The 12 Signs
The twelve rashis are the backdrop the grahas act against — each an element (fire, earth, air, water) and a mode (movable, fixed, dual).
Elements
Fire signs act, earth signs build, air signs connect, water signs feel. A chart heavy in one element shows its temperament plainly.
Modes
Movable signs start, fixed signs sustain, dual signs adapt. The Lagna's mode says a lot about how a person approaches change.