Assuming that there is a cosmic force that gives life to the material world and that sustains all living things, we come across the concept of “vital energy”. In Astrology, this type of energy initially manifests itself through Primordial Qualities (also referred to as Primitive Qualities or Primitive Qualities). These are present in Nature and matter, subtly regulating cosmic energy.
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The Concept of Vital Energy
The concept of vital energy (“Chi energy” in Chinese Astrology or “prana” in Indian), is deeply rooted in the laws of Nature and the principles of creation and life.
Vital energy circulates in the human body through the meridians (a network of energy channels), just as blood flows through the veins. Vital energy is the base of the balance of body, mind, and spirit. Thus, everything we need for our vitality and longevity is transmitted to us by this cosmic force.
In Astrology, all energies are needed for a balanced energy flow. The energetic field of action is not watertight and the different types of energy interact and complement each other.
In the same way, the concept of negative polarity (or Yin in the Chinese Astrology), is not a value judgment but rather an indication that the personality of these signs is introverted and receptive (in contrast to the positive polarity signs - Yang, in Chinese Astrology, which is extroverted and self-expressive).
Primordial Qualities - The Principle of Expression of Everything
In Astrology, vital energy manifests itself initially through the Primordial Qualities. These are present in Nature and matter, subtly regulating cosmic energy.
All life forms are expressed through Primordial Qualities and they are also the pieces that constitute the elements, signs and planets, that is, they are the basic foundation of Astrology. Each of these axes represents opposite attributes. They are:
- Hot and Cold
- Dry and Wet
Whereas:
- Hot - Action, movement, impulsivity
- Cold - Receptivity, passivity, melancholy, observation
- Dry - Permanence, stagnation, crystallization, concentration
- Wet - Flexibility, volatility, malleability
Characteristics of Primitive Qualities
Systematizing, these are the characteristics of Primitive Qualities:
1. Hot and Cold
1.1. Hot
- Scope - What has movement, what is dynamic, what promotes change, action, impulsiveness, the desire to influence
- Symbolism - Represents the positive qualities (understood here as more extroverted, expansive, enthusiastic, expressive and communicative behaviors), such as optimism, vigor, intelligence, authority and creativity, but also aggressiveness, assertiveness, exaggeration
- Planets - Sun (vital energy, heat - maximum exponent of this Quality), Mars (action) and Jupiter (expansion)
- Moon Phases - Crescent Moon and New Moon
- Temperament - Choleric and Sanguine
- Elements - Fire and Air
- Signs - Aries, Leo, Sagittarius / Gemini , Libra and Aquarius
- Seasons of the Year - Spring and Summer
1.2 Cold
- Scope - What has no movement, what is passive, what is stagnant or stationary, the conservation impulse, continuity, what seeks security
- Symbolism - Represents the negative qualities (understood here as more introverted, internalized, deep, intimate and calm behaviors), such as pessimism, prudence, patience, delay, resistance, modesty, sobriety
- Planets - Saturn (maximum exponent of this Quality), Moon, Mercury and Venus
- Moon Phases - Full Moon and Waning Moon
- Temperament - Phlegmatic and Melancholic
- Polarity - Feminine (Negative, Passive or Yin)
- Elements - Earth and Water
- Signs - Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn / Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces
- Seasons of the Year - Autumn and Winter
2. Dry and Wet
2.1 Dry
- Scope - What resists, what is rough, what hurts, anguish, affliction, suffering, what is apparent, what is hidden
- Symbolism - Imposition and resistance
- Planets - Mars (tension, impulse - maximum exponent of this Quality), Mercury and Saturn (rigidity, pain, stubbornness), Sun (energy)
- Moon Phases - Crescent Moon and Full Moon
- Temperament - Choleric and Melancholic
- Polarity - both Male as Female
- Elements - Fire and Earth
- Signs - Aries, Leo, Sagittarius / Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn
- Seasons of the Year - Summer and Autumn
2.2 Wet
- Scope - What does not offer resistance, adaptation, passivity, plasticity, volatility
- Symbolism - Everything that is soft, soft, emotions, what's pleasant, what's invisible, what's hard to see and touch, but you're able to feel
- Planets - Moon (maximum exponent of this Quality), Venus and Jupiter
- Moon Phases - New Moon and Waning Moon
- Temperament - Phlegmatic and Sanguine
- Polarity - both Male and Female
- Elements - Air and Water
- Signs - Gemini, Libra, Aquarius / Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces
- Seasons of the Year - Winter and Spring
Table of Primordial Qualities of the Zodiac Signs
Systematizing the above information, these are the Qualities, Elements, Dualities, and Modes of the 12 Zodiac Signs:
Aries Sign
- Primordial Quality: Dry and Hot
- Element: Fire
- Duality: Male
- Quadruplicity: Cardinal
Taurus Sign
- Primordial Quality: Dry and Cold
- Element: Earth
- Duality: Female
- Quadruplicity: Fixed
Gemini Sign
- Primordial Quality: Wet and Hot
- Element: Air
- Duality: Male
- Quadruplicity: Mutable
Cancer Sign
- Primordial Quality: Wet and Cold
- Element: Water
- Duality: Female
- Quadruplicity: Cardinal
Leo Sign
- Primordial Quality: Dry and Hot
- Element: Fire
- Duality: Male
- Quadruplicity: Fixed
Virgo Sign
- Primordial Quality: Dry and Cold
- Element: Earth
- Duality: Female
- Quadruplicity: Mutable
Libra Sign
- Primordial Quality: Wet and Hot
- Element: Air
- Duality: Male
- Quadruplicity: Cardinal
Scorpio Sign
- Primordial Quality: Wet and Cold
- Element: Water
- Duality: Female
- Quadruplicity: Fixed
Sagittarius Sign
- Primordial Quality: Dry and Hot
- Element: Fire
- Duality: Male
- Quadruplicity: Mutable
Capricorn Sign
- Primordial Quality: Dry and Cold
- Element: Earth
- Duality: Female
- Quadruplicity: Cardinal
Aquarius Sign
- Primordial Quality: Wet and Hot
- Element: Air
- Duality: Male
- Quadruplicity: Fixed
Pisces Sign
- Primordial Quality: Wet and Cold
- Element: Water
- Duality: Female
- Quadruplicity: Mutable
Primordial Qualities and Basic Characteristics of the Signs
It is these Primordial Qualities of matter that shape the basic characteristics of signs. The “Hot and Cold” axis was assigned to the signs in alternating order, while the “Dry and Wet” axis followed other criteria. From the resulting classification, the four Elements (or Triplicities) emerged: Fire, Earth, Air, and Water.
The Personality of the Zodiac Signs and the Astrological Elements
Find out how each of the elements of Astrology contributes to defining the personality of the Zodiac Signs.
