Understanding Zodiac Signs: Elements, Qualities and Polarity

Elements, States and Polarity are three different ways in which the twelve Zodiac Signs in Astrology can be classified into. The fundamental traits that we know about these zodiacs are basically derived from these three parameters.

Let us understand their meanings and learn which zodiac falls under what category.

Elements

According to Astrology, everything in this world is made up of four elements: Fire, Air, Water and Earth.

The the overall composition of the elements in your Sun, Moon and Rising Sign altogether can reveal deeper aspects of your personality.

Each element has its own qualities and there are three signs that belong to each one of them. This distribution of signs under these four elements is called ‘Triplicities’.

Fire

Aries, Leo and Sagittarius

Air

Air Signs are about connections, information, and communication. These signs are thinkers and love to learn new things. These are the intellectually driven lot and you can see them in social events engaged in interesting conversations.

Water
Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces

Water Signs are deeply emotional. They have sympathetic, compassionate and nurturing

The flow of water helps them connect to their intuition, and thereby having a great sense of empathy and desire of helping others.

Earth

Taurus, Capricorn, and Virgo

Earth Signs are Practical and Realistic. They have a very cautious approach to life. The Earth Signs seek stability and security and are persistent and disciplined about the way they function. The Earth element gives them a very earthy touch, who are patient and hardworking individuals. 

Qualities

These qualities are three zodiac sign modes in which these elements can express themselves. These qualities indicate how each sign responds to different situations.

They are also called ‘modes’ or ‘modalities’

Cardinal Signs

Cardinal Signs are assertive, impulsive, and always ready to take the initiatives. These four Cardinal Signs are the first month of each season, that’s to start new ideas and things is their primal instinct.

Fixed Signs

Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius

The four Fixed Signs come in the middle of each month, thus come out to be quite stable in their energies. They are persistent and steady in whatever they do and are able to focus on one particular direction.

Mutable Signs

Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces

The four Mutable Signs come in the final month of each season. The Cardinal Signs begin new things, the Fixed Signs sustain them and the Mutable Signs loosens the existing structures and adapt to new beginnings. These signs are flexible and open to changes.

Polarities

The zodiac polarities are also referred to as Masculine/Feminine or Ying/Yang energies. They don’t necessarily mean exact opposites but can be seen as two sides of the same coin. These are energies that some individuals possess that add on to their personalities.

The Fire and Earth Signs: Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius, and Aquarius are Masculine

Energies and the Air and Water Signs: Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn, and Pisces are predominately feminine energies.

The Yang/Masculine signs are active, extrovert, dominant, and expressive. And the Ying/Feminine signs are introverted, submissive, reflective, and receptive.

All the above information can be summarized in the following table :