Cardinal sign — Astrology glossary

A cardinal sign is one of the four zodiac signs belonging to the cardinal modality: Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn. These signs open each of the four seasons, and the modality is associated with initiative, beginnings, and setting things in motion. Cardinal signs are typically described as driven and proactive, the ones who launch projects, push for change, and take the lead, each in the style of its own element. Aries initiates through action, Cancer through emotion, Libra through relationship, and Capricorn through ambition. In a natal chart, strong cardinal placement points to a person who instinctively starts things and shapes their circumstances rather than waiting on them. For example, someone with the Sun, Moon, and Mars in cardinal signs tends to respond to a problem by acting at once, which can mean many beginnings but not always the patience to finish them.