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In astrology, a cardinal sign (also called by older astrologers a moveable sign) is a sign of the zodiac that initiates a change of temperate zone season when the Sun makes its annual passage into them.

The word "cardinal" originates from the Latin word for "hinge". Cardinal signs are associated with enterprise and creativity and said to be indicative of a restless, ambitious, competitive, spontaneous and self-motivated character. According to astrology, individuals born under the four Cardinal Signs are quick, active, energetic and enthusiastic, with a great deal of initiative but not so much perseverance. They have an immense desire to win and tend to channel their energies into external events. Extraordinarily enthusiastic in their pursuit of life's experiences, their reaction to events is apt to be immediate which can result in a rather crisis-driven way of life.

The four cardinal signs are:

• Aries (), the Sun's passage through which begins the spring in the northern hemisphere, and the autumn in the southern hemisphere; Aries (a Fire Sign) is said to be the Sign in which the Cardinal Quality is best-expressed since it is the first sign of the Zodiac and strongly associated with energy, enterprise and new beginnings. Aries is the most fiery of the fire signs
• Cancer (), which begins the summer in the northern hemisphere, and the winter in the southern hemisphere; In Cancer (a Water Sign) the Cardinal Quality is said to be most expressed in the desire to nurture, mother and protect.
• Libra (), which begins the autumn in the northern hemisphere, and the spring in the southern hemisphere; According to astrology, Libra individuals (associated with the element of Air) tend express their authoritative Cardinal Quality in a subtle and charming fashion.
• Capricorn (), which begins the winter in the northern hemisphere, and the summer in the southern hemisphere. Being an Earth Sign, Capricorn is thought to have somewhat more perseverance than the other three Cardinal Signs.

• Fixed sign
• Mutable sign