Astrological Modes: All About Fixed Zodiac Signs

In astrology, one of three modes is assigned to each of the 12 zodiac signs. The modes are cardinal, fixed, and mutable. There are four signs in every mode. Each of the modes lends some of its qualities to the sign but in different ways.

Cardinal signs come at the beginning of each season in the Northern Hemisphere and generally have leadership qualities. Fixed zodiac signs come in the middle of each season and have stable qualities. Mutable signs come during seasonal transitions and have more changeable qualities.

There are also four elements in astrology:

• Fire
• Earth
• Air
• Water

Each element has one sign in each modality. So, there is one fixed fire sign, one fixed earth sign, one fixed air sign, and one fixed water sign. The modes and elements mix, along with other influences, such as the ruling planet, to create the characteristics of the sign.

The Zodiac Signs, Their Modalities, and Their Elements

What Is a Fixed Sign in Astrology?

Fixed signs come towards the middle of the seasons in the Northern Hemisphere when the weather is stable. This is usually the time that people are in the flow of that season’s activities. For that reason, fixed signs represent getting things done. They are generally stable and trustworthy signs who are great at teamwork and helping to complete hard projects. They are tenacious and can step into leadership positions, but only in the service of getting things done for everyone. They are great at sustaining support and maintaining the way things are. People with fixed signs are generally loyal, dependable, and trustworthy.

One of the more challenging aspects of fixed zodiac signs is that they are resistant to change. They don’t easily go with the flow, even if changing the plan makes the most sense. So, people with fixed signs can become fixated on a goal that no longer makes sense or get stuck in a well-worn path or bad habit that no longer serves them.

The manifestation of “fixed” energy is different for each sign with this modality.

People often talk about sign modalities, such as fixed zodiac signs, in terms of Sun sign astrology. However, signs bring the energy of their mode to whatever planet falls into them.

Taurus: Fixed Earth Sign

Ruling Planet: Venus

Symbol: The Bull

Tauruses are often thought of as the hedonists of the zodiac. They love material comfort and abundance. They are exceptionally responsible with their possessions, and those of other people they care about. Tauruses are slow and steady. They will persist in whatever they put their mind to. This sign is often easygoing unless they are set on something. Once they have their mind made up, they will not change it easily, if at all.

Leo: Fixed Fire Sign

Ruling Planet: The Sun

Symbol: The Lion

This sign is frequently known as the dramatic one. Leos love to express themselves and some enjoy the attention that comes from that. Others simply enjoy how good it feels to put it all out there. Leos are not as much stubborn as they are bossy. They want to be worshipped and have no problem taking the lead to make something happen if no one else steps up to the plate. Their fixed nature is shown in their unshakeable confidence.

Scorpio: Fixed Water Sign

Ruling Planet: Mars (Traditional), Pluto (Modern)

Symbol: The Scorpion

Scorpios are one of the deepest and most emotional signs of the zodiac. They are very focused people. They can become not only fixed but fixated on people or topics, especially when they are not balanced in life. They love commitment and have a skill at getting other people to commit as well, whether that is in business or relationships. Scorpios can be intense but are fiercely loyal and very dependable.

Aquarius: Fixed Air Sign

Symbol: The Water Bearer

Aquarians show their fixed nature through their commitments to people and community. They are very committed to their friends and community organizations. If an Aquarius says they want to be your friend, take that seriously. They also love order and think logically. Similar to how Scorpio has a talent for spreading their love of commitment, Aquarius also has a talent for getting others to see things their way when it comes to logic or scientific ideas.

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