The four elements are the basic building blocks of our world.
Fire is raw energy: bringing light and burning anything it touches to purge and create new life.
Earth connects us to the tangible world and supplies the resources that we need to build our lives.
Air fills our lungs, giving us the ability to communicate and connect with one another.
Water cleanses, heals and nourishes us.
Together, the four elements create our world.
Since mankind was born, we have sought to understand what life is about and our place within the world. Ancient people believed that the universe — and the sky — were a reflection of themselves. By understanding that we are not external to nature, but a part of it, they realized that the elements were also within us, too.
Now, not to get all scientific, but let’s face facts. Your body burns food to create energy. This is Fire. Your skin, your organs and your bones make up your body. This is Earth. You inhale every moment from the time that you are born until the day that you move on. This is Air. Finally, your blood is vital to your entire essence. This is Water.
The elements are quintessential forms, each with their own qualities and meanings, and when they are united, they provide the substance of life. In the same way, because each zodiac sign has its specific element, it shows that we are a species woven together that needs each other to survive.
This is the beauty of being a part of a collective — we are more than just the sum of our parts.
Zodiac Sign Dualities
Before we dive into each particular element, there’s something to address called dualities. In the zodiac, signs are split up into two categories: masculine or feminine. While that “system” may seem a bit outdated in our modern world, you can also use non-gendered words for the zodiac sign’s dualities, such as active or passive.
Masculine (or active) elements are Fire and Air signs. They tend to be more extroverted, assertive and spontaneous. These signs tend to energize one another and are especially compatible.
Feminine (or passive) elements are Earth and Water signs. They tend to be more introverted and self-contained, with greater inner resources of power and passion. Together, these signs flow beautifully and are also very compatible.
FIRE
The Fire signs are Aries, Leo and Sagittarius.
Fire signs are passionate, courageous and impulsive. These people inspire us to pursue adventure, take risks and express ourselves. They often have high levels of energy and enthusiasm. They love to burn hot and shine brightly. Quick to embrace spontaneity, their emotions are fervent. Oftentimes, they are quick to love, to feel fury or to act. However, because their energy is so alive, they can also change their minds quite quickly, too.
People with a lot of fire in their birth charts are often drawn to become performers, athletes, artists, or creators. We are typically enchanted by people with fire energy because they’re unafraid to step into the spotlight.
EARTH
The Earth Signs are Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn.
Earth signs are practical, stable and grounded. These people are very hardworking and value stability and security in all areas of their lives. Their solid energy allows them to tackle long-term goals and plans, where the other signs would lack perseverance. As natural managers and builders, they create structures in their lives and society that have an impact. However, as the slowest moving element, they are the most resistant to change.
People with a significant amount of earth in their birth charts are typically business- or financial-oriented and flourish in results-based industries. These people often become highly successful because they know how to methodically get what they are after over time.
AIR
The Air Signs are Gemini, Libra and Aquarius.
Air signs are intellectual, communicative and spontaneous. These people are highly logical, curious and adaptable. They can easily process complex ideas, projects and relationships — and prefer variety over consistency. With a lust for life, they pursue expansion, rather than wanting to be rooted to one plan forever. As visionaries and free spirits, they are eager to explore and are often quite social. However, because they are so cerebral, they can actually be quite detached from their emotions or the practical world.
People with a large amount of air in their birth charts make great teachers, communicators, architects or planners. They can easily think outside of the box and utilize their knowledge and people skills to make things happen.
WATER
The Water signs are Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces.
Water signs are intuitive, emotional and sensual. These people tend to tap into the great resources of their inner life to process situations and experiences. They are intrinsically able to connect with others in a sensitive and vulnerable way. With great wells of insight into their own behaviors and motivations, they can more easily perceive the world from a heartfelt, spiritual or compassionate way. However, because they are so aware of their feelings, they can end up becoming overly emotional, lacking logic or practicality to proceed.
People with many water placements in their natal chart may find themselves drawn to be mystics, healers, psychologists or doctors. They utilize their empathy and understanding of the human spirit to better connect and work with others.
You are a mix of many elements — not just one
While it may be easy to think that you’re just one element due to your Sun sign, we actually have many planetary placements in our birth charts that impact who we are in totality. For instance, your Moon Sign and Ascendant will play a significant role in how you react and how you present yourself. Your other natal planets — Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto — also have their own unique energies but may fall in the different fire, earth, air or water signs.
By realizing that we are all a mix of many different elements, we can better understand that there are multiple facets to what makes each of us unique, rare and beautiful.
Kyle Thomas is a globally recognized pop culture astrologer who has been featured in “Access Hollywood,” E! Entertainment, NBC & ABC television, Cosmopolitan Magazine, Hulu, Bustle, Elite Daily, Marie Claire and more. He is known for his cosmic guidance for celebrities, business executives and prominent influencers. His work harnesses the power of the stars in regards to entertainment lifestyle and trends affecting people worldwide. For more information, visit KyleThomasAstrology.com.
