TL;DR What's a cardinal sign, and what does cardinal mean in astrology? Each of our zodiac signs fall into categories and knowing what those are will help us understand more about ourselves, and who we are most compatible with. The first group is known as the cardinal signs, whose solar seasons coincide with the start of the four seasons of the year .
The second group is the fixed signs, whose solar seasons occur midway through their respective seasons . And the third is the mutable signs and they come at the end of spring, summer, fall, and winter . The three modalities are similar to a sign's ruling planet or element in the sense that they give us a better understanding of its behavior. The four cardinal signs of the zodiac are Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn.
Fixed sign squares are the only types of squares that see and hear each other through antiscia. Cardinal and mutable squares don't have that relationship to one another since cardinal signs only shoot antiscia to mutable signs and vice versa. It might explain what Stephen Arroyo noticed about fixed signs. They seem to share some kind of quiet understanding with one another. That's because, while their signs are squared in one dimension, they're also noticing and perceiving each other in another.
There are 12 signs in the zodiac, and astrologers break them down in different ways. Each sign has an element—there are fire signs, water signs, earth signs, and air signs. When it comes to astrological compatibility with other signs, the four cardinal signs tend to relate best to mutable signs – the four mutable signs being Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces. With the four fixed signs , it's a definite clash of progress versus restraint, and of change versus status quo. The meaning of cardinal signs may be all about action and the meaning of mutable all about flexibility, but cardinal signs need to be mindful not to steamroll over mutable signs.
If mutable signs can be a bit assertive instead of saying "I don't care, you choose" every time, cardinal signs will take notice, and respectfully not cross mutable signs boundaries. Sometimes, mutable sign people love a good leader in a cardinal sign individual and are more than happy to follow. When it comes to compatibility, Capricorn and Scorpio have a lot in common. They're driven, methodical zodiac signs that aren't afraid to put everything they've got into pursuing their goals. These two signs are both incredibly guarded; they take their time to open up emotionally and express their vulnerabilities.
Their ruling planets—Saturn for Capricorn and Mars for Scorpio—are known as the malefics in astrology, which means the energy of the planets can be more difficult or experience some challenges. In other words, Capricorn and Scorpio are no stranger to hardship and overcoming odds, and they can share a bond over some of the intensity that life has thrown their way. Specifically, however, the modalities can shed light on how we deal with matters of control and conflict. For example, cardinal signs are natural leaders who feel comfortable taking charge and formulating long-term, overarching plans.
The fixed signs, on the other hand, are much happier when they already have a plan laid out for them that they can then execute — but heaven help them if someone makes any last-minute tweaks. Meanwhile, the mutable signs are highly adaptable and can usually roll with changes as they come. If you've fallen down the astrology rabbit hole, you likely already know there's a lot more to reading your horoscope than just understanding your zodiac sign. For instance, your birth chart, or the position of the stars and the planets in the sky the moment you were born, has an effect on how you relate to the traits of your zodiac sign. Astrological modality is another of the categories the signs fall into and this one groups signs into a category of shared energetic qualities and mannerisms.
While each sign is distinct from the next sign, in astrology, cardinal signs all share the same cardinal qualities of having a lot of get up and go, for example. Below, each modality is defined and each of their signs are described in more detail. You can get the most accurate idea of how you match with a partner by looking at your entire natal charts. Everyone — yes, even you — has some moody Crab energy in them. Mutable signs are guided by either Mercury or Jupiter, which gives these signs a predilection toward higher education and travel.
Because they're so chill, they tend to get along with most other signs. When it comes to relationships, though, fixed signs might have difficulties with mutable signs' need for movement. Cardinal signs, on the other hand, may take advantage of mutable signs' go-with-the-flow nature, so being mindful of these potential pitfalls can help build stronger connections. If cardinal or fixed signs are willing to bend a bit, they can learn a lot from mutable signs. Well, cardinal squares are really about the solstices and equinoxes.
While mutable squares might be mediated through shared rulership and fixed signs squares are mediated through antiscia or contra-antiscia relationships, cardinal signs...just square each other. While Aries—Libra are about an equality between the day and night, Cancer and Capricorn are about this dichotomy between light and dark. Cancers are the moms of the zodiac because they're nurturing and typically the person who's actually in charge. Libras and Cancers are both cardinal signs who set the tone—and the style guide!
