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If you’re even the tiniest bit into astrology, you know your Sun sign. You might also know that each sign has an element (fire, water, earth, and air). In astrology, the signs are also broken down into three different qualities—cardinal, fixed, and mutable. The four cardinal signs are Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn. (The fixed signs are Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius, and the mutable signs are Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces.)
The cardinal signs are the initiators of the zodiac. They correspond with the changing seasons, and appropriately, they’re all about innovation and trying new things. When the Sun enters Aries, spring begins; Cancer season coincides with the beginning of summer; Libra season marks the start of autumn; and Capricorn season brings winter in the Northern Hemisphere.
The cardinal signs are the movers and the shakers of the zodiac. They don’t just dream big—they make sh*t happen. Yes, sometimes their moves are a little self-centered, but hey, can you blame them?
There are four Cardinal signs, one for each element. Aries is a fire sign, Cancer is a water sign, Libra is an air sign, and Capricorn is an earth sign.
Let’s get into the four cardinal signs.
Aries
The first sign of the zodiac, Aries is known to be impatient and impulsive. However, if you take a deeper look, you’ll find a hard-working go-getter who won’t take “no” for an answer. In fact, they’ll use their fiery ruled-by-Mars energy to burn down walls so they can build newer, better creations. Just don’t get in their way! In matters of the heart, the Ram takes initiative. If they’ve got a crush, they’ll likely make the first move (and the second, and the third).
Cancer
Cancers get a lot of astrological slander. People tend to think the crab is super-emotional and spends all their time crying. And while they may be tender and affectionate, they also have *drive* like no other. Cancers like to use their ~feels~ and artistic vibes to create. Their emotions inspire them. When they’re at their best, they can make masterpieces. Like the ocean’s tides, crabs like to keep things flowing, whether that’s climbing the career ladder or taking care of their loved ones. Their hustle never stops!
Libra
Libra is the only zodiac sign that’s not represented by a living creature, but an object (the scales). That means that understanding others’ feelings can be a litttle hard for this air sign—though they crave capital L-O-V-E. They use their Venusian vibes (their ruling planet) to critique art, dance, music, and fashion. They’re all about ~the finer things in life.~ Okay, on a bad day they can be a tad b*tchy. But Libras can win their friends back by being loyal, diplomatic, witty, and chill. In love, Libras will make your head spin by flirting hard and pushing to commit ASAP.
Capricorn
The sea-goat isn’t as hard-natured as you may believe. They’re actually the watery part of earth because they’re goats with fishtails (basically goat mermaids!). Caps can be a bit harsh at times, but at their core, they’re sensitive folk who feel their emotions on an extremely deep level. They just don’t always show it, because they’re so protective of their energy and boundaries. Caps have a rep for being meanies, but they’re actually ride-or-die besties—just don’t piss them off. They have no patience for those who waste their time or take without giving back. Capricorns have major CEO energy, whether they’re running their own business or planning a group trip with their crew.