Modality & the Zodiacal Signs
This writing is issued in 2 points of emphasis. If you are looking for basic information on the Modes stick to the bold text, for a more intermediate explanation of the modes and signs include all.
I am not including the physical characteristics, because in my opinion this gets carried in ways that need a deeper understanding of the moon and ascendant as well as temperament, but I have included very limited details of ailments since we cannot talk about body parts without mentioning their association to health.
As the sun moves North and South of the equator the yearly course is marked by four critical turning points. These are the solstices and equinoxes which initiate the seasons.
Dividing this movement into 12 equal portions of 30 degrees marks the zodiacal signs. These markings can vary based on the system, whether it is tropical, sidereal, or western siderealâwhich has caused confusion & great debate. This is for another time though and for the purpose of clarity, I will be using the Tropical Western system as has been used in the tradition of Western astrology since the 4th century BCE.
Basic differences between these systems:
Sideral provides more of an outer or transpersonal perspective of the souls in relationship to the galaxy that both exists and that we may see post-existence through the shining of dead stars.
Tropical provides the of our relationships to the Sun, as it pertains to our experience on earth.
Both are valid and accurate providing a different landscape or served perspective.
The Zodiacal signs in the nativity serve 3 primary functions in Astrology
To truly understand the variations and historical development I recommend that you take the to time read the source material listed at the end.
The bush broad strokes into something like an ancient class-like system. As images with mythic associations give us the shape of behavior and allude to physical characteristics. When framed as configurations we can see familial or interpersonal relationships of the native. And as residences, this articulates resources and power the native holds or has access to. The constellations themselves were likely set up and are used as such to be the dwelling places of the gods/planets.
For this reason, in the study, a firm understanding of the planets should come before and not after the study of the zodiacal wheel.
Moveable or Cardinal signs issue the modality of the beginning of seasons. Corresponding to the first degree of Aries-Spring, Cancer-Summer, Libra-Autumn, Capricorn-Winter.
These signs are action-oriented and are the initiators of the zodiac; loving to start new things. Moveable signs are great at taking risks and making changes but can also be impulsive and restless.
When examining these astrological signs, we see behavioral impulsivity, impatience, and difficulty respecting the limits of resources and people we must consider this subjectively. When framing the modes from Aries to Capricorn, this spontaneity or essence of taking action should be placed on a spectrum with the qualities of elements and lords marking how an action is taken.
The objects associated with the moveable modality are dynamic, action-oriented, sharp, and tactility aligning with the moveable modality's association with agitation and taking action. The events associated with this mode are dynamic and change the atmosphere or theme quickly.
All of these signs are tropical, meaning environmental climate needed for creation.
The characteristics of this sign are bestial (animalistic), terrestrial, quadrupedal, semi-vocal, unprolific, mangling, free & single, lustful & lewd. Classified as; masculine, equinoctial, spring, fiery, and diurnal.
Personality; noble, bold & bright, inconsistent, unruly, arrogant
Northern and of the East Wind timing and actions taken are commanding a crooked short ascension.
Rulership is Mars as Domicile, the Sun 19 is exalted. Venus finds themselves in Detriment here and Saturn 19 reaches Fall. In triplicity with the Sun and Jupiter and finding bounds for Mercury 13-20, Venus 1-12, Mars 21-25, Jupiter 1-6, and Saturn 26-30. Decans; Sun, Venus, and Mars.
Head of cosmos and of body and face. When looking at medical astrology can show ailments in the ways of; headaches, poor eyesight & blindness, afflictions to teeth & hearing-possibly deafness, Hansenâs disease, concussions & cerebral hemorrhaging that can lead to stroke, and bouts of anger.
The characteristics of this sign are bestial, amphibious, mute, broken, fertile, single & servile. Classified as; feminine, solstitial, summer, nocturnal, and watery.
Personality; regard for reputation, popularity, changeable, inconsistent knowledge, wandering, cheerful
Northern with the North Wind finding a long, straight ascension.
