The Signs

The Signs and their attributes are, in order from the Spring Equinox:

  

	Aries			Cancer		Libra		Capricorn
	Taurus			Leo		Scorpio		Aquarius
	Gemini			Virgo		Sagittarius		Pisces

The yearly cycle of Nature, within which we are born, live, and die, provides for us the opportunities to learn of ourselves and our environment. The measure of those opportunities is, in general, the Seasons; more specifically, in the traditional construct of astrology, it is the Zodiacal Signs. From the interaction of these two measures, there arises the modern astrological conceptual structure of cyclical development. This structure applies the traditional four Elements of antiquity with the notion of a tripartite Modality, so that the Signs can be understood in relation to one another, and to the great cycle of which they are a part.

The four Elements are Fire, Earth, Air, and Water. They can be seen to correspond to four basic attributes of the universe: matter, energy, space and time. The Element Fire corresponds with energy, Earth with matter, Air with space, and Water with time.

In the Element Fire, energy emerges as Life Force.

In the Element Earth, matter manifests as the Physical Realm.

In the Element Air, space is seen as Patterns and Relationships.

In the Element Water, time becomes Process and Development.

The three Modes are Cardinal, Fixed, and Mutable. These can be understood by visualizing three concentric realms around a given point.

Cardinality is the innermost realm that deals with the immediate, the events and circumstances in the present time.

Fixedness is the intermediate realm that deals with the abstract, the standards and ideals involved.

Mutability is the outermost realm that deals with the eventual, the potentials of resolution that are inherent.

Look again at the list of Signs; several patterns emerge. Each season contains three Signs, beginning with a Sign in the Cardinal Mode. Thus, Spring contains Aries, Taurus, and Gemini; Summer contains Cancer, Leo, and Virgo; Fall contains Libra, Scorpio, and Sagittarius; Winter contains Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces. Each season is governed by the Element of the Sign introducing it, and contains two other Elements in the other two Modes. The Element not included in any given season is the one that governs the following season, and that concludes the preceding season. These patterns and others create the integrity of the structure of the yearly cycle of the Signs.

 

Spring is governed by the Element Fire, and so is concerned with the unfolding of the life force.

Aries, as Cardinal Fire, represents the immediacy of manifest life force. The Sign provides the opportunity for learning about action as opposed to being. Thus, Aries is the arena in which life energy impacts the environment. In essence, Aries represents genesis.

Taurus, as Fixed Earth, represents the standards and ideals of the physical realm. The Sign provides the opportunity for learning about the essence of manifest physicality. Thus, Taurus is the arena in which life takes on physicality. In essence, Taurus represents establishment.

Gemini, as Mutable Air, represents the potentiality of patterns and relationships. The Sign provides the opportunity for learning about interaction as a means to verify reality. Thus, Gemini is the arena in which life acquires the capacity for self-awareness, and becomes an entity in its own right. In essence, Gemini represents connection.

 

Summer is governed by the Element Water, and so is concerned with the unfolding of process and development.

Cancer, as Cardinal Water, represents the immediacy of process and development. The Sign provides the opportunity for learning about the environment in its own right. Thus, Cancer is the arena in which an entity encounters the reality of that which it is not. In essence, Cancer represents experience.

Leo, as Fixed Fire, represents the standards and ideals of manifest life. The Sign provides the opportunity for learning of the power of the life force. Thus, Leo is the arena in which an entity exercises capacities and abilities, and thereby acquires self-definition. In essence, Leo represents identity.

Virgo, as Mutable Earth, represents the potentials inherent in the physical realm. The Sign provides the opportunity for learning what is possible in the state of manifestation. Thus, Virgo is the arena in which an entity strives for completion as an individual. In essence, Virgo represents refinement.

 

Fall is governed by the Element Air, and so is concerned with the unfolding of patterns and relationships.

Libra, as Cardinal Air, represents the immediacy of patterns and relationships. The Sign provides the opportunity for learning of the requirements inherent in interaction with other than self. Thus, Libra is the arena in which the individual acquires adaptability in order to achieve a stable place in the environment. In essence, Libra represents balance.

Scorpio, as Fixed Water, represents the standards and ideals of experience. The Sign provides the opportunity for learning of the boundaries of the environment and the limitations inherent therein. Thus, Scorpio is the arena in which the individual seeks to discover the scope of what is possible. In essence, Scorpio represents extension.

Sagittarius, as Mutable Fire, represents the potentials inherent in the manifest life force. The Sign provides the opportunity for learning of the implications of manifest life force in the environment. Thus, Sagittarius is the arena in which the individual faces the prospects of mature citizenship within the universe. In essence, Sagittarius represents authority and responsibility.

 

Winter is governed by the Element Earth, and so is concerned with the unfolding of the physical realm.

Capricorn, as Cardinal Earth, represents the immediacy of the physical realm. The Sign provides the opportunity for learning of the requirements for interaction with the manifest universe. Thus, Capricorn is the arena in which the citizen takes up duty and destiny. In essence, Capricorn represents assumptions and expectations.

Aquarius, as Fixed air, represents the standards and ideals of patterns and relationships. The Sign provides the opportunity for learning of the mechanics of the larger scope of things. Thus, Aquarius is the arena in which the citizen addresses issues larger than the immediate environment. In essence, Aquarius represents insight.

Pisces, as Mutable Water, represents the potentials inherent in process and development. The Sign provides the opportunity for learning of transmuting change, that one becomes the totality of one's life experience. Thus, Pisces is the arena in which the citizen assumes the reality of universality, and faces the loss of individuality. In essence, Pisces represents emergence.