The four traditional elements of creation are fire, earth, air, and water. These are the forms of matter, as observed by the ancients thousands of years ago. In astrology, each element corresponds to a series of three signs of the zodiac. As a result, the elements are also known as the "triplicities". Each family of signs shares the qualities unique to that element. Fire signs are energetic. Earth signs are practical. Air signs are intellectual. Water signs are emotional.
Each element and its associated signs is listed below:
- Fire: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
- Earth: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn
- Air: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius
- Water: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
The Fire Signs
Fire signs are exciteable, energetic, and outgoing. They like to be active and 'on the go'. They can be creative, forceful and aggressive They like physical activities.
People who have a lot of fire in their natal chart tend to have boundless energy. Too much fire may make them restless, aggressive, easy to anger.
People who have little, or no fire in their natal chart are just the opposite. They may be lethargic and passive. Perhaps timid.
The Earth Signs
Earth signs are practical. They work hard in order to attain material goods. Their actions are usually planned out and deliberate, geared towards the accomplishment of a specific purpose.
People with a lot of earth emphasis in their natal chart tend to be dependable and reliable. They may be slow to form opinions, but once an opinion is made, they will stubbornly adhere to their beliefs. They are extremely hard-working and mundane in their affairs.
People with little or no earth in their natal charts may appear to be unrealistic, impractical or flighty. They normally do not have much machanical ability.
The Air Signs
Air signs are intellectual. They like to communicate and are geared towards logic. Unlike earth signs, they are more concerned with ideas than with material things. Air signs are flighty. They are not very sentimental or emotional. They maintain a high degree of dexterity and are capable of completing several tasks at the same time. They are always seeking to learn.
People with a lot of air in their natal chart tend to be inquisitive and high strung. They are very talkative and are quick witted. They like to communicate but may not show deep committment towards their relationships.
People with little or no air in their natal chart are more simple in their thinking patterns. They may not be very interested in anything related to education or of an intellectual pursuit.
The Water Signs
Water signs are emotional and sensitive. They are intuitive, psychic and contemplative. They tend to conform to their surroundings and have much depth to their character. They are capable of great passion and are attuned to the subtle influences of their surroundings.
People with a lot of water emphasis in their natal chart are extremely sensitive and may withdraw from their surroundings in order to protect themselves. They display much empathy and can be compassionate to those in need. At times they may be influenced by unrealistic or deceptive thoughts arising from within or from others.
People with little or no water in their natal chart lack emotion. They may be insensitive to the effects of their behavior on others. They may be out of touch with their inner feelings and have difficulty dealing with them.