Elements, Modes and Polarities.

We've still barely scratched the surface layers of astrology as we've discussed the planets and houses and how those two work together.  Today I'm going to talk about the energies that make up the foundation and balance of each zodiac sign.  These characteristics are known as the elements, modalities and polarities.  ​

Elements are an obvious one for most, as they are the building blocks of life. They describe the main underlying themes and energetic traits of each sign. 

Air signs of Gemini, Libra and are intellectual, reasoning communicators. Air is hot and wet like spring. 
Fire signs of Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius are energetic, bold visionaries. Fire is hot and dry like summer.
Earth signs of Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn  are practical, grounded creators. Earth is cold and dry like autumn.
Water signs of Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces are emotive, perceptive dreamers. Water is cold and wet like winter.

---

​Modes are traits that describe the signs' relationship to the world and how they approach problems and coping strategies. They're best illustrated through their associations with the seasonal turning of the wheel.

Cardinal signs of Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn mark the beginnings of their respective seasons.  They're the idea generators and initiators of the zodiac, always on the move with focused aim toward new endeavors.
Fixed signs of Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius are at the center of each season.  They're stabilizing and consolidating, unmoving while they bring to form the concept which the Cardinal season started.
Mutable signs of Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces sit at the end of each season.  They are movable, bendable, flexible and unfocused, as they're between what's finished and what's to come. 

Polarities highlight how signs each have a complimentary opposite. Like the color wheel, if we mix opposite colors, they cancel each other out, but the pairs create a stunning contrast to the eye.  These visualizations will come in handy later on. Polarities go by a few names, such as positive or negative, active or passive, masculine or feminine. 

The active polarities are:
Aries (self, 1st house) -- Libra (others, 7th house)
Gemini (learning, 3rd house) -- Sagittarius (understanding, 9th house)
Leo (joys, 5th house) -- Aquarius (gifts, 11th house)

The passive polarities are:
Taurus (resources, 2nd house) -- Scorpio (expenditures, 8th house)
Cancer (concept, 4th house) -- Capricorn (contribution, 10th house)
Virgo (effort, 6th house) -- Pisces (rest, 12th house)

The elements, modalities and polarities show us a great deal about how a chart is balanced and how particular signs, planets and houses will influence each other. This is where we really start to see the intricate detail of each unique individual shining through.  

How are you feeling about your sun sign now?  Can you see how basic horoscopes are a flop for most people?  I hope the unfolding of this ancient system of insight is as illuminating and exciting for you as it is for me.