Learn More About the 4 Mutable Signs in Astrology

The Mutable Qualities of Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces

Chameleon rainbow imitation
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In astrology, there are four mutable signs: Gemini, also an air sign; Virgo, an earth sign; Sagittarius, a fire sign; and Pisces, a water sign.

The term "mutable" is a quality assigned to a sign. There are three qualities, such as mutable, cardinal and fixed. The qualities are one of the building blocks of astrology and are based on how each type of quality engages with the world.

Mutable signs mediate change and change their modes of expression frequently. They are often described as being diplomatic and assisting others through transitions. They can also be perceived as being inconsistent, uncommitted and unreliable.

Mutable Defined

The term "mutable" comes from the Latin root mutabilis, which means change, and as expected, it is related to the English words "mutate" and "mutation."

If you are a mutable sign, you are considered an adaptable chameleon, which means you can shift into many forms and take on different personas.

Characteristics of Mutable Signs

If you are a mutable sign, you are most likely flexible, adaptable and can thrive on change. Your swift changeability allows you to see life from many different perspectives. Mutable signs have a restless nature that comes from being the breakdown before the breakthrough. Usually, if you are a mutable sign, you can bring people and ideas together in an innovative synthesis.

Differences Based on Element: Earth, Air, Fire and Water

Each of the mutable signs mutates itself with the characteristics of its particular element. For example, the mutable fire sign, Sagittarius, evolves through learning, travel, seeking knowledge and using intuition to glean the truth from all this experience.​

The mutable water sign, Pisces, explores and adjusts to the feelings of others around them, often offering advice, information or sympathy—whatever is appropriately needed.

The mutable air sign, Gemini, rides the circuits of ideas, taking in and disseminating what it collects.

The mutable earth sign, Virgo, changes through purification of the body and by being a force of healing for others.

Crisis and Chaos

If you are a mutable sign, then your aptness for adaptability makes you a good person to have in a crisis. You are most likely able to travel well in and among different types of people and have an innate ability to exchange ideas, especially if a decision is needed on what to do next.

Mutable signs have quickly evolving natures, which means you can understand change intimately and are comfortable when dealing with chaos.

Getting Lost in Self

One downfall of mutable signs is that you can sometimes experience the sense of multiple selves, and sometimes struggle to feel real and solid within yourself. You may have a loose sense of identity and feel like a kaleidoscope, by that meaning, always changing. Over time, a core sense of self emerges that is based on this changeability. You can turn this negative characteristic into a positive, by using your morphability and turning it into a transcendent experience.