Rularship is the Moon as Domicile, Jupiter 15 is exalted. Saturn finds their detriment here and Mars 28 reaches fall. In triplicity with Venus and Mars and finding bounds for Mercury 14-19, Venus 8-13, Mars 1-7, Jupiter 20-25, and Saturn 26-30. Decans; Moon, Mercury, Venus.
Ascendant, breast & ribs of the cosmos and body. Including the chest, spleen, stomach, and posture which can include medical ailments corresponding to the physical location, as well as edema.
The characteristics of this sign; are human, vocal, whole, unprolific, violent, single & servile, lustful & lewd. Classified as; masculine, equinoctial, autumnal, diurnal, and airy.
Personality; good and just though malicious, desires the goods of others, irregularity yet oversees balance, weighing, and measuring.
Southern with the West & Southwest Winds timing and actions taken are straight & obeying, long ascension.
Rulership is Venus as Domicile, Saturn 20 is exalted. Mars finds their detriment here and the Sun 19 reaches fall. In triplicity with Saturn and Mercury and finding bounds for Mercury 7-14, Venus 22-28, Mars 29-30, Jupiter 15-21, Saturn 1-6. Decans; Moon, Jupiter, and Saturn.
Subterranean of the cosmos, following in line with the hips, hind parts, groin, bladder, and colon with a medical decrement in these areas as well.
The characteristics of this sign; are bestial, amphibious, very wet, unprolific, the cause of evils & troubles, semi-vocal, dual & servile, mysterious/mystifying, and violent. Classified as; feminine, solstitial, wintery, earthy, and nocturnal.
Personality; good and simple, hard-working, stewarding, insomniatic, planning of great things, caring, mischievous, fickle, making mistakes.
Southern with the South Winds, timing and actions taken are crooked & obeying, short ascension.
Rulership is Saturn is Domicile and Mars 28n exalted. The Moon finds their detriment and Jupiter 15 reaches fall. In triplicity with Venus and Moon and finding bounds Mercury 1-7, Venus 15-22, Mars 27-30, Jupiter 8-14, and Saturn 23-26. Decans; Sun, Mars, and Jupiter.
Setting/descendent of the cosmos, knees, and fibrous tissue/tendons that unite the muscle to the bone. Physical ailments can show as; hunched or curved spine, low vision, disability, severe or chronic mental illness, back injuries caused by backbones, and abnormal discharge of humors.
The middle of the seasons comes with an air of self-governance, in that action has to be on the terms of that taking action. This is when deep rooting happens, through caution and planning to make sure that action has lasting intents for effect.
When examining these astrological signs we see stability, determination, and persistence. Fixed signs are resistant to change and like to maintain the status quo. When framing the modes for Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius they are loyal and reliable but can also be stubborn and inflexible. The essence of inflexibility should be placed on a spectrum of a sense of security from that which the qualities of elements and lords are marking how the action is taken.
All of these sign are solid, which emphasizes that capability of the dependability and patience required for long term goals.
The objects associated with the fixed modality are conservative, hard to move, solid, steady, reliable, and long-lasting aligning with the fixed modality's association with stability defensiveness, and endurance. The events associated with this mode are stable and last for a long time, a long wait.
The characteristics of this sign are bestial, terrestrial, quadrupedal, semi-vocal, unprolific, broken, violent, servile & single, lustful & lewd. Classified as; feminine, spring, earthy, and nocturnal.
Personality; good, hardworking & handcrafting, preservation, loving of pleasure and music, industrious, noble, agricultural.
Northern and of the South Wind, timing and actions taken are commanding a crooked short ascension.
Rulership is Venus as Domicile, the Moon 3 is exalted. Mars finds themselves in Detriment here and no planets reach fall. In triplicity with the Moon and Venus and finding bounds for Mercury 9-14, Venus 1-8, Mars 28-30, Jupiter 15-22, Saturn 23-27. Decans; Moon, Mercury, and Saturn.
The house that is sign falls in is Weath bringing off the Cosmos. Ruling over the neck and tendons of the neck, and esophagus. Aliments that are considered involve swollen neck glands, suffocations, eye injuries and diseases, and skin issues that erupt.