Though Cancers and Libras hate having to follow someone else's lead, it's definitely a turn-on to impress and influence each other. Libra and Cancer love being in relationships and are willing to put in the work. So even if things are difficult, the match is meant to last. Suzie Kerr Wright, an astrologer and psychic medium, tells Romper in an email exchange that she believes every single sign in the zodiac has the potential to get along with one another.
Still, she notes that theoretically, there are things that can put some signs at odds with each other. Some zodiac signs are super organized and always on top of everything. Other zodiac signs are known for being forgetful and absent-minded.
Exploring how your sun, moon, Venus, and Mars signs interact with a partner's can offer valuable intel on how you connect or clash. But it's important to bear in mind that these details are just a jumping-off point. There are many other layers to investigate when you're considering astrological compatibility. You'll want to understand how certain birth chart details might mirror, harmonize, or clash with your partner's.
It is; that's why it's so helpful to sit down with a pro astrologer who can help you zero in on specifics and offer a high-level overview. Cardinal is the beginning, with the fixed signs fleshing things out and the mutable signs dissipating. Each cardinal sign is a starter in a trio, and this is one way to understand the zodiac as well as the seasons. Libra, the seventh sign of the zodiac and the cardinal air sign, is square, or three signs apart from Cancer, which can be a challenging but also potentially activating angle. Both cardinal signs adore companionship, creating a beautiful home life, and all the pleasures and joys that come with having a partner. But as an air sign, Libra's approach to romance tends to be more intellectually-charged, while Cancer prefers to follow their heart over their head, which could trigger misunderstanding.
But keeping their eyes trained on their mutual love of love can save the day. You can get the most accurate idea of how you match with a partner by looking at your whole natal charts. Everyone — even you — has some dynamic Scorpio vibes in them — and taking note of where it expresses itself can actually empower you to make the most of it. Both are sensitive, intuitive, even slightly psychic water signs who put family first and have no problem swimming in the depths of all of their feelings. The Crab's loyal attachment style is perfectly suited to the Scorpion's natural possessiveness, and lovemaking is spiritual, transformative, and deeply sensual. Together, they can — and usually do — build the ultimate home life.
The key to understanding cardinal sign compatibility is to understand how the cardinal need to lead expresses itself through each of the elements. Aries is a fire cardinal sign; here, Aries needs to lead in the way a spark leads – setting fire to the passion of others, inspiring and blazing a trail. Cancer is a water cardinal sign, and expresses this initiative taking through kindness, setting an example for mankind, and opening up new channels of imagination. Libra is an air cardinal sign, and leads through intellect, argument, innovation and ideas. Finally, Capricorn is the earth cardinal sign, and simply exudes authority and leadership through strong practical skills and a high level of wisdom and maturity.
In compatibility, mode expressions like these are tinged with romance, and help to explain how two cardinal signs might function as partners. Your astrological sign reveals a lot about who you are, what your natural tendencies are, and who you harmonize best with. Don't despair if you are stuck working with people who you don't naturally get along with because armed with knowledge of what their zodiac sign is, you can figure out how to get by. Don't worry if you are friends or lovers with somebody you are not "supposed to be with" due to zodiac signs. You can use knowledge of both of your best and worst traits and make things work! Knowledge of the zodiac teaches us how we all tick, how we love and work, and how to be our best selves.
Pisces, the twelfth sign of the zodiac and mutable water sign, is trine, or four signs apart from Cancer, making for a natural, loving fit. Ruled by dreamy Neptune, the Fish is deeply spiritual, empathic, artistic, and emotional. As an initiating cardinal sign, Cancer can come up with ambitious game plans for making less decisive Pisces' dreams come true. And Pisces can teach Cancer to channel their at times overwhelming emotions into a healthy outlet, like art, music, dance, theater, or creative lovemaking. While they have their differences — Pisces might be turned off by Cancer's bossiness and Cancer might find Pisces a bit too escapist — they ultimately speak the same heartfelt language. First and foremost, Wright clarified that astrology is much more than just your sun sign.
When Cancer falls in love with Libra, these two cardinal signs can work well together. Cancer will bring an emotional depth to Libra's intellectual approach and together they can find a good balance of heart and mind. Cancer in love with Capricorn works well because neither of these two leaders is threatened by the other's approach to life. When Libra falls in love with Capricorn, however, their two cardinal natures can lead to problems for compatibility. Mode dictates here that Libra will try to get the intellectual upper hand, but solid, traditional Capricorn won't stand for that, and will dig in his or her earthy, deep rooted heels.
