Author: Alison Price   –   Published: November 2024

Mode Compatability

Today we’re going to get into the nitty gritty of mode compatibility. I’m of the belief that when dealing with clients, they really are only two questions in astrology. “Where is the love? And “Where is the money?” Interesting these are both Venus related questions, but as a practicing astrologer and someone who’s trying to understand and read charts, you do need to know about love relationships, personal relationships and how people get on with each other. Or in other words, how people’s charts mesh. This usually unfolds by someone saying, “I’m a Virgo, she’s an Aquarius, how do we get on?” And yes, certainly there is a place for that type of astrology, but here I’m digging deeper into the background themes in a chart.

Background Noise

The broadest possible interpretation of a chart comes through in the polarity (a topic for another day) but check out this post on Ascendant, Sun and Moon polarity). The second broadest interpretation comes through in the three modes. So today we’re going to take a closer look at mode compatibility as a background theme for relationships between two people. This is part of the love and relationships category that I like to chat about a lot.

All Relationships

Of course, chart comparison can be used for every relationship you have with everyone you meet. You will have a relationship with your clients, your parents, your kids, your friends and your life-partner. You don’t always have to dig super deep into a chart to get some insights, here of course you can and many do, but if you are looking for some broad strokes, then mode is one way of doing it.

Mode Signs

There are three modes in astrology, the Cardinal mode, the Fixed mode and the Mutable mode. Each of the 12 Zodiac signs belongs to one mode. Each mode has four signs in it. The modes can also be referred to as qualities or modalities.

The Cardinal Signs

The cardinal signs are Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn. Any planets in these signs will be counted as cardinal. The cardinal signs are ruled by Mars (Aries), the Moon (Cancer), Venus (Libra) and Saturn (Capricorn).

The Fixed Signs

The fixed signs are Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius. Any planets in these signs will be counted in the fixed mode count. The fixed signs are ruled by Venus (Taurus), the Sun (Leo), Mars and Pluto (Scorpio) and Saturn and Uranus (Aquarius).

The Mutable Signs

The mutable signs are Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces. Any planets and these signs will be counted as mutable. The mutable signs are ruled by Mercury (Gemini and Virgo), Jupiter (Sagittarius and Pisces) and Neptune (Pisces).

• More on MODES

Which Planets to Count

Back in the Day

When I first started to learn astrology, we would count every planet from the Sun to Pluto, we weren’t using Chiron back then. Additionally, we would give two points to the Ascendant and the Midheaven sign. In this way you ended up with a count of fourteen. And while this method may work for some people, over the years I found that it was just too diluted to give a firm count.

Visible Planets

Years ago, I came across a system of only using the visible planets because you then have a seven count. For the seven visible planets, which are the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn, and from that point on I only do a count for seven because you are focusing in on the main planets in a chart straight away. Of course, you could do the full count to fourteen and even add in the nodes and whatnot if you want to, but I don’t. By only counting the seven visible planets in a chart you end up with a quality count as opposed to a quantity count.

Determining Mode Emphasis

Two More

In general. For a mode be emphasized, and only using the seven visible planets, the mode must contain two more planets than the next best mode. If you were writing in astrology exam, this would definitely be the case. However, this is the real world, and if you have a mode count that is perhaps four, three and zero, you could say that the mode with four planets is emphasized as well even though it was only one more than the three-planet mode. Additionally, you could have a count where there was two, three and two, and then technically the mode with three planets would then be the emphasized mode.

Past Seven

If you choose to ignore the visible planets only rule and you decide to count all the planets and some of the points as well, you will get different results for your mode emphasis count. At this point, we’re trying to find the emphasized mode for somebody’s chart, so that we can use it in our relationship analysis between two people. The choice is up to you.

Example Chart: Whoopi Goldberg

Birth Data

Whoopi Goldberg’s birth details are: 12:48 PM, November 13th, 1955, New York City, USA. In this chart below I’ve only displayed the seven visible planets to keep things simple.

