What are the four elements and are they important?
You may have heard about the four elements of the zodiac, but have you stopped to think about what they could mean?
Based on the four core elements of nature, they can help us better understand our zodiac sign and ourselves, along with things in life.
The four elements (earth, water, air, and fire) have a long history and symbolism in many different cultures, and alchemists and common folk alike have used them to try to figure out the secrets of the universe.
When it comes to astrology, the four elements are going to represent some tendencies that certain zodiac signs have, and it can help us all understand why we are compelled to do certain things.
It can also help us understand our innate nature, and it can answer some questions about the personalities of some zodiac signs that we would not have been able to answer otherwise.
By understanding the four elements and what they mean for each zodiac sign, we can end up understanding each other better and finding compassion and patience for those around us who are different, and it can also show us with whom we are more compatible, be it in a romantic or platonic way!
Are you ready to deepen your knowledge of the four elements and how they affect you on a day-to-day basis? Let’s get into it!
Do you believe your element speaks to how you see your nature? Are there any aspects of your element that have surprised you? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Earth
While Earth is the central purpose of all the elements, since it also represents the planet, which is the base of all existence, it is also more than that!
Earth as an element can be seen as the materialization of our desires, and it is also an important part of what keeps certain zodiac signs so grounded.
Since it is all about the ground, it also has the qualities of being unmovable and somehow stiff, which can in turn make a person who has a lot of associated planets with this sign quite hard to deal with.
Earth signs are some of the most complicated since they can be hard to balance out (as they would need more air elements in their chart to achieve that), and it can also be hard to go without them.
Since earth signs have more connection to the ground and the planet, not having them present in your chart can point to some issues when it comes to connecting to the soil one is born in!
Finding or growing roots can be hard for them, while those who have a lot of Earth in their chart may find it hard to disconnect from places and people.
Earth signs
The three zodiac signs ruled by Earth are Virgo, Taurus, and Capricorn.
If you are familiar with astrology, you would immediately see that they are all the most practical signs of the zodiac, they always value hard work, they always have a plan, they know how to make it and how to act on it, and they have an affinity for material things.
They all have the ability to be concrete and specific about the things around them and how they communicate, and they also expect others to be able to see the practical things and reasoning, along with having a reasonable approach.
Since Earth is the symbol of matter, it also represents finances, the physical body, a daily routine, and even the food we eat.
This translates to these zodiac signs being strongly set in their ways, and they have a tendency to be scared or apprehensive about breaking a routine they have had for years, which can also mean big changes can stress them out easily.
When they are navigating challenging times, they will tend to go back to their habits, sticking to them even if they are detrimental to them.
It can also mean they will stick to one job even when they are not happy or healthy, because it brings them financial security, and losing that scares them enough to negate other important parts of themselves, like creativity and intelligence.
Despite being so headstrong and stubborn, people ruled by Earth are known to be the most mellow of all the four elements. They are great at bringing stability and a level head to the situation, and people tend to gravitate towards them for guidance and help.
They are strategic, careful, and slow with decisions in order to be able to make the best decision, which is another reason why other zodiac signs like to be around them; they bring the grounding element needed to a lot of situations.
However, they have to be careful not to get too much into their own head; Earth signs can end up getting lost in planning and anticipating things, so they lose track of time and what is important, which can also make them lose opportunities in life.
Fire
Fire is the only one of the four elements that shines. While water can sparkle, it is only when it reflects the light created by fire, be it that we refer to the sun or the likes of a campfire or candle.
As an element, fire Fire represents pure energy, and while there is a lot of energy to be found in other elements as well, nothing can compare to the amount that lives in the sun, which is represented by fire.
Fire is a quintessential element to humankind (much like the other ones on this list), and it can lead to a lot of force that cannot be easily understood and a tendency to shine even when others may not find it appropriate.
There is a lot to unpack and discover about the fire element, so let’s see how the zodiac sign rules by this element fare in the real world and how we can better understand them.
Fire signs
Represented by Leo, Aries, and Sagittarius, the element of fire does not have the best track record amongst other zodiac signs.
A lot of people associate the fire elements with passion, but also with the likes of aggression and narcissism, or an unabridged desire for adventure that can be reckless.
In reality, these zodiac signs reach out to uplift the strength given by the Sun, and they are born with a desire to cherish and nurture their emotional side in a way that may be misunderstood by others.
It can also be a problem since they have a harder time understanding others, but this side of them can easily be trained, and with it, it will come more compassion and a deeper connection with other people.
They are loyal givers, so it can be expected that they are going to have some issues in their relationships since they tend to give more to others even when it is not asked of them, which in turn they can perceive as the relationship not being reciprocal.
Likewise, firey signs end up using their energy to better themselves and their own lives, but when someone they care about asks for their engagement and advice, they are going to use the same energy to help them.
It may not come naturally, but with training and active participation, all three of the fire signs can get to that level.
Sagittarius is the one with the best reputation out of all of them since they’re known to be the most giving. This is because it is the last one in the trio, and it has had time to learn more, translating into a lot of good intentions and a strong life philosophy.
