, fixed feelings
about people and ideas.
Aquarius can be unusually fixed in their opinions
about anyone or anything.
Key Words:
* energy used to keep something going * persistent
* staying power * solid * determined * doesn't know when
to stop * not good at starting things * resists change *
great power * can withstand great pressure * stable * long-lasting
* slow * reliable * preserver of traditions * inflexible
* hoarder * fanatical.
Mutable (Gemini,
Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces)
Mutable people are normally flexible, adaptable
and great at changing to suit their circumstances at various
points in life. Their resourcefulness and versatility are
a couple of mutable signs' skills, although if taken too
far can swing towards being scattered and disoriented. This
quality seems to need the direction and/or structure of
the cardinal and fixed qualities to give it direction. Using
the match example again, once the fire reaches the end of
the matchstick and the fire extinguishes this process produces
smoke - the fire has changed form once it has met a change
in circumstances.
Gemini tends to display it's versatility and
adaptability through a constant change of mind and ideas.
Virgo may spend it's mutable energy on finding
the 'right' occupation or service that allows the use
of it's many talents.
Sagittarius tends to seek adventures in life
that will satisfy it's philosophical or religious questionings.
Pisces seems to constantly change in trying to
adapt to it's own changing feelings and the moods of others.
Key Words:
* adaptable * flighty * weak-willed * less
likely to confront * easily copes with change * flexible
* learning through change * involved with serving * evasive
* can make the most out of the least * can see all sides
to issue * loses sense of self and purpose * can exaggerate
* lack of perseverance * sees details, but not whole.
Reference:
Oken, Alan 1988, Alan Oken's Complete Astrology,
Bantam Books, United States & Canada, pp. 41 - 45.
