Cardinal or movable signs are impulsive, forward-moving, active, and looking to start something new. Entrepreneurs, leaders, and pioneers fall under the domain of cardinality.
They might start a creative project out of their inspiration (fire element), an emotionally fulfilling experience (water element), a stimulating verbal joust or a new idea (air element), or a practical work-related endeavor (earth element).
Changing Seasons & Changing the World
The four cardinal zodiac signs of Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn correspond to the changing of the seasons: winter, spring, summer, and fall.
In the house system, planets placed in the angular (cardinal) houses show a willingness to ENGAGE with the world and truly make changes in one’s life: 1st house (identity), 4th house (family), 7th house (relationships), 10th house (career).
Cardinal Signs Always Initiate New Things
There’s a reason why Capricorns really want to be known as “hard workers” to other people.
They are itching at the bit to prove themselves in a professional capacity.
Libras are always trying to get into a relationship or connect with other people.
Cancers are seeking emotional connection and comfort.
And of course, Aries people don’t give a damn about what other people think, they just act on their creative vision regardless. Start that new business. Start that new project!
The very first cardinal sign (Aries) governs the color red. Cardinal birds are bright red and symbols of new beginnings, strength, and vitality.
This parallel isn’t a coincidence.
Truly, angular signs are the ones who pioneer, break free from the mold, and take the actions necessary to expand outwards to a new level of being.
The ruling planets are no accident.
Cardinal Planetary Rulers: It’s Not a Coincidence
Mars (Aries)
Moon (Cancer)
Venus (Libra)
Saturn (Capricorn)
Notice something? There are two malefic planets (Mars and Saturn) and two benefic or “soft” planets (Venus and Moon).
It shows a harmony between the harsh and positive energies. Even THIS corresponds with the seasons (and with why these zodiac signs BEHAVE the way they do)!
- Mars: burning away the cold, dead winter to bring the heat of spring.
- Moon: in the heat of the summer, the nighttime brings cool and comfort.
- Venus: balancing and reaching harmony (not too hot, nor too cold) – the fall.
- Saturn: limited and restricted in the harsh, dead winter time, everything is still.
The same CANNOT be said for other modalities, like the mutable zodiac signs, two of which are ruled by a neutral planet (Mercury) and a great benefic planet (Jupiter). Or even the fixed, for that matter! Stubborn signs, like Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius, feature THREE malefic planets as rulers (Sun, Mars, Saturn) and only ONE benefic planet (Venus).
The Karma of Cardinal Signs
The cardinal signs are here to initiate things into the world, or be the recipients of initiated actions of the past.
Because Aries begins new things (this is where we’re birthed into existence), Libra (the opposite of Aries) must be on the receiving end.
Follow?
Because Cancer represents personal comfort and one’s internal emotions, the opposite sign of Capricorn isn’t about personal comfort but sacrifice/austerity and collective service.
The Moon loves to grow things and frequently wax and wane. Saturn straight up kills things (so to speak) and moves pretty darn slow by comparison.
When cardinal zodiac signs are in good dignity (pleasantly aspected), there is a lot of fruitful activity that comes from activity.
When in bad aspect, their actions lead to destruction in a particular area of life. Just saying…Putin is a Libra with Saturn conjunct his Sun sign (power, death, responsibility, relationships).
If you’re born under a cardinal sign, learn to manage and control impulsive behavior as best as you can.