Since fire is such a vivacious element, the zodiac signs associated with it are known for their exciting, sexy, and enthusiastic demeanor. Likewise, they are known to be down for a good time and charismatic, so you are going to see them thrive in environments where they can make a lot of friends.
They are going to be able to kickstart a lot of things in life since they are go-doers, and they will bring the element of fire with them to ignore action in many areas of their life.
One thing they have to be careful of is that they can be too impulsive and need to remember to pace themselves, or else they can suffer from the rash decisions they make.
Air
Some may think about this element as not as relevant since it is the only invisible one, but it is actually the one that connects all the other ones.
Not only is it needed in order for all of us to live, but it also represents the distance from all things that are material, lifting it high above Earth.
However, it is found in all other elements in one way or another.
While some would think the element we would not be able to live without would be fire, since it gives warmth and since fire needs air to burn, there would be no other element without it.
The electron of air is all about widening our lungs and accepting and opening ourselves to the idea of personal freedom. Connecting our soul to the freedom of life and giving us the room to breathe.
All signs that are ruled by this element have a natural affinity towards needing to be free and to feel liberated, which makes them hate constraints and feel restricted.
Air signs
Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius are the triad that is ruled by this element. One thing to observe and notice is that the two of them also have a contentious relationship with the Sun when it comes to astrologic interpretations.
Libras take the presence to mean falling, while Aquarius takes the sun element to its detriment.
This contempt is taken by the fact that the sun needs things to be in order and to circle around them, which makes the air element uncomfortable since it intrinsically needs to be able to circle all around the universe.
These zodiac signs end up not feeling like the first in the regular order of things; they feel like they are outside of the mold, and they do not want to adhere to certain set rules.
This is most prevalent in individuals who have a lot of air in their charts, since it is going to make them feel like they cannot integrate, be it at school, in their home country or town, or even in the workplace!
The main goal of these zodiac signs is to end up being able to break free from the shackles of people pleasing to stop caring too much about what others think and just be able to follow their instructions.
They are full of imagination and creativity, and they are going to thrive when they can follow their liberating nature and put into practice their ideas.
You can see them thriving in situations that allow them to make the most of their intellect and dreamer nature, which means that theoretical jobs may be the best fit for them. Likewise, they have a natural inclination to do well with speaking or writing jobs.
They can easily analyze a situation and see all the angles needed, which can help them if they choose to be a journalist, a writer, or even something like a detective.
However, they need to be careful not to bite more than they can chew when it comes to highly regulated and restrictive careers since that will make them unhappy in the long run.
Water
Water is the element we are looking for when it comes to always being in motion. While constant moving is what defines this element, it is also what is swirling inside each person and what evades us too, shrouded in an element of mystery.
Water can be a polarizing element since it is the one that holds both associations to the concept of death as well as conception; it is close to fairytales and illusions, and it is said to hold the very secret to our soul, from its beginning to its end.
If we are looking to deal with all matters related to life and death, to our ancestors, and even genetic inheritance, then we have to look no further than the element of water!
Water is also an element of emotions, which connects everyone who is born under it even more with their ancestors and family tree, and it also helps them understand what has happened in the past and what the emotions felt by those who came before them.
Water, like all other elements, is complex, and it is the key to understanding more about the zodiac signs it governs, even to the point of getting to connect to them more.
Water signs
Belonging to this element we have Cancer, Scorpio, and Pieces. And it can sometimes be complicated to see how all these three correlate one with another, with some astrologers ending up thinking along the lines of seeing Cancer falling into Scorpio, only for Pieces to come and hide the body at the end.
Water signs have one of the best qualities and also tasks since they are ruled by emotions due to their element.
They try to embrace emotion as much as possible but also accept any emotion that comes their way, no matter if it is negative or positive.
This means they can manage to tackle the likes of sadness and anger with as much grace as they accept something as happiness and love!
Since they are so in tune with emotions and they are resilient (some Water signs end up enduring a lot of suffering before they realize they can set themselves free from it). However, they can easily be taken advantage of due to how sensitive and selfless they can be.
These zodiac signs can end up becoming amazing therapists and advisors, but they have to make sure they do not end up taking too much of their work with them; their empathy and capacity to work with emotions will make them excel, but they will have a tendency to get buried and consumed by the feelings of others!
Since they are represented by the strongest element of the natural world, do not be surprised that people who have a lot of water elements in their chart are going to be some of the more nurturing, sensitive, and resilient people you will know.
They are going to always be able to lend an ear and help, but they have to be careful not to let their care for others cloud their judgment; they can easily burn out and have others take advantage of their forgiving nature.
If you want to see how the four elements apply to your birth chart and how you are influenced by them, you should learn how to learn your birth chart well. This is going to be easier if you take this book as a starting step and learn from the best people out there: Astrology for Yourself: How to Understand and Interpret Your Own Birth Chart.
The elements have an important part in shaping your personality and life. But did you know your birthdate may be extremely important too? If you want to see how your birthdate can make or break your destiny, check out this article!
