Most of us know the general characteristics of our Zodiac Sun Sign, but by looking closely at the Elements, Qualities and Temperaments associated with each different astrological Sign, we can gain a better understanding of them.

Your Sun Sign is certainly a major part of your natal chart, but there are other planets in your birth chart that also have a significant impact.

It could be that, although you have your Sun in Aires which is a Cardinal Fire sign with a Male Temperament, your chart on a whole could show a heavy tendency more towards Water signs with a Female Temperament. If this is the case you are going to exhibit more of these tendencies as a whole. So let's explore the different aspects within your sign.

Characteristics of Each Sun Sign

• Aires: Cardinal, Fire, Male
• Taurus: Fixed, Earth, Female
• Gemini: Mutual, Air, Male
• Cancer: Cardinal, Water, Female
• Leo: Fixed, Fire, Male
• Virgo: Mutable, Earth, Female
• Libra: Cardinal, Air, Male
• Scorpio: Fixed, Water, Female
• Sagittarius: Mutable, Fire, Male
• Capricorn: Cardinal, Earth, Female
• Aquarius: Fixed, Air, Male
• Pisces: Mutable, Water, Female

ELEMENTS OR TRIPLICITIES
The twelve astrological signs are broken up into four different Elements (or Triplicities). These Elements are Fire, Earth, Air and Water. Each Element has a sign from each of the Qualities in it.

Fire
The Fire signs are Aires (Cardinal), Leo (Fixed) and Sagittarius (Mutable). These signs are the go-getters. They are enthusiastic, energetic and optimistic. Their nature is warm and kind although they have a fiery temperament when things are not going their way.

Earth
The Earth signs are Taurus (Fixed), Virgo (Mutable) and Capricorn (Cardinal). As you may well imagine, these signs are often described as being the salt of the earth type as well as being known for their earthy and sensual nature. They are reliable, dependable and stable. Security is very important to these signs.

Air
The Air signs are Gemini (Mutable), Libra (Cardinal) and Aquarius (Fixed). These signs are characterized by their need for intellectual stimulation. These signs may often be referred to by others as being rather "airy-fairy" or of having their head in the clouds. Communication is important to these signs and the intellectual over the emotional is often emphasized.

Water
The Water signs are Cancer (Cardinal), Scorpio (Fixed) and Pisces (Mutable). These signs are known for their emotional nature and may often be noted as being rather "deep". Water signs are often noted for their intuitive and at times almost psychic abilities.

QUALITIES, MODALITIES OR QUADRUPLICITIES
The twelve astrological signs are divided into three different groups called Qualities (also known as Modalities or Quadruplicities). The three qualities are Cardinal, Fixed and Mutable. Each Quality has a sign from each of the different Elements.

Cardinal
The Cardinal signs are Aires (Fire), Cancer (Water), Libra (Air) and Capricorn (Earth). These signs are self-motivators and show intuitive and determination in their endeavors. They are natural leaders and are unafraid to venture into new territory. They are also the natural rulers of the 1st (Ascendant), 4th (Imum Coeli), 7th (Descendant) and 10th (Medium Coeli) Astrological Houses. The beginning of these signs are also linked to an equinox or a solstice.

Fixed
The Fixed signs are Taurus (Earth), Leo (Fire), Scorpio (Water) and Aquarius (Air). These signs are noted for their persistence and determination. Where the Cardinal signs initiates, the Fixed signs refine and perfect.

Mutable
The Mutable signs are Gemini (Air), Virgo (Earth), Sagittarius (Fire) and Pisces (Water). These signs are known for their adaptability and ability to handle change.

TEMPERAMENT
The signs can also be broken down into two separate Temperaments: male and female.

Male
The male signs are Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius and Aquarius. You may notice that these are the Fire and Air signs. These signs are noted for their more aggressive and dynamic, idealistic personalities.

Female
The female signs are Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn and Pisces. You may notice that these signs are the Earth and Water signs. These signs are characterized as being more secretive, reflective and strategic.