All About the Dual Signs of the Zodiac—Plus, How They Balance Their Double Nature

I know, I know, what's more back-and-forth than "kinda-sorta" Libra? But Stephanie Gailing, astrologer and author of The Complete Guide to Astrological Self-Care points out, the duality issues are often tied to zodiac symbols.

As Gailing points out, Gemini and Pisces are mutable signs, which means that they’re flexible, adaptive, and chameleon-like. Paired with twin identities (Gemini is "the twins" and Pisces is "the twin fish"), this kind of gives off an inconsistent, of-two-minds nature that can outwardly be flakey or erratic. Libra has problems around duality, too, although they’re less about a personality, and more about weighing the scales equally.

There’s also an argument around how Sagittarius is a dual sign, due to a flighty nature, and a bi-corporeal form (a centaur). Where I call BS is this: World traveler Sagittarius is always about going from one place to another, not between one place or another. Likewise, Capricorn has the bi-corporeal form of a goat-mermaid, and nobody is more stable and single-minded than a Capricorn. All your Capricorn friends work in finance and have dated the same person since college. It is what it is.

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So, for the purposes of this discussion, we're defining astrological dual signs as signs that deal with struggles of mental, emotional, and even spiritual conflicts of duality, as indicative by their zodiac symbols. Below, we share how each one of them can find peace in oneness.

What is an astrological dual sign?

Much like duality describes the polarity between two things, an astrological dual sign discerns those whose strengths and traits that exist on varying sides of the spectrum. “A dual sign in astrology refers to signs that embody two distinct elements or characteristics, allowing them to exhibit versatility and adaptability,” explains astrologer Letao Wang. “These signs often possess contrasting traits, signifying the ability to see multiple perspectives or navigate varying situations seamlessly.”

These signs often possess contrasting traits, signifying the ability to see multiple perspectives or navigate varying situations seamlessly.”—Letao Wang, astrologer

As mentioned above, the strongest proponents of dual signs are Gemini, Libra, and Pisces, which Wang explains imbues the characteristics of duality in their respective ways. “The symbol of Gemini is twins, representing duality in communication and thought processes; Libra is a scale, symbolizing balances relationship dynamics, and Pisces symbol depicts two fish swimming in opposite directions, navigating the seen and unseen realms of emotion and intuition,” says Wang.

What is a mutable sign?

A mutable sign is one of the classifications for quadruplicities, aka modalities in astrology. Modalities contain four signs (hence quadruplicities) and fall under three categories: Cardinal, fixed, and mutable. They explain the way a sign expresses the way a zodiac sign generally operates—whether they’re initiators, resistant to change, or flexible. In order, the mutable signs consist of Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces.

As a refresher, the zodiac signs are categorized into three different astrological groups: triplicities (better recognized as the elements), quadruplicities (modalities), and dualities. Logistically, modality describes where the zodiac signs fall during the year’s seasons (cardinal signs kick them off, fixed signs discern the height of a season, while mutable signs are transitional periods between them).

Being that they shift between two different seasons, mutable signs, behaviorally, are adaptable in that they can take on different tasks, have a multitude of interests and skills, and are generally accepting of change. They don’t see things as black-and-white, and in turn, can understand different perspectives in order to strike a balance between two opposing situations. If you aren’t following where I’m going with this, here it is: between the three modalities, mutable signs are likely to rank among the astrological dual signs—but they don’t totally dominate the demographic.

The 3 astrological dual signs, and how each achieves balance

Gemini

Aside from being a mutable sign, taskmaster Gemini belongs to the air sign trio, which explains that their dual nature leans into cerebral territory. "An air sign, Gemini is so interested in a wide variety of matters that they're represented not by one person but two,” says Gailing. “Gemini loves a little of this and a little of that.”

