QUALITIES

Also known as the Quadruplicities

Much like the Elements, the qualities of sign form the basis of the character built up from a birthchart. Each Quality consists of two polar opposite pairs of signs and forming between all four of them a GRAND SQUARE aspect.

The qualities are also known as the quadruplicities, as there are four signs belonging to each and it is between signs of the same quality or quadruplicity that the hard SQUARE aspect comes from. The reason for this is that those signs, although having the similarity of quality, they are basically very different and so do not go particularly well together.

The four CARDINAL signs mark the points of the two Equinoxes (Spring and Autumn) and the two Solstices (Summer and Winter) in the Northern Hemisphere.

The ten planetary placements are noted as to which of the qualities they are in by sign. The quality with the most planets posited within would be the more dominant and therefore part of the basic character would be read as such. The planets placed within these qualities would take on some of the characteristics of them. If two or more qualities have equal planetary placements, then they will be combined. Although the Ascendant is not counted regarding qualities, it is nevertheless of interest in the general basic make-up. It can also be used to weigh the balance where two or more qualities are dominant.

Providing the ACTION to get things started.

Providing the STABILITY to see things through.

Relationship Astrology