Mutable signs

These correspondences are properly derived from the Cardinal, Fixed and Mutable signs of each Element. Cardinal relates to the fiery Sulfur, Mutable to the mediating nature of Mercury and Fixed to the principle of Salt. For example, our Fire of Water was distilled into the following thirds ... 

Mutable signs Flexible, adaptable, and open to change... 

Each sign has an element (fire, earth, air, or water), a polarity (positive or negative), and a quality or modality (cardinal, fixed, or mutable). For more on those terms, turn to Chapter 1. 

Polarity Positive Quality Mutable Element Fire Symbol The Centaur Ruling Planet Jupiter Opposite Sign Gemini... 

Polarity Negative Quality Mutable Element Earth Symbol The Virgin Ruling Planet Mercury Opposite Sign Pisces... 

Polarity Positive Quality Mutable Element Air Symbol The Twins Ruling Planet Mercury Opposite Sign Sagittarius... 

Pisces The Basic Facts Polarity Negative Quality Mutable Element Water Symbol The Fish Ruling Planet Neptune Opposite Sign Virgo... 

Squares Squares are more difficult to spot. Look for planets in signs of the same quality (cardinal, fixed, or mutable). Then check that they re about 90° apart, plus or minus 8°. If they are, you ve found the source of your deepest frustrations. In Oprah s chart, for example, Saturn, at 9° Scorpio, forms a square to Venus — which definitely puts a damper on her love life. 

After mulling over the large patterns of hemispheric division and overall design in your chart, you re ready to assess the signs and planets according to element and mode. Begin by counting the planets in each element (fire, earth, air, and water) and in each mode (cardinal, fixed, and mutable). Table 14-1 shows you which is which. If you know the time of your birth, include your Ascendant and Midheaven for a total of 12 distinct components. 

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