She likens Gemini’s personality to that of someone who can’t decide between ice cream cones. If you were ask the zodiac signs if they preferred chocolate or vanilla ice cream, most would be able to pick a flavor, no problem. But Gemini really loves both, and really flip-flops between the two (which explains why they have a reputation for being flighty or noncommittal in relationships).

The best way to honor their love of each, Gailing says, is to order the soft-serve swirl. "Instead of splitting off and only owning one part of themselves, their mission is towards synthesis, to embrace duality and see how it leads to wholeness," says Gailing. "Gemini reminds you that while they are two sides of a coin, they are actually of the same coin."

How does Gemini achieve balance: According to Gailing, Gemini feels most whole when they don’t need to feel like they need to pick. Instead of limiting yourself to just one lane allow yourself to love this and that, versus this or that. You’re allowed to have two separate groups of friends, two modes of transportation, two hobbies.

You’re also allowed to merge your two loves and enjoy your metaphorical soft serve. "By broadening your options, you’ll see yourself as someone with resolve rather than someone who is fickle, which Gemini often experience themselves as when they feel cornered into having to swim in a single lane,” Gailing says.

Pisces

If you look at most illustrations of the Pisces fish, you’ll notice something interesting. Instead of swimming happily toward a current, they’re flipped in opposite directions. “This reflects the Piscean mission of soulful embodiment, integrating the spiritual and material worlds,” says Gailing. “That is the aim—although in pursuit of that, there are many times when Pisces may be torn between fantasy and reality; they need to stay really present to not confuse the two.”

As someone who lived with a Pisces bestie for four years, this nature manifests itself in very funny ways. A Pisces will arrive on the scene as the wisest, most intuitive mystic in your friend group—and then date someone who was arrested for stealing a TV because “he has kind eyes.” Love y’all, but there is such a thing as being too idealistic.

How does Pisces achieve balance: Gailing is a Pisces Sun herself, and she’s found ways to keep herself grounded. In fact, take a cue from your Earth sign friends and literally ground yourself. She says to honor both spirit and nature, the numinous and the mundane.“Bring the soulful down to earth—channel your artistry, interests, desire to help others and/or urge to experience universal love into a project, your work, or your everyday routines,” Gailing says.

So you have options of what this means to you, but maybe it means strengthening your creative talents with a Coursera course and seeing if it opens a career path. Or perhaps you can start charging for those tarot card readings instead of giving them to every friend-of-a-friend with a life crisis. You’ll figure it out, Pisces, put that third eye to work!

Libra

They’re not a mutable sign, but Libras are among the astrological dual signs. (They’re known as the diplomats of the zodiac for a reason). "Libra is all about weighing and measuring in the pursuit of equality, justice, harmony, and beauty,” says Gailing. “This is different than with the dual nature of Gemini and Pisces where the focus is integration; with Libra, it’s more about balance and equitability."

Libra is also very focused on relationships (it rules the 7th house of partnerships) and teaches what we can learn through dancing with another, which might call to mind the delicate but profound dance between two partners in a twin-flame relationship. Libras are in a perpetual search for balance, and according to Wang, the air sign often juggles contrasting perspectives to achieve that fairness.

Gailing also points out that with Libra, it’s never just about “me,” it’s about “me + you,” which comes back to the theme of two. So again, Libra may not always technically be considered a dual sign, but we can see a two-fold theme inherent in its symbol of the scales and its two pans. And since nobody is more focused on balance, we’ll throw this sign a tip as well.

How does Libra achieve balance: When it comes to finding balance, it’ll do you well to avoid over-compromise on your own needs, beliefs, and desires. Wang explains setting clear boundaries is crucial to staying afloat.

Also, seeing both sides is one thing, but playing both sides is another—especially if you lose yourself in the process. “Instead of just focusing on equality and fairness for others, ensure that you include yourself in the equation of what balance and harmony and justice means,” says Gailing. When you take on a double agent role, you’re prone to not making up your own mind—take control back and stand firm in what you believe is right beyond what you think will make others like you.