Adaptability and Change of Mutable Signs
Mutable signs are the facilitators that actively serve to transition to something new, signaling the end of the season. The common qualities of: accommodation, adaptability, change, compliance, conciliation, facilitation, flexibility, malleability, and resourcefulness, are expressed through the Mutable signs of Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces.
Revisiting the Quadruplicities
The Quadruplicities are divided into three groups of four signs each, one sign representing each of the elements (Fire, Earth, Air, Water). The final phase of a three-part process, the Mutable Quadruplicity is associated with adapting and facilitating the expression of energy manifested by the previous Fixed sign. Mutability reflects the sign occupied by the Sun during the final third of a season and is the time when what has been initiated (planted) during the Cardinal phase and manifested (grown and established) during the Fixed phase is now reaped (harvested) so the fruits of labor can be enjoyed while preparing for the next Cardinal phase.
The Strengths and Weaknesses of Change
Mutable signs are all about change, which is both their strength and their weakness. A Mutable sign can be relied upon to keep things moving, they are not satisfied with staying in one place for very long. Their energy is restless, and these signs enjoy variety and activity. They can be interesting and fun to be around, but some people may find it difficult, or tiring, to keep up with the pace of change and the uncertainty of what is next. The need for movement can result in a short attention span or a degree of superficiality, with strongly mutable individual frequently leaving things unfinished or unresolved.
The Mutable Signs
Qualities inherent within the Mutable signs are expressed differently by each of them. Gemini, with its Airy nature, reflects the ‘social butterfly’ of the zodiac. They tend to flit from one thing (or person) to another and often juggle multiple ideas and priorities without manifesting anything at all.
Virgo is related to process and keeping things moving. The transition of matter from one end of a system to the other can be illustrated by the progress of an assembly line, or even the natural process of digestion (Virgo rules the intestines). This sign relates to details and analysis and its natives can be relied upon to ensure things do not fall between the cracks. There is, however, a tendency towards perfectionism which can cause a Virgo to initiate change just for the sake of it, resulting in a never-ending process of activity and the potential of getting stuck in an ongoing loop of review and improvement.
In the case of the Fire sign Sagittarius, their Mutable energy is about having fun and seeking the next adventure. Sagittarians can be quite engaging and draw others in to their latest endeavor. Their active energy combined with a spirit of adventure allows them to spontaneously jump from one thing to another, always looking for more fun and excitement, but not always considering the risk.
The final Mutable sign, Pisces, is in the element of water, so their feelings and emotions are subject to continual change. On the positive side, Pisceans can feel significant empathy for many people and issues, opening them up to broad understanding and acceptance. They are often aware of subtle undercurrents and, while there are positives to being ‘tuned in’, this type of sensitivity can leave them prone to absorbing energy from other people. Consequently, they may not always be sure of how they themselves feel, or at times they may be carried away by strong influences of others.
Finding Balance
The balance or imbalance of modes within a chart suggests one’s general approach to life. For example, if the chart is heavily weighted towards Mutability, there is a tendency to approach challenges by ignoring them and leaving them behind to quickly move onto “next”. Reluctance to face difficulties can create a long list of unfinished projects, or a state of confusion for others. Two expressions that illustrate the constant motion or change these natives engender included: ‘a rolling stone gathers no moss’; or, ‘a moving target is harder to hit’.
Strong Mutability can indicate great energy directed towards change and, while these signs don’t initiate or manifest a result, they do keep things moving. The challenge however, is that they don’t always know what direction to move in and can get caught up in a wave and just ‘go with the flow’ or appear to flit from one thing to the next with no apparent plan or goal.
Seeing Mutability in Others
Gene Wilder, with both Sun and Ascendant in Gemini, is an example of strong but not over-abundant Mutability. An actor in film and theatre, a screenwriter, author, and some might say ‘comic genius’, his career reflects the versatility and constant action representative of this mode.
Freddie Mercury (lead singer of the rock band Queen) had both Sun and Ascendant in Virgo and Moon in Sagittarius, reflecting a strong mutable chart. As a singer, songwriter, and musician he has been heralded as one of the best ‘rock’ singers of all time. His flexibility was further demonstrated when he explored the operatic genre, recording Barcelona with the famous soprano Monserrate Cabrallé.
Both examples illustrate how strong (and balanced) Mutability can manifest. At its best, well balanced Mutability shows up as active, adaptable, curious and flexible with lots of energy to engage in social, problem-solving, or new and different activities. At its most challenging, a lack of mutability can show up as inability to cooperate, adapt or be flexible.
Recognizing Mutability in Yourself
Following the Mutable energy of change and facilitation towards something new, Cardinality takes over once again, setting the next direction or goal, and thus the process comes full circle. I invite you to consider the degree of Mutability in your own chart. Is it balanced, overly abundant, or lacking? Consider how the quality (balance or imbalance) has manifested in your life.
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