Cardinal

Modalities, also called qualities, sort the twelve signs into three groups of four according to when they fall in a season. The cardinal signs are the first of each season.

What it stands for

• initiative
• beginnings
• leadership
• action

What the tradition says

Cardinal signs are described as initiators: they like new beginnings, get excited by change and set things going. The usual criticism is that they start with great energy and look for someone else to keep it up. The four cardinal signs are Aries (fire), Cancer (water), Libra (air) and Capricorn (earth).

The seasons

Each cardinal sign opens a season in the Northern Hemisphere: Aries spring, Cancer summer, Libra autumn and Capricorn winter.

The seasons are those of the Northern Hemisphere. In the Southern Hemisphere they are reversed, so a cardinal sign that opens summer in the north opens winter in the south.

Tarot, astrology and numerology are traditions of symbolism. This page says what the tradition associates with its subject. It does not predict anything and it is not advice.