The characteristics of this sign are bestial, terrestrial, quadrupedal, semi-vocal, free & single, barren, lewd, and broken. Classified as; masculine, summery, fiery, and diurnal.
Personality; well-tempered, good, insubordinate, notable, hates work, intellectual, tyrannical or kingly, short-tempered, domineering, and arrogant.
Northern and of the East Wind, timing and actions taken are commanding a straight long ascension
Rularship is the Sun as Domicile, with no planets exalted. Saturn finds their detriment and no planets reach fall. In triplicity with the Sun and Jupiter and finding bounds for Mercury 19-24, Venus 7-11, Mars 25-30, Jupiter 1-6, Saturn 12-18. Decans; Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn.
The Heart of the cosmos, the heart itself, and all the this around it like the ribs, tendons, hips, and also the vascular effects to the eyes.
The characteristics of this sign are bestial, terrestrial, scaly, fertile, broken, mute, single & servile, and cause of foul smells. Classified as; feminine, autumnal, watery, and nocturnal.
Personality; knavish, secret plotters, sorcery, cunning, insatiable, deep thinking, treacherous, rogue-like.
Southern and of the North Wind, timing and actions taken are straight & obeying a long ascension.
Rulership is Mars as domicile, with no planets exalted. Venus finds their detriment and the Moon 3 reaches fall. In triplicity with Venus & Mars and finding bounds for Mercury 12-19, Venus 8-11, Mars 1-7, Jupiter 20-24, Saturn 25-24. Decans; Sun, Venus, and Mars.
Scorpio is the fifth house of the cosmos, ruling over the genitals, bladder, groin, and buttocks. Ailments that can be noted are dimmed vision, tumors, cancers, kidney stones, and the development of fistulas.
Aquarius - The Water-bearer
The characteristics of this sign are human, winged, rational, vocal, unprolific, single & free, violent, wet, and very cold. Classified as; masculine, solid, wintery, airy, and diurnal.
Personality; fearful, single-minded, handicrafts, concealers, deceitful of opinion & truth, misanthropic, and malicious.
Southern and of the West Wind, timing and action taken are obeying & crooked short ascension.
Rulership is Saturn as domicile, with no planets exalted. The Sun finds their detriment and no planets reach fall. In triplicity with Mercury & Saturn and finding bounds for Mercury 1-7, Venus 8-3, Mars 21-25, Jupiter 14-20, Saturn 26-30. Decans; Moon, Mercury, and Venus.
Aquarius is the eighth house of the cosmos, which emphasizes the concern of death. Areas of the body are the shins, legs, and tendons of the lower legs. Ailments that could be considered of the body including but not limited to; arthritis, dopey, some mental illnesses, limb disabilities, incontinence, filariasis, edema, and jaundice.
Common or Mutable Modality
The common modality is ambivalent, variable, and combines the other two modes in a wavering, rapid impulse.
When examining these astrological signs, we tend to see a more adaptable nature with a focus on communication and flexibility. Common signs are often able to see multiple perspectives and are great at adapting to new situations. When framing the modes for Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces, they are often seen as intelligent and curious, but can also be indecisive and inconsistent. The essence of adaptability should be placed on a spectrum with the qualities of elements and lords marking how the action is taken.
All of these signs are bicoporal meaning, of two bodies.
end of the seasons & change in climate
The objects associated with the common modality are everyday objects that have multiple uses; versatile, adaptable, and able to change direction easily aligning with the common modality's association with flexibility and adaptability. The events associated have multiple points of impact and are unpredictable and change rapidly.
The characteristics of this sign are human, winged, vocal & pleasing to the ear, barren, whole, dual & free, and rational. Classified as; masculine, spring, airy, and diurnal.
Personality; fond of discourse, articulate, teachers of voice, working in education & writing, interpreters, commerce, poetic, critics, occult matters, business, and wealth & currency.
Northern and of the (south) West Wind, timing and actions taken are commanding & crooked, short ascension.
