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Understanding the Elements of Astrology: Fire, Earth, Air, and Water Signs

The elements of Fire, Earth, Air and Water play an important role in Western astrology, and we’ll delve into what influence these play in your zodiac sign and astrological forecast.

elemental-zodiac-signs

Starting in antiquity and continuing through present times, both Western astrology and Indian astrology use what are referred to as “classical elements.” In this article, our focus will be on how these elements affect Western tropical astrology.

Most modern astrologers use these four classical elements extensively, as they are viewed as a critical part of interpreting an astrological chart.

Classical astrology elements: The basics:

There are four elements used in astrology: Fire, Earth, Air and Water. Within the zodiac there are 12 astrological signs. Each of the four classical elements are associated or paired with three signs of the zodiac.

These relationships are located exactly 120 degrees from each other along the ecliptic (a mean plane in the sky that the sun follows over the course of a year), and these are said to be in trine (or an aspect – an angle the signs make relative to one another).

The zodiac signs & their elements

Fire signs

The Fire signs include Aries, Leo and Sagittarius.

The Fire signs have much in common with things we associate with fire such as heat, temper, and passion. Fire signs are natural leaders – charismatic, outgoing and ambitious. They are also warm and loving. However, when threatened or angry, they can ignite into a blaze!

Earth signs

The Earth signs include Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn.

Just like the earth serves as ground and foundation, Earth signs are grounded and practical people. They are stable, consistent, strong and persistent, among the hardest working in the zodiac and known for their loyalty. They are also associated with being rigid or stubborn.

Air signs

The Air signs include Gemini, Libra and Aquarius.

Wind is constantly moving – moving things and bringing about changes, and so it is with the Air signs. These signs shift with new thoughts and ideas as they attempt to find balance in the changing world around them. There also associated with being noncommittal and flighty.

Water signs

The water signs include Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces.

Like the ocean itself, the water signs are mysterious and people of depth. They are highly sensitive, emotional, possessing intuitive and psychic abilities. As water is precious and subject to evaporation, the water signs are also strongly focused on security. And like the fluidity of water, they are adaptable.