What makes Sagittarius and Leo, both fire signs, act differently? Why don’t all three earth signs have the exact same qualities? These contrasts exist partly because signs of the same element have different modalities.
A modality is a quality that captures how signs of the zodiac tend to react. Each sign has one of three qualities: mutable, cardinal, or fixed. Compared to cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn) and fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius), the mutable quality of the following signs makes them especially adaptable:
Gemini
Virgo
Sagittarius
Pisces
Wondering what your sign is? You can use our handy zodiac calculator.
What Is a Mutable Sign?
Synonyms for “mutable” include shifting and fluid. True to the name, mutable zodiac signs embrace change and adaptability. Through this shared trait, they continually adapt to and improve their circumstances.
Each zodiac sign possesses a unique combination of modality and element. Thus, a mutable sign’s element governs its particular gifts. For instance, mutable air sign Gemini is mentally flexible. Mutable earth sign Virgo brings practicality and resourcefulness in the face of change, while fiery Sagittarius regularly seeks new experiences.
Personality Traits
Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces might sometimes seem fickle, but their flexibility is a gift. Natives of these signs can both perceive broad perspectives and refine subtle details. For this reason, they effortlessly add finishing touches and elevate trending ideas.
If you have a mutable Sun sign in your birth chart horoscope, you’re a bit of a chameleon—bringing energies that fit each unique situation. You know how to sense what others need and undergo great transformation throughout your life.
Gemini
From the Latin word for “twins,” the air sign Gemini enjoys a multifaceted identity. Playful and articulate, Gemini Suns regularly put complex ideas into words that delight and enlighten other people.
The planet Mercury emphasizes communication and grants Geminis their intellectual gifts. The Lovers Tarot card also reflects the sign’s desire to explore authentic passions and align with companions who share that interest and compatibility.
Though a Gemini might seem to change more quickly than the wind, their personality simply wants to expand the mind through experimentation. You can honor this sign by engaging in mutual curiosity and exchanging viewpoints.
Virgo
Just as forces shape landscapes, earth sign Virgo consistently applies analytical skills to improve its environment. Whether at work or home, among friends or strangers, Virgos spot ways to make things better for everyone.
Like Gemini, Virgo receives mental energy from the planet Mercury. However, Virgo thrives in work that requires focus and often solitude—represented by the Hermit Tarot card. If Gemini is the socialite, Virgo is the writer in her study.
Although extreme perfectionism can create anxiety, Virgo’s attention to detail is generally very valuable. Virgos do best when sensing the right details to improve existing processes.
Sagittarius
Like a lit match that starts a celebratory bonfire, the mutable fire sign Sagittarius spreads joy and encourages lively conversation. These adventurous initiators like to foster personal growth through trying new things.
Lucky for Sagittarius, this sign takes after the planet of optimism and abundance—Jupiter. If you’re a Sagittarius, these qualities can give you everything you need to adapt to almost any unfamiliar situation, a wisdom reflected in the Temperance Tarot card.
When out of balance, Sagittarius can become self-centered, chasing thrills to no end. But overall, this zodiac sign is admirable for exploring what others only dare to and generously sharing everything they learn.
Pisces
Mutable water sign Pisces is the unseen current beneath the ocean’s surface: deep and responsive to environmental shifts. For instance, this zodiac sign relates to others with especially high emotional and spiritual attunement.
Unsurprisingly, then, you can find the planet Neptune’s creativity and mysticism in Pisces people. These folks are also ruled by the Moon, where the subconscious and supernatural provide incredible insights.
Pisces reads the energy of a group or space as easily as most people can describe the weather. Although this sensitivity can occasionally overwhelm them, Pisces people, nonetheless, easily connect with others through emotions.