Of each of these elemental groups or triplicities there are three types, or qualities, as shown in the previous
arrangement: the Cardinal or Initiative signs, the Fixed or Executive signs, and the Mutable or Deductive signs.
As there are four of each, these are known as the Quadruplicities.
Key words often associated with the twelve Signs are:
..Aries:....Aspiration...|..Libra:.......Equilibrium
..Taurus:...Integration..|..Scorpio:.....Creativity
..Gemini:...Vivification.|..Sagittarius:.Administration
..Cancer:...Expansion....|..Capricorn:...Discrimination
..Leo:......Assurance....|..Aquarius:....Loyalty
..Virgo:....Assimilation.|..Pisces:......Appreciation
Another classification into four groups representing the four seasons, is known as the Trinities:
..Intellectual..Maternal....Reproductive....Serving
..(Spring)......(Summer)....(Autumn)........(Winter)
..1. Aries......4. Cancer...7. Libra........10. Capricorn
..2. Taurus.....5. Leo......8. Scorpio......11. Aquarius
..3. Gemini.....6. Virgo....9. Sagittarius..12. Pisces
Cardinal Signs. So called because they are placed at the East, West, North and South points of the astrological
figure, hence compare to the four Cardinal points of the compass-the points usually marked by a red arrow.
They are variously termed, the Leading, Movable, Acute, Changeable or Initiating signs or types, and as they
represent the active temperament are said to partake of the nature of the Ascendant.
Fixed Signs, because they represent a balance of conflicting forces, are more uniformly referred to as the Fixed
or Grave signs or Executive types; although occasionally referred to as the "foundation" signs - those which
most distinctly typify each element, because of which they were said to have been dominant in the formulation
of the Mosaic laws. They have also been called the Seismic or "earthquake" signs, on the assumption that
earthquakes most frequently occur when the Sun or Moon is in a Fixed sign. They are the power-houses of the
zodiac - reservoirs of energy; the Formators of the Chaldeans, the Cherubim of the Hebrews - the builders of
the world. The fixed sign tenacity is depended upon to support or stabilize the leading signs.
Mutable Signs, representing the arcs in which there is a perpetual condition of slowing down in readiness to
turn a corner; a mobilization for action, and the indecision which results or accompanies it; were symbolized by
concepts which would express this duality - the twins, the two deep-water sea-horses, or the half-man, half-