Modes in Astrology: Cardinal, Fixed, Mutable - Heavenly Messages by Melissa The twelve signs of the zodiac are divided into three categories or modes: cardinal, fixed and mutable CARDINAL: Cardinal energy is about new beginnings, it is active, initiative, self reliant, assertive and aggressive. The cardinal signs are Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn - the signs associated with the beginning of each new season.