In both western and vedic astrology the four basic elements are usually fire, earth, air, and water.  These four basic elements have been a symbol of life in some cultures, especially in Ancient Greece and Rome (the places that established the zodiac signs we are most familiar with today).  In astrology these four basic elements are still used, but instead have come to represent the energies of the astrological zodiac signs.  Each element in astrology has three signs that represent it.  Each element also represents the principles of yin and yang; passive and assertive energies.  When observing the four basic elements, we can better understand the signs; their strengths, weaknesses, urges, and/or needs.  By getting in tune with the elements we can also unlock certain energies in us that may give us strength and help us grow.  The elements may also reveal those energies that may stunt our energies or growth.  On this page I will go into depth what it means when a sign is a fire, earth, air, or water sign and why it is important to know this differentiation in astrology. 

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Fire Signs: Pure Energy

Qualities of fire signs: Direct, intense, dramatic, bold, provocative

The fire signs in astrology are Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius.  As fire signs, they are classified as signs that represent pure energy.  All living and non-living things have an energy that motivates them to move about in life.  Fire signs thrive on that energy, as it is that source of life that keeps their fire burning.  Fire signs also have their own mode of thinking and doing things.  The modes are cardinal, fixed, and mutable.  

Aries is a cardinal fiery sign, representing an aura that is like an explosion, a spark, or a flame igniting for the first time. Since cardinal signs are initiators, this would mean Aries is the kind of sign that uses their energy to initiate things. Also, with Aries being ruled by Mars (the planet of passion) this would mean that most of Aries' passions come from their own physical energy.  

Leo is a fixed fiery sign, representing an aura that is like a burning flame or fire burning at the hearth. Since fixed signs are more stable and rooted, this would mean that Leo is the kind of sign that uses physical energy to stabilize their environment.  Leo is ruled by the sun, the planet of ego, which means the pride or ego that Leo has is coming from their own physical energy. 

Sagittarius is a mutable fiery sign, representing an aura that is like scattered flames or wild fire.  Since mutable signs are more changeable and adaptable, this would mean that Sagittarius is the kind of sign that uses energy to adapt and change.  Sagittarius is ruled by Jupiter, the planet of chance and faith, which means the faith and optimism of Sagittarius is being motivated by their own physical energy.  

When there is a planet in a fire sign, whether natal or transiting, it will represent a side to us that is most physically energetic.

Sun in fire signs: The native relies on physical energy to maintain their pride and ego.

Moon in fire signs: The native relies on physical energy to manage their emotions.

Mercury in fire signs: The native relies on physical energy to think and communicate.

Venus in fire signs: The native relies on physical energy for charm and to express affection.

Mars in fire signs: The native relies on physical energy to take action.

Jupiter in fire signs: The native relies on physical energy to maintain optimism.

Saturn in fire signs: The native relies on physical energy to maintain order and structure in their lives.

Uranus in fire signs: The native relies on physical energy to make changes in the world.

Neptune in fire signs: The native relies on physical energy for escape and release.

Pluto in fire signs: The native relies on physical energy to empower themselves.

 

Natives with planets in fire signs in the natal chart should spend as much time near warm places in order to feel rejuvenated. Lighting candles, sitting by a cozy campfire or fireplace will rejuvenate energies. Fire represents the yang principle (assertive/active).  Fire signs are diurnal, so there may be benefits from daytime activity.  Summer time is a good time of year for them as it is the warmest time of year. Natives with planets in fire signs will gain energy if around people with fiery and airy energy.  Being around people with earthy or watery energies will drain fire energy. Colder or wetter environments will zap their fiery energies.  Fire is a hot and dry element.

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Earth Signs: Pure Senses

Qualities of earth signs: Sensible, sensual, calm, steady, natural

The earth signs in astrology are Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn.  As earth signs, they are classified as signs that represent sensuality or the physical body.  All living and non-living things have a body that helps us to move about in the physical world.  Earth signs rely on their senses, for it is what keeps them steady.  Earth signs also have their own mode of thinking and doing things.  The modes are cardinal, fixed, and mutable.  

