ASSESSING BALANCE IN YOUR CHART

The 12 signs are grouped according to two polarities, four elements, and three modes. Each is a unique combination of these. The overall balance of polarity, element, and mode in your chart gives powerful information about your personality and what motivates you.

THE TWO POLARITIES: POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE

+ The positive signs have an extroverted and upbeat quality, being outwardly oriented and needing the stimulus of external activity and interaction.

 - The negative signs are more introverted and low-key, focused on interior experience.

There is no judgment attached to the terms here. We can think of them as similar to the Chinese philosophy of yang and yin, equal and complementary.

The four elements: fire, earth, air, and water

Fire is bold and dramatic, generating heat and energy. When focused, fire can move mountains, sweeping everything along with enthusiasm, vision, and optimistic faith. Planets in fire act with courage, having a strong sense of purpose.

Earth is solid and real, and planets here tend to be grounded, preferring a practical method and a tangible outcome. Theories and “what ifs” do not suit this element, nor are planets in earth given to sentimentality.

Air is the world of ideas and thoughts; planets in air tend to express themselves rationally and verbally, with all the emotional restraint that comes from this element’s association with polite interaction and civilized human relations.

Water can appear in the natural world as a cleansing river; a raging torrent; a still, dark lake; or the fathomless ocean. Planets in water act according to feeling, with sensitive intuition.

The three modes: cardinal, fixed, and mutable

The cardinal signs begin the four seasons of the year, so planets in these signs take the initiative in whatever way is appropriate to the element. Cardinal makes the first move and needs the stimulus of new projects.

The fixed signs reflect the middle of each season, when the weather has settled. Fixed energy is stable and persistent, resistant to change. Planets in fixed signs are steadfast, good at holding and consolidating whatever is signified by the element.

The mutable signs mark the end of the seasons, and planets in these signs are given to movement and change. Unlike cardinal, the movement has no focus; thus, the mutable signs allow the unchecked flow of each element.