Originally Written April 2017

There are those who watch, those who wander, and those who lead. In astrology, Cardinal Signs are the latter. The first, the one in charge, the envoy, the mother. Cardinal Signs Aries, Cancer, Libra, & Capricorn are those we can’t help but to get behind. As people there are those whose capabilities, values and desires are as clear and straightforward as expressing just who they are.

These are not energies that one can easily dominate. Nope, not even those sweet seeming crabs ?and scale swingers ⚖️! The four cardinal signs are, in my opinion, the most diverse of all the modalities when compared to one another. It’s no wonder they are commonly known to also represent the four directions (North, South, East, West).

However, what Cardinal signs have in common is that they are initiators of trends and principals of traditions. As such their primary concern is control, usually as a means of security. How they go about establishing, expressing, and maintaining control or establishing security varies by sign though.

Below, is a brief breakdown of how each sign expresses its cardinal nature.
More detailed information on each signs expression of its respective modality will be added to the queue shortly 🙂

ARIES

Arian NOTE TO SELF: It is possible to maintain my autonomy and individuality while simultaneously showing respect to righteously established authorities (Those who express both in word and deed that they have experience following the advice they provide to successful ends). Practicing self-control lends itself to effective use of my free will. Whatever I manifest in this way works best for me.

LIBRA

• How they are relating to or perceived by others (especially those with whom they have close one-one-one relations) determines the goals they pursue and how secure they feel with themselves.
• Amassing and maintaining social influence is Libra’s preferred type of control.
• Charm & Humble Intelligence are their superpowers. They use them to network with those who are socially powerful or beneficial or aligned with their definition of ‘just’.
• They establish balance by defining what is desirable.
• Indicators that Libras aren’t feeling safe or in control are argumentativeness, bullying, unkempt appearances.

CANCER

• How crabs feel affects the effectiveness with which they pursue their goals
• Feeling needed by those they emotionally depend on is a Cancer’s preferred type of control.
• Affection and Empathy are their super powers. They use them to identify needs and meet them.
• These softies are commonly known to manipulate the emotions and behaviors of others to feel safe and maintain a sense of emotional safety and control.
• Indicators that Cancers don’t feel safe or in control are adopting a victim identity, general irresponsibility, or vindictiveness.

Cancerian NOTE TO SELF: My emotions inform how I proceed toward my aspirations, be it with grateful optimism in recognition of my strength & will to survive, or with bitter nostalgia for the pain that propelled me forward. Everyday, I make a choice, consciously or unconsciously about which direction to go in.

CAPRICORN

• Whether I’ve done my best determines the level of satisfaction of I feel with my accomplishments.
• Feeling responsible for others or in a position of authority is Capricorn’s preferred control.
• Consistency & Ambition are their super powers.
• Goats manipulate by exerting control over services and resources.
• Indicators a Capricorn does not feel secure or in control are irresponsible behaviors, addictions, self-isolation.

If you haven’t already, check out the other modalities: Fixed & Mutable signs.
Are you also interested in Tarot? The Tarot Profile series breaks down the traditional and obscure meanings of each card as well as the symbolism. You’ll get descriptions, quotes, keywords, journal prompts and resources for further study. Check it out!