It's annoying, but not uncommon, to really fall for someone and then realize it might just be lust. Physical compatibility can blur the signs of emotional toxicity for a while, but once it becomes apparent, it's almost impossible to ignore. Luckily, zodiac sign compatibility can be used to understand and make sense of these complicated, fiery relationships.
Opposites attract, yes, but you don't need this unhealthy dynamic in your life. People of mutable signs tend to be the most flexible and adaptable to change. They don't feel the urge to constantly create change or to constantly stick with a viewpoint .
On the negative side they can be seen as indecisive or flighty by those of fixed or cardinal signs. Generally people of cardinal signs have the most harmonius relationships with people of fixed or mutable signs, and don't do well with people of other cardinal signs. However, their soulmates tend to be of other cardinal signs. You know your sun sign, but do you know whether that sign is fixed, mutable, or cardinal?
Each zodiac sign falls under one of those three categories, with Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn being the four cardinal signs. Here's what it means to be cardinal and why it matters, according to the AstroTwins. "The cardinal signs were beaten up in 2020 by Pluto, Saturn, and Jupiter," Ridout says . Now, they're almost free of all of that." While Aries' way of breaking out of a bad time is to be big and bold, Cancer people will need to lick their wounds.
"Cancer would do well to start scheduling regular self-care rituals," Ridout advises. Set up a weekly massage or pedicure for yourself—you deserve it! Here are more of the best ways to de-stress, depending on your zodiac sign. Mutable zodiac signs are known for adapting, being flexible, and for being resourceful.
Fixed signs are also analytical, which makes them great at being problem solvers, and they are terrific at coming up with compromises. The solution-oriented mutable signs excel at taking the work of a team and pulling it all together to make a solid whole, benefiting everybody. Their extroverted personalities make them good at speaking to people, and being in a crowd. Their way keeps changing due to their adaptability, however, and they can be seen as flighty and unreliable.
Yet they can be highly diplomatic, good at going with the flow, rolling with the punches, and thriving in nearly every situation life puts them in. You're just not going to get along with everyone you meet in life, unfortunately. If only you could predict who your enemies might be beforehand. In relationships, you strive to have balance between you and your partner, and take on a more dominant role.
For this reason, it's best to have a romantic relationship with either a fixed or mutable sign, as two cardinal signs together calls for major control issues. Taurus, the fixed earth sign, and Cancer are sextile, or two signs apart, from one another, making for a friendly, easygoing relationship. In fact, these two signs make for one of the sweetest, most organically compatible pairings of the whole zodiac.
The Bull's slow, security-loving vibe harmonizes with the Crab's heartfelt homebody personality. Both are innately nurturing, loyal, and commit their heart and soul to a relationship they're invested in. They also tend to adore the same sensual experiences (like a sumptuous, home-cooked meal). In a romantic bond, this can make for an extremely emotionally — and in turn, physically — satisfying expression of mutual feelings. Are most of your planets on your birth chart in cardinal, fixed or mutable signs? Each sign also belongs to one of four elements - fire, water, earth and air.
Knowing this can help you understand your nature and provide insight into who you get along with best. Although it's only one small part of star sign compatibility, mode can give some insight into how and why certain quite unlikely star sign combinations do get on. For more insight, why not enter our competition to win one of our free compatibility reports? Alternatively, you can ask our astrology any of your compatibility questions, or invest in a full astrology compatibility report, based on your unique birth chart, not just your sun sign. Generally people of mutable signs have the most harmonius relationships with people of fixed or cardinal signs, and don't do well with people of other mutable signs.
However, their soulmates tend to be of other mutable signs. If you look at the ruling planets of the signs involved in each type of grand cross formation, you'll notice that the cardinal signs are ruled by the Moon, Saturn, Venus, and Mars. You'll notice that the fixed signs are ruled by the Sun, Saturn, Venus, and Mars. In other words, cardinal and fixed grand crosses are ruled by the luminaries, Saturn, Venus, and Mars. Being the first of the water signs, Cancerians are the first to be aware of the emotional tides and the great knowledge our bodies can share with us . As the Moon has such control over the waves, Cancerians are also very much in tune with the waters of life — feelings, emotions, emoting, caring, understanding, empathizing.
