Astrology, Plain & Simple: The Only Book You'll Ever Need - Cass Jackson, Janie Jackson (2016)

Chapter 3. Genders, Elements, and Qualities

The signs of the zodiac fall into three different categories: the genders, the elements, and the qualities. Each of these categories gives us more information about the characteristics of the signs of the zodiac.

The Genders

The first category is called “the genders” and its characteristics are masculine/feminine, positive/negative, or even yang/yin. In this book, we will use the terms “masculine” and “feminine.” These terms just describe the energies of the signs; none are considered better or worse than any others. The signs alternate as follows:

Masculine signs tend to be extroverts, while the feminine signs are introverts.

Looking at the signs in greater depth, we see that the masculine signs are active and outgoing, with a tendency to be assertive or even aggressive. Anyone born under a masculine sign is likely to be impulsive and to enjoy taking chances. They will have a bold, optimistic attitude and are likely to prefer active pursuits rather than sedentary ones. They are the courageous “doers” of the zodiac who will work or fight to achieve something. They are the yang energy, without which there would be no progress or development, just an ongoing Stone Age way of life.

Feminine signs are retiring and contemplative, tending to keep themselves to themselves. They have a caring nature and are considerate of others. Gambling of any kind is not their scene, and they are unlikely to take risks. Before making any move, they will carefully evaluate the situation. These are the nurturers who work away quietly, ensuring that fields are tilled and children are cared for. Without this yin energy, the world and its people would not have endured as long as they have.

The Elements

The second category concerns the elements of fire, earth, air, and water. The elements represent the four basic natures as recognized by the earliest astrologers.

The elements of fire, earth, air, and water are found in the signs consecutively, as follows:

The fire signs are Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius. These people are full of fire. They are get-up-and-go personalities who demand immediate action. If you were born in a fire sign, you will never be a bystander. Whatever the enterprise, you will be an enthusiastic participant, immediately taking the lead. This fervor is apparent in everything you do and you always live life to the full. You do have a spiritual side to your nature and this is reflected in your obvious joy in living. Fire signs are individualists, usually completely self-sufficient. Beware of your tendency to be over-impulsive. It could cause you difficulties.

The earth signs are Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn, a group of extremely practical people. It's possible that the expression “down to earth” derived from this group. You'll weigh all the pros and cons before entering into any project and you won't rush into anything. Like the earth itself, you are solid and dependable. You possess a great deal of common sense and are endlessly patient. You are also some of the most methodical people of the zodiac. Unrealistic people or ideas irritate you, and your approach to any situation is strictly practical.

The air signs are Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius. These people are intellectual and great communicators. Born under one of these signs you will be intuitive as well as inquisitive, and will constantly come up with new ideas. You are never satisfied with the status quo and always want to improve everything. Your extrovert nature, combined with your intellect, means that you want to communicate your ideas to as many people as possible. As a result, you are likely to have dozens of friends. You are straightforward and outspoken, with no time for those who are overly cautious or ultrasensitive. Try not to become too enthusiastic about your own ideas. People who don't understand them may claim you are talking a lot of hot air.

The water signs are Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces. This group is capable of great compassion and sensitivity. You are quick to sum up other people, often at first meeting, and you are usually right. This is because you “feel” things rather than observe them. Despite your sensitivity toward others, you are remarkably cynical about yourself and your abilities. In fact, you prefer your ideas to be put into practice by someone else, just as water takes the shape of the vessel that contains it. You're artistic, love music, dance, and poetry, but detest rowdy gatherings and noisy people. These drain your energy and leave you feeling exhausted. As a result, people may sometimes regard you as something of a wet blanket or a spoil-sport.

The Qualities

The third category divides the signs of the zodiac into the qualities of cardinal, fixed, and mutable. Taking the signs in turn, starting with Aries, you will see that the qualities are three signs apart. They each exhibit common features.

The cardinal qualities of Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn apply to those people who are primarily outgoing and enterprising. If you have a cardinal Sun sign, you are a person of action—a doer rather than a thinker—and tend to be determined in your attitude. This innate quality also predisposes you to restlessness. You're fantastic at organizing others, but often appear to be highly disorganized yourself.

The fixed qualities of Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius apply to those people who tend to be resistant to change. If this sounds as if you, a fixed sign, may be a stick-in-the mud, it could also indicate that you are faithful and persevering. You like to find yourself in a stable situation or help to create one if it does not already exist. You may not be a great initiator, but once started on a project you'll see it through to completion.

The mutable qualities of Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces are found in people who are adaptable by nature. As a mutable sign, you're always willing to serve others, either by working in a service industry or agency, or simply as a person who goes around fixing things. This in no way implies that you are a drudge or that you will occupy a menial position. Even the President of the United States serves his country. You are versatile and you can adapt to almost any circumstance, which may be why so many of you move from one country or lifestyle to another. Where the fixed and cardinal qualities tend to stick with their own ideas, mutable people can always see both sides of any situation and act accordingly.