4 Zodiacs Whose Purpose Is Initiation

It takes all kinds to make a world, and the fact that there are such a variety of personality types is a blessing in disguise—even if you don’t get along with everyone, you can appreciate that each of the twelve zodiac signs bring something unique and necessary to human existence.

We all have a purpose in this lifetime, and the position of the sun at the time of our birth is a pretty good indicator of what that is. A more detailed reading of your entire natal chart will reveal more details of what you’re here to accomplish, but the sun represents the core of our personalities, our egos, and what drives us on a very fundamental level.

If you are a cardinal sign, you were born at the beginning of one of the four traditional seasons: spring, summer, fall, or winter. The weather was in a time of transition. The tangible signs of change were all around you—and if you consider your birth chart a snapshot of the environment at the time, your resulting personality should come as no surprise.

You take pride in your active, entrepreneurial, and goal-oriented demeanor. Since childhood, you’ve been a natural leader. You’re not content to simply sit back and allow life to happen to you. You are determined to create change. You were born ready to initiate something new. It’s in your very cosmic blueprint.

Here are the four cardinal signs.

Aries

Astrologers mark the first day of Aries season as the beginning of a new solar year. During springtime, the world is coming alive after a long winter: the frost is melting, the flowers are blooming, and new life is stirring in the animal kingdom. It’s an annual celebration of small resurrections. Having come into the world against this backdrop of lively energy, Aries are the “babies of the zodiac,” full of wide-eyed, youthful joie de vivre. If you’re an Aries, you can rest easily knowing that you will not be easily forgotten. Even though your approach might come across as aggressive at times, as a cardinal fire sign, you are full of fierce and undying determination to chase your dreams. Your purpose is to light a match that starts a much larger movement: in your family, your local community, or the world at large.

Cancer

The start of summer is a nostalgic time that takes us back to our younger years, when the break from school offered us a chance to spend more time with our family. Cancers are born into a world turning steadily brighter and warmer. If you’re a Cancer, you are domestic and family-oriented, often becoming the “mom friend” in your group or stepping happily into the role of matriarch in your own family. As a cardinal water sign, you welcome emotion and sensitivity. To be a Cancer is to create permanent change in your domestic sphere, offering a safe haven to those who feel unloved.

Libra

Around the time of the fall equinox, when fall foliage enthusiasts make pilgrimages to see the best displays of fiery color, Libras are toasting to another trip around the sun. The awe-inspiring glory of the autumnal landscape is beautifully illustrated within the personality of the Libra, whose eye for aesthetics is unmatched. It’s no surprise that Libras come into the world at the very time when the earth looks its best, as they grow to develop an appreciation for finery and artistics. If you are a Libra, you have the capacity to not only create, but to inspire, playing the role as artist and muse in equal measure. As a cardinal air sign, you remain calm and detached as you observe the intricacies of the world, before you feel prepared to use them as inspiration for your revolutionary works of art.

Capricorn

The winter solstice aligns with the beginning of Capricorn season, when we are all fully immersed in the holiday spirit. As the season progresses, however, our sights turn to the future: making resolutions while still in a Christmas food coma is about the most stereotypically Capricorn thing you can do. As the days grow steadily brighter, our desire for self-improvement does, too. Our motivation returns, often with a vengeance. The Capricorn work ethic is a sight to behold. If you are a Capricorn, you are not only hard on yourself—you’re willing to be hard on your loved ones, too, so that they can reach their highest potential. The spirit of the new year is reflected in your self-determination, endurance, and resilience. As a cardinal earth sign, you are willing to sacrifice short-term pleasure for long-term success. You are here to work hard, lead well, and create something that will stand the test of time.