Taurus is a fixed sign, representing earth at its firmest or most solid state, almost like a rock or crystal. Since fixed signs are more stable, this means that Taurus relies on their senses or the body itself to stabilize their environment.  Taurus is ruled by Venus, the planet of love and pleasure, and the loving and pleasurable quality of Taurus is being motivated by the senses.

Virgo is a mutable sign, representing earth at a time when it is moist like soil, mud, or even quick sand. Since mutable signs are more changeable and adaptable, this means that Virgo relies on the senses or the body to adapt and change. Virgo is ruled by Mercury, the planet of thought and communication, which means the thoughtful and communicative quality of Virgo is being motivated by the senses or the body as well.

Capricorn is a cardinal sign, representing earth as it quakes or rises to become a mountain.  Since cardinal signs are initiating, this means that Capricorn relies on their senses or the body to initiate things. Capricorn is ruled by Saturn, the planet of order and restriction, which means the orderly and reserved side of Capricorn is being motivated by the senses or the body.

When there is a planet in an earth sign, whether natal or transiting, it will represent a side to us that is most sensual. 

Sun in earth signs: The native relies on their senses or their body to maintain their pride and ego.

Moon in earth signs: The native relies on their senses or their body to manage their emotions.

Mercury in earth signs: The native relies on their senses or their body to think and communicate.

Venus in earth signs: The native relies on their senses/body for charm and to express affection.

Mars in earth signs: The native relies on their senses/body to take action.

Jupiter in earth signs: The native relies on their senses/body to maintain optimism.

Saturn in earth signs: The native relies on their senses/body to maintain order and structure in their lives.

Uranus in earth signs: The native relies on their senses/body to make changes in the world.

Neptune in earth signs: The native relies on their senses/body for escape and release.

Pluto in earth signs: The native relies on their senses/body to empower themselves.

 

Natives with planets in earth signs in the natal chart should spend time around nature to rejuvenate their energies.  Walking through gardens, forests, hiking in the woods, or mountain climbing might be especially rejuvenating. Maybe even having a picnic in the grass might also be soothing for the senses. Earth represents the yin principle (passive/inactive). Earth signs are nocturnal, so there may be more benefits from night time activity. Spring time is a good time of year for them, as the soil is the most fertile and the earth is filled with greenery which will help rejuvenate the senses. Natives with planets in earth signs will gain energy if around people with earthy and watery energy.  Being around people with fiery or airy energies will drain earth energy. Hot or wetter environments will zap their earthy energies.  Earth is a cold and dry element.

 

Air Signs: Pure Mind

Qualities of air signs: Sociable, changeable, light-hearted, observant, flighty

The air signs in astrology are Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius.  As air signs, they are classified as signs that represent the mind or thought.  All living things have a mind that helps us function in the world.  Air signs rely on their mind, for it is what keeps them light and aware.  Air signs also have their own mode of thinking and doing things.  The modes are cardinal, fixed, and mutable.  

Gemini is a mutable sign, representing air in the form of a light breeze going in many directions. Since mutable signs are more changeable and adaptable, this means that Gemini relies on their minds to adapt or change.  Gemini is ruled by Mercury, the planet of thought and communication, which means the thoughtful and communicative quality of Gemini is being motivated by the mind.

Libra is a cardinal sign, representing air at a time when it is direct and strong; mostly like gale. Since cardinal signs are more initiating, this means that Libra relies on the mind to initiate things. Libra is ruled by Venus, the planet of love and pleasure, which means the loving and pleasurable quality of Libra is being motivated by the mind.

Aquarius is a fixed sign, representing air in the form of a cloud or fog; it may even represent storm clouds or a tornado.  Since fixed signs are stable or rooted, this means that Aquarius relies on their minds to stabilize their environment. Aquarius is traditionally ruled by Saturn, the planet of order and restriction, which means the orderly and reserved side of Aquarius is being motivated by the mind. Aquarius is also ruled by Uranus, the planet of innovation and rebellion, which would mean that the innovative and rebellious side of Aquarius is motivated by the mind.

When there is a planet in an air sign, whether natal or transiting, it will represent a side to us that is most thoughtful. 

Sun in air signs: The native relies on their mind to maintain their pride and ego.