Mode Count: 7 Planets

In the Cardinal sign of Libra, she has one planet, Mars. In the Fixed sign of Scorpio, she has four planets, and in the fixed sign of Leo, she has one planet, Jupiter. Then her one and only mutable planet is Venus in Sagittarius.

Cardinal = 1, Fixed = 5 and Mutable = 1.

She is strongly in the Fixed mode. If you recall, to have an emphasis in a mode you need to have two more planets than the next best mode which is certainly the case with Fixed at five which is four more than the next best mode, either Cardinal or Mutable at one planet each.

Mode Count: 12 Planets plus 4 Points

When you add in 12 planets plus 4 points (Ascendant, Midheaven, Nodes) the mode count is slightly different. She has Cardinal = 3, Fixed = 9, and Mutable = 4. In her case Fixed remains her strongest mode, but it wouldn’t always be the case.

Representing Modes

Terminology

Mode counts are always represented in their order from Aries (the first sign) as in Cardinal, then Fixed, then Mutable or as C-F-M.

My Chart

My personal mode count is shown as 1-4-3 (7 count) or 5-7-3 (16 count). This shows that Fixed is my strongest mode either way. You can check your own chart.

Same Mode Dynamic

Same Modes in a Pair

If both partners have strong modes which are the same, Cardinal-Cardinal, Fixed-Fixed and Mutable-Mutable, it creates tension in the relationship.

Cardinal and Cardinal: The Present

Dynamism

Two Cardinal signs coming together creates a relationship charged with dynamism and drive. This pairing often results in a competitive atmosphere in which both partners have strong leadership instincts, which can lead to power struggles. This couple has an action-oriented dynamic where the relationship is rarely stagnant, with both people constantly pushing for progress. They have shared ambitions and their goals often align, creating a unified direction in life. Mutual admiration, although not always a plus, is expressed as each partner respects the other’s independent spirit and determination. With Cardinal-Cardinal couples, the potential for conflict is always there. Both people want to “be the boss,” which can create tension. This pair will rapidly make decisions that make other people’s head spin. They are quick to act on ideas and plans. Cardinal duos are the zodiac’s initiators of change. Together, they’re likely to spark new projects or life directions.

Challenges

Cardinal-Cardinal pairings can face challenges where power struggles arise frequently. Compromise can be difficult as both people are used to taking charge. The relationship may lack a certain stability due to constant change and action.

Thriving

To thrive, Cardinal-Cardinal couples need to learn to take turns in the driving seat. They will benefit from showing appreciation for each other’s strengths. This pair can channel their energy into shared goals rather than in competition with each other. By practicing patience and develop listening skills they will prevail and thrive as a couple.

Fixed and Fixed: The Future

Resilience

When two Fixed signs form a relationship, it creates a union characterized by stability, determination and resilience. This pairing tends to build a solid foundation through their shared desire for security which makes them excellent at establishing a stable, long-lasting partnership. This couple can resist change because both partners prefer consistency and they may be slow to embrace new ideas or situations.

Fixed-Fixed will demonstrate unwavering commitment to each other and once committed, they’re likely to persevere through challenges, viewing the relationship as a long-term investment. They easily create a predictable environment where routines and traditions often play a significant role in their lives together.

This pair often exhibits loyalty, trust and faithfulness which are typically cornerstones of their bond. When both parties are strongly Fixed, it shows determination as a couple this is more so when they set shared goals and they work tirelessly to achieve them.

Key Points

Key characteristics of this pairing include strong values and principles that guide their relationship. There is a tendency to stick to established patterns and habits. They enjoy deep emotional connections which strengthen over time.

Challenges

However, potential challenges may arise through stubbornness which can lead to standoffs when opinions differ. This couple’s resistance to change might result in a stagnant relationship. Inflexibility could make adapting to life’s inevitable changes difficult.

Thriving

To thrive, Fixed-Fixed couples should practice compromise and open-mindedness. They would do well to actively seek new experiences together to avoid monotony. This pair can appreciate each other’s steadfastness while gently encouraging flexibility. They can communicate openly about needs for both stability and growth.

