The Astrological Elements

The astrological elements – earth, water, air and fire, are related to different ways of being and to our perception of the world. Earth relates to the physical function, water to the emotions, air to the intellect, and fire to the spirit or intuition. The zodiac is divided into three sets of signs of each element, which have special affinity with each other. The elements regulate the action of planets placed within them.

EARTH

Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn

Related to the practical and sensation level of being, earth signs are pragmatic and grounded – literally, “down-to-earth.” Self-sufficient earth’s concerns are to do with survival and security. This is the most productive of the elements, and is known for shaping matter into physical form. Earth signs utilize the five senses of taste, touch, smell, sight, and hearing in order to understand the practical world around them. It is also a sensual element – earth-sign people are at home in their bodies.

WATER

Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces

Linked to sensitivity, feeling, and perception, the water signs are emotional and imaginative. This is a passive, rhythmic element that ebbs and flows. Water people have a desire to look inward, and need to take time to process their emotions. Motivation is unconscious, concerned with subtle feelings and emotional needs. Attuned to delicate nuances, the water signs are empathetic and caring. This is an element that has a deep craving for other people, experiencing itself most strongly through an interchange of feelings.

AIR

Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius

Intellectual and innovative, air-signs are ideas people, who see new and infinite possibilities. This is the communicative element that works through self-expression and mental concepts. Air-signs need other people for an exchange of ideas. To them, discussion s more important than food. Mutual understanding is absolutely essential for this connective element and mental rapport is essential in an air relationship.

FIRE

Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius

Active and our-going, the fire element is an encapsulation of the creative urge. It brings new possibilities into being. Fire-signs possess an enormous appetite for life. This element ranges widely in the search for inspiration and vision. It is an element that operates in the realm of spirit and intuition. True creation is the act of the visionary fire element. Too much fire in a chart can lead to burnout, but without fire there would be no regeneration, no creative spark.