Temperament and Strategy in the Zodiac
There is a basic way of dividing the signs of the Zodiac into those signs that belong to the same element -- the fire, earth, air, and water signs -- and those signs that share a preference for certain tactics in engaging life's challenges -- the cardinal, fixed, and mutable signs.
Astrologers call these features the triplicities (of which there are three signs in four divisions) and the quadruplicities (which have four signs in three divisions.) I know ... it sounds like so much techno-speak ... but it's tradition and we're stuck with it. Yet as with all things, the names are less important than the meat of the knowledge.
The triplicities -- or elements -- deal with character temperament ... and the quadruplicities -- or qualities -- deal with favorite ways of taking action. By understanding each division ... and then mixing and matching ... you can learn some interesting and fundamental things about each of the Zodiac signs.
The Fixed Signs
Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius are the Fixed signs. Fixed signs ... as the name implies ... dig in and endure as their way of meeting challenge. They rely on their resourcefulness, their stamina, their stubbornness, their ability to withstand siege and simply outlast the opposition. The willfulness for which they are famous is much different in quality than that of the more obviously charismatic and self-involved Cardinal signs.
Fixed signs are replete with inner reserves, formidable in their determination to "stay the course" they have set for themselves, and resolute in their ability to undergo considerable hardship (and even physical damage) rather than "give in" to an adversary or an adversarial situation. Fixed signs, when faced with conflict or distress, become the "immoveable object" of song and legend.
Their motto comes straight from the mouth of Sir Winston Churchill (who hosts a Fixed Grand Cross in his chart) ... "Never give in -- never, never, never, never, in nothing great or small, large or petty, never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy." That pretty well says it when it comes to the philosophy of the Fixed signs. The next time someone tells you persistence is the key to success, realize he's speaking straight from Fixed Sign experience. Probably his own.
Fixed signs are masters of stability, perseverance, and organization. They are motivated by principles and can be every bit as entangled in the concept of "a cause" as the Cardinal signs. But they definitely want a more measured and serene pace to the life they lead. They aren't a bit fond of high-pressure situations or people who push too hard. They prefer other tactics to get what they want that can be just as effective ... and just as infuriating. But they make choices that they feel put them in control of their destiny and experiences ... and even more than with the Cardinal signs, control is a big issue with these folks.
Fixed Signs pull their resources inward in order to fortify themselves to deal with life, crises, challenges, and stress ... and then work from these inner reserves, doling out a piece at a time as needed to cope with current events. Where Cardinal Signs can conquer life's adversaries and dangers through the figurative strategies of carpet bombing, ballistic missiles, and pushing relentlessly forward, Fixed Signs lay siege to their enemies and simply outlast the bastards. Two types of reactions (or "warfare"), each equally effective.
Fixed Signs concentrate, focus, and wear down the opposition -- particularly when the opposition is something abstract, such as "timing." They are impervious to distractions and their patience can seem eternal to anyone on the wrong side of their "waiting games." They're less into the "instant gratification" so prized by Cardinal Signs, although they wouldn't be silly enough to refuse a windfall that literally fell into their laps. (As long as they didn't have to exert themselves overly to claim it.)
Their stamina is amazing, and because they take their time, pick their targets, and consolidate their pursuit of their aims, their eventual rewards are often richer, more practical, and more valuable economically (an important point in a material world) than that of the Cardinal Signs who are often willing to trade profit for glory. (Even Cardinal Capricorn can be sweet-talked into this with the right words of praise massaging his ego.)
So, it is true to say the Fixed Signs find their patience rewarded ... but then it's also true that what they're waiting for is usually worth it. If, in fact, deferred pleasures are sweeter (because they've had time to ripen), Fixed Signs harvest some of the tastiest plums in the orchard.
Fixed signs are loyal, stalwart, relentless -- and it's hard to argue with the fact that their tactics often succeed with results that could give obstinance a good name. Fixed signs work through sustained effort. They bear up and carry on. They are patient, reliable, dogged, and steadfast. They resist coercion ... even as they themselves apply it left and right, and they will not bow down to an authority they don't respect. Don't even waste your time suggesting it.
Meet the Fixed Signs
Taurus works to establish stability in:
- The physical realm -- by working with tangible property like money, material possessions, natural resources, material assets
- Survival issues -- making sure the new life begun in Aries has the nourishment it needs to survive
- Plans based on practicality and common sense ... and supported by feasibility and sufficient funding
- Fixity of purpose -- through its ability to hold fast in times of confusion and see ventures through to completion
Earth signs are concerned with issues of practical achievement, the use of financial and material resources, the things needed to sustain physical life.
Leo works to establish stability in:
- Efforts based on personality and leadership -- providing the strong, visible point man others can rally 'round
- The management of creative effort ... his own in particular
- Ventures dependent on self-confidence, speculation, and individual charisma
- Fixity of personal image -- providing a dramatic, engaging, flamboyant, and powerful leadership style to move projects forward and enlist the aid of those willing to follow his lead
Fire signs are concerned with issues of personality, confidence, vision, and individual achievement.
Scorpio works to establish stability in:
- Efforts that join together diverse talents and apply assets from multiple sources
- Investments of partnership resources and communal assets ... with the objective of achieving a dividend greater than any contributor could have achieved on his own
- Plans based on an overarching vision ... and ambitions aimed at improving that which already exists
- Fixity of force -- based on its deep emotional commitment to own ventures and the success it is determined to have through the application of sheer will
Water signs are concerned with issues of emotions, inner feelings, subjective values, intuition, psychic sensitivities.
Aquarius works to establish stability in:
- Efforts that are future-oriented, concerned with the welfare of humanity in general, and focused on building a better "tomorrow"
- The applications of original insights, ingenuity, invention, and innovation
- Undertakings based on passionate ideals, and a focus on ultimate possibilities
- Fixity of original designs -- based on its willingness to break with traditions, experiment, and step far outside conventional structures to find new arrangements that are inspired and progressive
Air signs are concerned with issues of intellect, perspective, communication, feedback, and social interaction.
