Introduction to Astrology
Astrology can seem like a tough nut to crack into. Most of the blogs, books and definitely podcasts go into it presuming you know generally more than you do which can make it supremely difficult to get started.
This blog post is written for those of you who have no clue when it comes to Astrology, but you want to know the general basics. This is the easy intro, designed so that it doesn’t overwhelm.
Yes astrology can be akin to learning another language, but it doesn’t have to be done all in one go, let’s start slow shall we!
There are 12 zodiac signs, and we always start with Aries and end with Pisces. The order is important and if you read this graphic in horizontal rows from left to right, you will have the correct order (also listed at the end of this post).
Within the 12 signs, there are 4 elements that rule each sign. Once you memorise the order from 1-12 you will notice that the elements take turns in an orderly fashion too which makes it easier to remember.
Fire, Earth, Air, Water and repeat x3. We can see that easily in this graphic when you look at each column vertically.
Lastly, there are 3 modalities which are Cardinal Fixed and Mutable, again these work in an orderly fashion, taking turns along the zodiac.
This way we end up with a lovely mix.
There are 3 signs in each element, and one of each element in each modality. Got it!?
1: Aries - FIRE, CARDINAL
2: Taurus - EARTH, FIXED
3. Gemini - AIR, MUTABLE
4. Cancer - WATER, CARDINAL
5. Leo - FIRE, FIXED
6. Virgo - EARTH, MUTABLE
7. Libra - AIR, CARDINAL
8. Scorpio - WATER, FIXED
9. Sagittarius - FIRE, MUTABLE
10. Capricorn - EARTH, CARDINAL
11. Aquarius - AIR, FIXED
12. Pisces - WATER, MUTABLE
Astrology can seem like a tough nut to crack into. Most of the blogs, books and definitely podcasts go into it presuming you know generally more than you do which can make it supremely difficult to get started.
This blog post is written for those of you who have no clue when it comes to Astrology, but you want to know the general basics. This is the easy intro, designed so that it doesn’t overwhelm.
Yes astrology can be akin to learning another language, but it doesn’t have to be done all in one go, let’s start slow shall we!
There are 12 zodiac signs, and we always start with Aries and end with Pisces. The order is important and if you read this graphic in horizontal rows from left to right, you will have the correct order (also listed at the end of this post).
Within the 12 signs, there are 4 elements that rule each sign. Once you memorise the order from 1-12 you will notice that the elements take turns in an orderly fashion too which makes it easier to remember.
Fire, Earth, Air, Water and repeat x3. We can see that easily in this graphic when you look at each column vertically.
Lastly, there are 3 modalities which are Cardinal Fixed and Mutable, again these work in an orderly fashion, taking turns along the zodiac.
This way we end up with a lovely mix.
There are 3 signs in each element, and one of each element in each modality. Got it!?
1: Aries - FIRE, CARDINAL
2: Taurus - EARTH, FIXED
3. Gemini - AIR, MUTABLE
4. Cancer - WATER, CARDINAL
5. Leo - FIRE, FIXED
6. Virgo - EARTH, MUTABLE
7. Libra - AIR, CARDINAL
8. Scorpio - WATER, FIXED
9. Sagittarius - FIRE, MUTABLE
10. Capricorn - EARTH, CARDINAL
11. Aquarius - AIR, FIXED
12. Pisces - WATER, MUTABLE
Elements
What do the elements have to do with it all? As we’ve covered there are 4 elements, also known as triplicities, Earth, Air, Fire and Water and each zodiac sign is ruled by one of these elements. Whilst each zodiac sign is unique in its own way, the elements bring similarities to each. Signs of water and earth tend to do well together, with fire and air also pairing well although compatibility is much more than simply the elements.
Here’s a breakdown for you.
Fire
The Fire signs are Aries, Leo and Sagittarius.
Some of the qualities that all fire signs will share are enthusiasm, motivation, warmth and vibrancy.
Earth
The Earth signs are Virgo, Taurus and Capricorn. Some of the qualities that all earth signs will share are practicality, reliability and steadiness.
Air
The Air signs are Gemini, LIbra and Aquarius.
Some of the qualities that all air signs will share are communicative, sociable and quick witted.
Water
The Water signs are Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces
Some of the qualities that all water signs will share are empathic, sensitive and wise.
Modalities
Modalities are also known as quadruplicities and are broken into Cardinal, Fixed, and Mutable signs. Whilst each zodiac sign is unique in its own way, the modalities bring similarities to each. Here’s a breakdown for you.
Cardinal
The Cardinal signs are Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn.
Some of the qualities that all cardinal signs will share are initiative, enjoy challenges, territorial and starting more projects than they finish.
Cardinal signs mark the changes in season with the equinox (days when light and dark are equal) and the solstices (longest day/night).
Fixed
The Fixed signs are Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius.
Some of the qualities that all fixed signs will share are stability, order, organisation, stubbornness and trouble delegating.
Mutable
The Mutable signs are Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces.
Some of the qualities that all mutable signs will share are brainstorming, adaptability, flexibile, lack initiative, ability to change form, disorganised, innability to commit.
Now you have a grasp on the very basics, I’d recommend you read my ‘Zodiac Signs As…..’ blog posts for a light hearted look at what each of the zodiac signs can mean. This will all form the basis of your astrological knowledge.
Zodiac Signs as…
- Disney Villains
- Disney Princesses
- Harry Potter Characters
This blog post will form part of an Astrology series and next time we will be learning about the Astrology wheel and our big 3 signs!
To find out more about YOUR personal chart you can order an astrology report!
Brightest Blessings,
Hana the Suburban Witch
Meet Hana
Hana O’Neill, the Suburban Witch is a professional Tarot & Astrology reader, Intuitive Coach and the host of the Witch Talks podcast.
