Brief History
Discover the rich history of this ancient
study.
The Planets Learn more about each of the heavenly bodies.
The Elements
Understand the four elements and the zodiac
signs they rule.
The Three Qualities Each sign of the zodiac is assigned to one
of three qualities.
The Twelve Sectors Different areas of your life and personality
are influenced by the planets.
Qualities of the Cardinal Signs:
Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn
As the "scout signs" which generate the
seasons, cardinal signs govern creativity. These signs are
restless, active, self-motivated, ambitious, and they often
are the leaders in their communities. They can be a bit domineering,
but that comes part and parcel with their best qualities of
being enterprising, independent, creative, spontaneous and
forceful.
Here's how each sign's unique mix of Quality
and Element influence how they express their Cardinal nature.
Aries:
Cardinal Quality, Fire Element: An Aries' role is to project
himself upon the world through firsthand experiences. Self-expression
is paramount to this pioneering sign, and Aries likes to see
how far he can go in exploring, discovering and experimenting
with the world around him. Aries' fire element gives him supreme
faith in himself along with a fierce sense of courage. His
Cardinal nature makes him restless and in need of change for
the sake of change. He is assertive too, and manages to get
himself known in a fairly short time. Says Aries, "If I don't
attract some attention to myself, how is anyone going to know
me?" Right on, Aries! We can all learn from you. True to form,
Aries does get to know the right people. (In Aries' case,
the "right" ones tend to be venture capitalists or high level
muckety-mucks who can make some splendid introductions for
them!) Where would we be without Aries daredevils to push
us forward?
Cancer:
Cardinal Quality, Water Element: Cancer's role is to actively
explore the entire realm of human emotion. That Cancer is
both Cardinal and Water motivates this sign to explore new
emotional states and experiences. As a Water sign, Cancer
is the most subtle of the Cardinal signs when expressing his
independence and ambition. But don't be fooled--those qualities
are just as powerful within Cancer as in the other Cardinal
signs, no matter how gentle a Cancer outwardly appears.
Astrologers often describe Cancer as moody,
which can be true at times, but that description oversimplifies
Cancers' rich textural nature and their ability to accept,
initiate or even embrace change when they feel it is necessary.
They have a capacity for sympathy and compassion that is unmatched
by any other sign except fellow water sign Pisces. Cancers
have a wide emotional spectrum, and they generally experience
an inner life that combines higher highs and lower lows than
the rest of us. Cancer wouldn't have it any other way!
Libra:
Cardinal Quality, Air Element: Libras are great matchmakers
and know how to get things cooking by introducing individuals
to one another in relaxed social situations. This sign mixes
with lots of people and communicates often, so a Libra alone
is a bit of an oxymoron, or a bit like the sound of one hand
clapping! Bewildered Libra would wonder what happened to the
other hand. Trying to do anything without the "other half"
of the unit seems pointless to them. Libras do their best
work bouncing ideas off others and working in partnerships
or team situations. Their active, authoritative, Cardinal
quality brings them in contact with successful over-achievers
like themselves, so they quickly build a data base of influential
friends, associates, and contacts. (Need an introduction to
advance your pet project? Ask a Libra for help--they will
throw a party or arrange a lunch.) Since they're Cardinal,
Libras can be bossy, but they express their dominance in such
a charming way that others become easily (sometimes joyfully)
wrapped around Libra's little fingers.
Capricorn:
Cardinal Quality, Earth Element: Capricorn is a Cardinal
sign who initiates activity with the end result in mind. They
are not impulsive or impetuous--the Capricorn Earth nature
sets goals and plans carefully. Unlike fellow Earth sign Taurus,
a sign motivated by money, Capricorn's motivation is to maintain
and improve their reputations. Prestige is candy to Capricorn,
for they love being respected for their work. Anything they
put their name on has to be the best they can do. They work
with almost the same dedication and obsession of a Virgo (OK,
I concede that Virgo is hard to beat in area of obsession
and perfection.) Gaining honor or fame for its own sake will
always interest Capricorn, especially if the position allows
them to use their substantial leadership abilities. Why would
a practical Capricorn accept a high profile position without
a big salary attached? Earthy Capricorn realizes they can
leverage the title for more responsibility and compensation
later. Some people say that each of us is only two phone calls
away from people in power. If that is true, and you want to
reach someone high up in the stratosphere (the White House?)
call your Capricorn first. They know all the right people--and
eventually become part of the inner circle themselves.