Moon in air signs: The native relies on their mind to manage their emotions.

Mercury in air signs: The native relies on their mind to think and communicate.

Venus in air signs: The native relies on their mind for charm and to express affection.

Mars in air signs: The native relies on their mind to take action.

Jupiter in air signs: The native relies on their mind to maintain optimism.

Saturn in air signs: The native relies on their mind to maintain order and structure in their lives.

Uranus in air signs: The native relies on their mind to make changes in the world.

Neptune in air signs: The native relies on their mind for escape and release.

Pluto in air signs: The native relies on their mind to empower themselves.

 

Natives with planets in air signs in the natal chart should spend time out doors to rejuvenate their energies.  Spending time on a hill, mountain top, or near any high plateau in which there is wind will rejuvenate their energies. Perhaps a ride in a helicopter, hot air balloon, or airplane may also be rejuvenating if not mentally stimulating. Air represents the yang principle (assertive/active). Air signs are diurnal, which means benefits will come during the day time activities. Autumn is a good time of year for them, the windiest time of year when everything around us is changing. Natives with planets in air signs will gain energy if around people with fiery and airy energy.  Being around people with earthy or watery energies will drain air energy. Colder or dryer environments will zap their airy energies.  Air is a hot and wet element.

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Water Signs: Pure Feelings

Qualities of water signs: Sensitive, complex, defensive, flexible, understanding

The water signs in astrology are Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces.  As water signs, they are classified as signs that represent feeling or emotions.  All living things have feelings that helps us handle the world around us.  Water signs rely on their feelings, for it is what keeps them protected.  Water signs also have their own mode of thinking and doing things.  The modes are cardinal, fixed, and mutable.  

Cancer is a cardinal sign, representing water in the form of a rushing river or waterfall. Since cardinal signs are more initiating, this means that they rely on their feelings to initiate.  Cancer is ruled by the moon, the planet of emotions, and the emotional quality of Cancer is being motivated by feelings.

Scorpio is a fixed sign, representing water in the form of a deep ocean. Since fixed signs are more stable or rooted, this means that Scorpio relies on feelings to stabilize the environment. Scorpio is ruled by Mars traditionally, the planet of action and passion, which means the passionate quality of Scorpio is being motivated by feelings.  Scorpio is also ruled by Pluto, the planet of power and transformation, and so the powerful and transformative quality of Scorpio is also being motivated by feelings.

Pisces is a mutable sign, representing water in the form of a flowing stream.  Since mutable signs are changeable and adaptable, this means that Pisces relies on feelings to change and adapt. Pisces is ruled by Jupiter traditionally, the planet of faith and chance, which means the faithful and risk-taking side of Pisces is being motivated by feelings.  Pisces is also ruled by Neptune, the planet of illusion and escape, which would mean that Pisces's dreamy and escapist quality is motivated by feelings as well.

When there is a planet in a water sign, whether natal or transiting, it will represent a side to us that is most emotional. 

Sun in water signs: The native relies on their feelings to maintain their pride and ego.

Moon in water signs: The native relies on their feelings to manage their emotions.

Mercury in water signs: The native relies on their feelings to think and communicate.

Venus in water signs: The native relies on their feelings for charm and to express affection.

Mars in water signs: The native relies on their feelings to take action.

Jupiter in water signs: The native relies on their feelings to maintain optimism.

Saturn in water signs: The native relies on their feelings to maintain order and structure in their lives.

Uranus in water signs: The native relies on their feelings to make changes in the world.

Neptune in water signs: The native relies on their feelings for escape and release.

Pluto in water signs: The native relies on their feelings to empower themselves.

 

Natives with planets in water signs in the natal chart should spend time around watery places.  Spending time near an ocean, lake, or stream might be especially rejuvenating. Earth represents the yin principle (passive/inactive). Water signs are nocturnal, which means benefits will come during night time activities. Winter time is a good time of year for them, for it is a wet time of year and the best time to reflect and rejuvenate the emotions. Natives with planets in water signs will gain energy if around people with earthy and watery energy.  Being around people with fiery or airy energies will drain water energy. Dryer or hotter environments will zap their earthy energies.  Water is a cold and wet element.