Rulership is Mercury in domicile, with no plants exalted. Jupiter finds themselves in detriment, and no planets reach fall. In triplicity with Mercury and Saturn, and finding bounds for Mercury 1-6, Venus 13-17, Mars 18-24, Jupiter 7-12, and Saturn 25-30.
Aquarius is the 12th house of the cosmos and there are no illnesses directly connected to this sign in the references below, but the areas of the body connected to the sign are the hands, shoulders, arms and fingers.
Characteristics of this sign are human, winged, barren, vocal, and dual & free. Classified as; feminine, summery, earthy, and nocturnal.
Personality; industrious & practices handicrafts, concerned with the body, modest, mystical, writers, calculating, occult matters, human shape of justice/moral shape of justice, and scrupulous.
Northern and of the South(west) Wind, timing and actions taken are commanding & straight long ascensions.
Rulership is Mercury in domicile, with Mercury exalted. Jupiter finds detriment, and Venus 27 reaches fall. In triplicity with Moon and Venus, and finding bounds for Mercury 1-7, Venus 8-17, Mars 22-28, Jupiter 18-21, and Saturn 29-30.
The cadence of the the cosmos and of the southwest, meaning within the metrics of falling sound and cadent houses. Hidden parts of the body, innards, upper intestines, loins, and belly.
The characteristics of this sign are human & bestial, terrestrial, second half quadrupedal, first half vocal & second half semi-vocal, broken, dual & free, and mysterious. Classifies as; masculine, autumnal, fiery, and diurnal.
Personality; critical, good & just, generous, great-souled, to lose and find things, loves reputation, riddling, authoritative, social fellowships, prevalence, and versatile.
Southern and of the East Wind, timing and actions taken are obeying & straight, long ascensions.
Rulership is Jupiter in domicile, with no planets exalted. Mercury finding detriment, with no planets reaching fall. In triplicity with Sun and Jupiter, and finding bounds for Mercury 18-21, Venus 13-17, Mars 27-30, Jupiter 1-12, and Saturn 22-26.
The cadence of the cosmos, meaning within the metrics of falling sound and cadent houses. The house of forced work or servitude lacking recognition. Ruling over the thighs and groin, with the possibilities of epilepsy, weak sight, baldness, falling from heights, danger from 4 legged animals, injury from barb like objects, animal attacks, extra limbs, and birthmarks.
The characteristics of this sign are bestial, fertile, wet, aquatic, broken, mute, and dual & servile. Classifications are; feminine, wintery, watery, and nocturnal.
Personality; of two minds, turns things from bad to good, of/in service, inconsistent, erotic, wandering & dreamy, restless, working on/with water, complicated, sociable, and popular.
Southern and of the North Wind, timing and actions taken are obeying & crooked, short ascensions.
Rulerships is Jupiter in domicile, with Venus 27 exalted. Mercury finding detriment, and Mercury 15 reaching fall. In triplicity with Venus and Mars, and finding bounds for Mercury 17-19, Venus 1-12, Mars 20-28, Jupiter 13-16, and Saturn 29-30.
The good cadence of the cosmos, and the house of God. Ruling over the feet, ankles, sole of the feet, and tendons located here. Finding the possibilities of arthritis, poor posture, gout, diseases of the humors, vitamin c deficiency, STIâs and afflictions from debauchery.
Additional Notes to consider:
When terms like violent or destructive are used this is because the domicile or exalted planet is malefic.
Being whole implies strength, and that these signs are less liable to accidents.
Bestial codification notes on the core instinctual action of the individual.
Free versus servile; the implications of a free sign defines a poised posture, running, standing tall and to be servile or of servitude defines poor posture or slouching, sitting & fatigue, and possible wearyness of the mind.
In single form we consider independence and in dual form this is being with others/companionship.
Vocal is to be a good speaker, semi-vocal of few or select/disorganized verbal communication, and mute or the lacking of voice implies little speech, and stuttering through verbal communication.
Refrences to being unprolific, fertile, or barren is in relationship to the potentials of procreation.
Traits are assumed to be seen through the Asc and Moon sign weighted more heavily and subjectivelyâas both of the points signify the body.
Encyclopedia of Astrology
