How To Know If Your Zodiac Sign Is Receptive Or Active

It’s all about where your energy is aimed.

For most people, their initial introduction to astrology comes in the design of the 12 zodiac signs. Each sign has its own individual strengths, energies, qualities, and attributions, and in astrology, they’re separated into different categories. Investigating these zodiacal categorizations can assist you in gaining a deeper knowledge of the signs and their vibes. You may previously know which of the four elements in astrology your zodiac sign corresponds with, and maybe you even know your zodiac sign’s modality, too. But an even easier place to begin is to familiarize yourself with the two dualities, which can give you an obscure idea of how each sign’s power is regulated.

All zodiac signs are split into two sets of dualities, often known as binaries or polarities. Like modalities and elements, which refer to what makes each sign and what they offer to the world, polarities are a different way of classifying zodiac signs. Take a look at the zodiac wheel. You’ll see that the dualities change off every other sign, illustrating the flow and ebb of certain energies as planets move through the zodiac. This also indicates that the adjacent signs to any zodiac sign will constantly be of the opposite duality, while the opposite sign on the zodiac wheel will be the same.

Each zodiac sign is thought to have a “positive” or “negative” charge to its energy, which is also described as receptive versus active. These associations are extremely similar to the Taoist idea of yin and yang. Active signs are usually more focused on thoughts and actions. In contrast, receptive signs are more focused on the internal world of sensory experiences and their emotions. For a very long time, the two dualities were known primarily as “feminine” and “masculine” energies. While these expressions are still utilized, many astrologers are straying away from using such gendered words to describe energy.

Understanding what dualities mean in astrology can help you understand your zodiac sign personality on a more profound level, as these groupings cast light on how we focus our energy and interact with the world around us. Read on to find yours and gather a little more insight into your individual cosmic self.

Meet The Active Signs Of The Zodiac

The “active” signs of the zodiac are composed of communicative air signs and passionate fire signs: Aries, Sagittarius, Gemini, Leo, Libra, and Aquarius. These are also described as masculine or positive signs (although masculine doesn’t apply to gender here — everyone has a combination of masculine and feminine energies in their graph!).

The six air and fire signs that fall within the current duality tend to be more action-oriented, more social and focused on the externally interactive realm of movement and thoughts. They associate with the world in a non-passive and dynamic way, and they take the lead more easily. People born beneath one of the active signs are ordinarily more extroverted, assertive, and fast-moving than the receptive signs. They focus their energy on the outside world in physical ways.

Meet The Receptive Signs Of The Zodiac

The “receptive” signs of the zodiac are composed of the emotional water signs and pragmatic earth signs: Pisces, Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, and Capricorn. These are also defined as negative or feminine signs (although feminine doesn’t apply to gender here — everyone has a blend of feminine and masculine energies in their chart!). It’s also essential to note that “negative” isn’t a bad thing here — it only means that these signs’ energy is more inwardly focused.

The six water and earth signs that happen within the receptive duality tend to be more passive, introspective and focused on the inner realm of their senses and feelings. They associate with the world in a more slow-moving and gentle way and are much more likely to react than take action. People born beneath one of the receptive signs are customarily more introverted than the active signs. They favor getting in touch with their emotional experiences before reaching a decision.