The Elements
The four Elements defined in
Astrology are the major classifications that define the nature of
the Signs. The Elements assign the Signs into Triplicities,
groups of three Signs each that reflect the four common types of
Signs.
The Elements in Astrology are not "made up;" they are
the same Elements known by ancient people: Fire, Earth, Air, and
Water. These four Elements sustain life and enable man's
survival, both in ancient times and today. How they combine with
each other and in us determine how we deal with the world around
us; in Astrology they are an important way for us to come in tune
with nature and understand how nature effect us, both within
ourselves and in our interactions with each other. They teach us
that we are not separate from nature, we are nature.
The Elements influence the way we think, and within a horoscope
they can be seen as a quick summary of the Planetary influences.
The Elements indicate a person's first reaction to what happens
to them, how they think, how that individual will respond to what
occurs in their life. If you understand what is prominent in your
chart and in the charts of others -- if you have a number of
Planets in Fire Signs, for example -- you get a very good
indication of what motivates and inspires that person.
Conversely, the Elements that are lacking in a chart indicate the
areas of life in which a person may need additional strength.
The first Element is Fire, which is assigned to Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius.
Fire rules the first, fifth, and ninth Houses. Man could not
survive without Fire; in ancient times is was relied upon for
light and heat. Although it seems less important in modern life,
it is Fire that generates electricity for warmth and to power
light bulbs, and it runs our cars. It is the basic building block
of technology. Fire Sign people thus radiate warmth and heat, but
they can also get too hot: and if they do, don't touch! Fire
Signs can be rash, but they are courageous and creative; they
bring enthusiasm, spontaneity, and zeal to the Zodiac.
The second Element is Earth, which is assigned to Taurus, Virgo, and
Capricorn. Earth rules the second, sixth, and tenth Houses. Earth
is what grounds us and supports us; it literally holds us up. In
both ancient times and today, it was under our feet, stabilizing
us, and providing us with crops and homes; Mother Earth is an
appropriate epithet. Earth Sign people are practical and logical
in a sometimes illogical world. Earth Signs can be possessive,
but they are cautious and conservative; they bring dependability,
practicality, and reliability to the Zodiac.
The third Element is Air, which is assigned to Gemini, Libra, and
Aquarius. Air rules the third, seventh, and eleventh Houses.
Although invisible, Air is all around us; we quite literally
could not breathe without it! It transmits sound and light,
without which we couldn't communicate. Air Sign people are
intellectual and mentally driven. Air Signs can be cold, but they
are alert and curious; they bring intellect, perception, and
logic to the Zodiac.
The fourth Element is Water, which is assigned to Cancer, Scorpio, and
Pisces. Water rules the fourth, eighth. and twelfth Houses. One
needs only look at a map and see the Water that covers most of
the Earth to understand its importance. Water is sacred in some
cultures, and it purifies and washes away dirt while gently
nourishing the crops that need rain to survive. Water Sign people
are emotional and nurturing. Water Signs can be easily hurt, but
they are receptive and responsive; they bring sensitivity,
responsiveness, and emotional depth to the Zodiac.
[Back to Intro to Sagitarian] [Back to Interview] [Home] [Back to intro to Astrology]