Mutable and Mutable: The Past

Flexible

When two Mutable signs come together, they form a relationship that is flexible, dynamic and ever evolving. This pairing is characterized by adaptability as both partners excel at adjusting to new situations that make their relationship highly versatile.

Intellectual stimulation is a theme for Mutable-Mutable couples and the constant exchange of ideas and perspectives keeps their connection vibrant. Being spontaneous, the couple embraces change, leading to an eclectic and sometimes unpredictable lifestyle.

Mutable-Mutable couples’ relationships are communication-rich where the chatting and dialogue flows freely, with both partners eager to share thoughts and feelings. They have openness to new experiences and they will explore various interests and lifestyles together.

Key Points

Key aspects of this relationship include a tendency to approach life with curiosity and openness, the ability to navigate challenges by adapting rather than confronting and a shared appreciation for variety and new experiences.

Challenges

Lack of direction is a challenge because by going through life without a firm goal, the Mutable-Mutable relationship may feel aimless at times. This pair may suffer from analysis paralysis where excessive talking and planning might hinder concrete action. A little less conversation a little more action. Constant change can sometimes lead to a sense of chaos or insecurity and instability can be a theme. Both may bring ingrained ideas from past experiences, affecting current dynamics.

Thriving

To thrive, Mutable-Mutable couples should set some long-term goals to provide structure and direction. They could balance their flexibility with some routine for stability. They would do well to practice following through on plans and ideas and not just talking about them. This pair could cultivate mindfulness to stay grounded in the present and take the time to recognize and challenge preconceived notions that may limit their growth as a couple.

Mixed Modes in a Pair

Contrasts

When partners possess contrasting dominant modes, it often leads to a more balanced and effective collaboration. This is particularly evident in the pairing of Cardinal and Fixed modes.

Cardinal and Fixed Dynamic

A Force to be Reconned With

When Cardinal and Fixed get together, it’s like an irresistible force encountering an immovable object. Despite their differences, they often synergize for mutual advantage. In this combination, the Cardinal partner drives progress and initiates change and the Fixed partner provides stability and maintains course. This blending of modes allows for both forward momentum and necessary grounding, creating a potentially powerful and complementary partnership.

Cardinal and Mutable Dynamic

Adaptability

This partnership combines initiative with adaptability, creating a flexible and dynamic relationship. This pair is highly adaptable in navigating life’s various directions. Here the Cardinal partner typically takes the lead and the Mutable partner readily follows and supports. Mutable often inspires and persuades Cardinal into action.

The Cardinal’s drive to initiate blends well with the Mutable’s ability to adjust and flow with changes. This combination can result in a partnership that is both proactive and versatile, capable of handling various life situations with ease.

Fixed and Mutable Dynamic

Contrasts

This partnership brings together stability and flexibility, often resulting in a relationship of contrasts. The Mutable partner seeks variety and change and the Fixed partner prefers consistency and routine. This leads to the potential for misunderstanding due to differing approaches. Fixed may view Mutable as overly talkative or scattered and Mutable might perceive Fixed as too rigid or unexciting. While their differences can create friction, this pairing also offers the potential for balance. The Mutable partner can help the Fixed partner adapt to necessary changes, while the Fixed person can provide the stability and focus the Mutable person may lack.

Summary

With astrology, awareness is key and as an aspiring astrologer, if you have an awareness about what your mode count is and how you’re going to interact with other people, it gives you a broader insight immediately about how you’re going to connect with somebody including your clients. Certainly, you can go into the finer details of her Venus is on his Mars or situations like that, but always bear in mind that in your astrological toolbox you need to understand the general themes within a chart before you go into the nitty-gritty. Additionally, if you start paying attention to the background noise of a chart, that comes through the polarity, mode and element count, it gives you another feature to lean on when you are in consultation with your clients and you are drawing a blank.

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Author Bio

Alison Price: Professional Astrologer

Alison helps you uncover your individual creativity and lead a fulfilling life using your own astrology. She shares her wisdom from the heart with a touch of humor. She offers Consultations for everyone and Coaching for Aspiring Astrologers.

If you’d like to get in touch with Alison, you can reach out to her via email at starzology@gmail.com.

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