Qualities are not just categories. Each of the signs "borrow" some of their characteristics from each of their qualities. The unique combination of qualities and some individualized flavoring make up the sign. As you begin to reflect on the characteristics of the qualities, you will be able to relate them to the signs. You will see what each sign "borrows" from that particular quality.
Active: Positive
(+), yang, initiating, extroverted
also refered to as masculine 'nature'
Receptive: negative
(-), yin, responding, introverted.
also refered to as feminine 'nature'
Cardinal
Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn
The beginning of each season
initiative and direct approach
Fixed
Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius
The middle and peak of each season
persistence and goal orientation
Mutable
Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces
The end of the season, the transition to the next
fluctuation, adaptabilitiy, and social interaction
Fire
Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
masculine signs
enthusiasm, zeal, warmth, idealism, creativity
Earth
Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn
feminine signs
practicality, materialism, realism, concreteness
Air
Gemini, Libra, Aquarius
masculine signs
mental activity, abstraction, communication, objectivity
Water
Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
feminine signs
emotions, intuition, compassion
Intermediate Homework
Think about what each sign takes from its qualities.
Example:
Cardinal - Aries - what characteristics does Aries Take from its Cardinal mode ?
Cancer - What characteristics does Cancer take from its Cardinal Mode ?
and so on.... Some of these are easy and you can think of many ways each sign fits in, but others are more difficult and you may have to rethink they way you have viewed the sign or quality before. This is the challenge.When you have gone through all the Qualities with each sign. Take each of the signs and add up the ingredients from each of their qualities and come up with the unique recipe that is the sign.