Mutable Sign: What is it, Associations & FAQ

In astrology, a mutable sign is one that is changeable, adaptable or can be adjusted. Zodiac signs are categorized in a number of ways including by quality.

Zodiac qualities are fixed, cardinal and mutable. Mutable signs occur toward the end of a season and symbolize the changes associated with the close of the season.

Mutable Signs and Associations

Each mutable sign is associated with a different element representing how the change comes about.

• Sagittarius End of Autumn – fire – active change through seeking new knowledge and experiences.
• Pisces End of Winter – water – change through absorbing information from others taking emotion into account.
• Gemini End of Spring – air change through collecting and sharing new ideas.
• Virgo End of Summer – earth change through cleansing, purification, and healing.

All mutable signs are restless, active and proactive and good in a crisis. They may also tend to thrive on drama and chaos.

They are resourceful and use new information well, easily adapting to any new situation. But they often do not have a very firm sense of their own identity.

What Does “Mutable” Mean?

The word “mutable” comes from the Latin root “mutabilis” which means change. It’s related to the Engish words “mutate” and “mutation” – perfectly reflecting the ability of mutable signs to adapt to their circumstances.

These signs of the zodiac tend to thrive on change and are highly flexible. They are able to see things from multiple perspectives, which helps them both in terms of empathy and problem-solving.

Finding Balance

More than any other sign, it’s important for mutable signs to strive for balance, to help keep them grounded and prevent overwhelm. There are plenty of ways to do this. For example, if you’re one of the mutable signs you may have a tendency to take on too much, finding it difficult to say no – or even resist a challenge. Be aware of this aspect of yourself, and know your limits. 

It can also be helpful for those born under a mutable star to have a good mix of cardinal and fixed signs in their lives. The former can be great at boosting resolve and helping others to stick with projects, and see them through to the finish. Fixed signs are great at bringing clarity, and mutable signs will appreciate how these folk help them break free of indecision.

Meditation or yoga is also likely to be particularly beneficial for these signs, helping them to balance their energy and find peace. These practices are an effective way of connecting with our inner selves and discovering what is really important on our path, and what is better to release.

Staying True to Yourself

While mutable signs are exemplary at embracing change, it’s important for them to remind themselves now and again of who they are – in terms of their deepest qualities – and what matters to them. They may occasionally need to tune the world out to find peace and make this connection.

These signs hold the energy of transition, but that doesn’t mean that they won’t struggle if change happens too fast or often. If you’re a mutable sign, be sure to practice proper self-care, and give yourself the time and space you need to adapt. Which you’ll do beautifully, of course.

Do Mutable Signs Get On Well with Each Other?

Although there is a danger that mutable signs may find themselves embroiled in a power struggle, they are often able to get past this and form strong bonds of friendship or romance.

All the mutable signs love an engaging, stimulating conversation, and they can make for formidable work or business allies, coming up with tonnes of great ideas.

The downside to this? Those mutable signs are very articulate, and if they do get into a war of words, it’s best to stand well clear of the verbal fireworks.

How About Mutable Signs and Cardinal Signs?

Mutable signs are likely to get on well with cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn), with each bringing balance and harmony to the other. Power struggles are unlikely, and the go-with-the-flow nature of the mutable partner will love the sense of adventure that comes with their cardinal counterpart.

Do Mutable Signs Get On with Fixed Signs?

Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) tend to like staying in their comfort zones, while mutable signs are adept at changing and adapting.

While these differences can cause initial teething problems, if each learns to embrace the qualities of the other, this pair can be a dynamic partnership, pushing and encouraging each other to succeed in all areas of life.

The Mutable Signs Themselves

Now let’s have a look at the separate individual personalities of each mutable sign, to get more of an insight into these particular characters of the zodiac.

Gemini

This air sign is ruled by Mercury, and those born under it are known to be social, witty, optimistic, expressive, playful, and eager in character.

Their inherently dual nature means that the Twins can sometimes find it difficult to make decisions, and often feel pulled in two directions at once. Gemini are skillful social butterflies with a deep and genuine sense of curiosity and bags of energy.

Virgo

Also ruled by Mercury, earth sign Virgo is attentive, dedicated, helpful, hardworking, organized, and smart – with a tendency to perfectionism.

They have a sensual side, too, even though this may not be immediately obvious. Virgos go about any task with great care and precision, and their patience and drive mean they’re usually able to achieve the many goals they set themselves.

Sagittarius

Fire sign Sagittarius, ruled by Jupiter, has so much energy and so many plans that they often simply don’t know what to do first. This sign is impulsive, adventurous, upbeat, active, philosophical, and inquisitive.

The Archer can also be a little blunt, non-commital, and outspoken. Those born under this sign are all about being spontaneous and living in the moment, and aren’t fans of making plans in advance,

Pisces

Watery Pisces, with Jupiter as its ruler, is bighearted, dreamy, emotional, artistic, romantic, sensitive and playful. The Fish can also be somewhat fickle and idealistic – and it can be a little too easy to hurt their feelings.

Pisces are the dreamers of the zodiac, and they’re loath to let go of these dreams – they tend to have a deep desire to make the world a better place but are also pretty flaky, and may need regular time away from the world.

The Takeaway – Mutable Signs: The Chameleons of the Zodiac

Coming at the end of every season, the mutable signs are like the chameleons of the zodiac.

They have been through and learned the lessons of each season and this has taught them how to change and adapt as necessary. Mutable signs are great at fitting into a variety of situations, whether this is social or professional, and have skill at bridging gaps and bringing people together.

Mutable signs may find that their role continues to adapt and change over time. While they’re prone to doubting themselves, they’re exceptionally good at learning from past mistakes: and not repeating them.