Elements Of Sun Sign

There are two classifications of the Signs of the Zodiac --

Elements and Qualities -- and they each refer to core human

Characteristics. The Elements, which are also known as

Triplicates (as in groupings of three), speak to the basic nature

And temperament of a Sign, whereas Qualities address their

Manner of expression

The four Elements and their corresponding Signs are Fire (Aries,

Leo and Sagittarius), Earth (Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn), Air

(Gemini, Libra and Aquarius) and Water (Cancer, Scorpio, and

Pisces). While the Elements in and of themselves help to

describe our basic nature, once combined in our overall

astrological chart, they help to define us as a whole and complex

person.

Fire

The Element of Fire is associated with the Signs Aries, Leo and

Sagittarius and it also rules the First, Fifth and Ninth Houses. As

one would expect, those graced by Fire are fiery, indeed. They

are enthusiastic and sometimes larger than life. Just like a fire

that is left untended; however, Fire Signs can burn out of control.

Ouch! It's best to tend those embers.

A Fire Sign is also an indicator of creativity. This Element

manifests itself in creative and unique ways, and those in its

glows are also wonderfully courageous, lively spirits. Those

influenced by a Fire Sign are self-sufficient, spontaneous and

possess a tremendous zest for life.

It also stands to reason that a combustible Fire Signer would be

ardent in the game of love. Yes, these are the sexiest Signs of

the Zodiac, knowing they are the cat's meow and climbing ever

higher in the name of love. To their credit, those touched by Fire

are often an inspiration to others, certainly for their adherence to

solid moral and religious ideals.

If there's a flip side to the Element of Fire, it can be that those

who bear its will can be overly strident in getting their way. Call it

bossy, even. These folks can come across rather forcefully.

Selfishness and an overdeveloped ego can also be seen as part

of a fiery individual's shadowy side.

Fire Signs are strong, self-assured, creative and fun. When they

get too hot to touch, though, it may be a good idea to stand back!

Earth

The Element of Earth is attached to the Signs Taurus, Virgo and

Capricorn, and it also rules the Second, Sixth and Tenth

Houses. All the earthy metaphors are appropriate here: salt of

the Earth, feet firmly planted on the ground and so forth. Those

graced by an Earth Sign in their horoscope are practical,

grounded and dependable. These folks aren't taking big risks,

much preferring a sure thing.

Much like the Elements are considered the building blocks in

nature, Earth Signs are the builders of the zodiac. To these

Signs, creation is a tangible proposition. Whether it's building

jobs or homes, or creating comfortable rooms within that home

through the acquisition of possessions, Earth Signers are about

all what is solid around us. Those influenced by this Element feel

best once they have accumulated a goodly number of worldly

possessions. The risk inherent in this, however, is that these

individuals may become greedy and far too materialistic.

The Element of Earth also confers a sense of duty, responsibility

and reliability to those in its sphere. These are the people you

can count on to be there when you need them. Those influenced

by Earth also tend toward caution and conservatism, in both

desire and approach. That said, they are sensualists, certainly in

that they appreciate a good meal and fine wine better than

anyone else.

The logical mind of an Earth Signer is always appreciated. In

keeping with this measured approach, these folks also display

considerable recuperative powers. On the flip side of things,

however, those supported by Earth may be so caught up in their

objectives that they might overlook the feelings of others. It is a

big picture, after all, but these folks may be more concerned with

the finish line than the journey they are taking.

Earth Signs are dependable, practical and conservative, yet

fairly materialistic. They have their feet on the ground but their

eyes on the prize.

Air

The Element of Air is attached to the Signs Gemini, Libra and

Aquarius. It also rules the Third, Seventh and Eleventh Houses.

It is rarefied air which usually surrounds those graced by this

Element, as this is the marker of the intellectual. Airy people are

smart thinkers and handle abstract reasoning well. They love to

analyze, synthesize and probe. Do you have a dilemma? Hand it

over to an Air Sign and watch them go to work.

Air Signs are also about communication. These individuals want

to get the word out, and it's not likely to be fluff. They are alert,

curious and perceptive. The world as seen by an Air Sign will be

an interesting one, as their analysis and subsequent explanation

(hopefully in terms we can understand) will indicate. Those

influenced by Air are inventive and clever. They see all sides of

the equation and are able to glean the best approach. Balance is

important to these airy folk.

So, are Air Signers fresh as a summer breeze or howling like the

wind? Probably both, depending on when you catch them. While

these folks are often cool, calm and collected, they can turn cold

if their equilibrium is upset. A word to the wise: there's little

upside in baiting an Air Sign.

Another plus with Air is that it manifests itself in a most humane

way. Those influenced by Air can truly wear another's shoes, as

it were. They are objective, cooperative and really want to help

make a better world. There's no prejudice with these folks, just a

bright and shiny idealism which can accomplish much.

Air Signs are communicative, intellectual, clever and fair. They

can blow hot and cold, though, so beware of a chilly draft

water

The Element of Water is associated with the Signs Cancer,

Scorpio and Pisces, and it also rules the Fourth, Eighth and

Twelfth Houses. The watery words flow with this Element: fluid,

flowing, wavering. These terms can easily apply to an

individual's emotions, which are exactly the realm in which

Water exerts its influence.

Water Signs are intuitive, sensitive and feel more intensely than

the rest. They are emotional and nurturing and, like a river, run

deep. How things feel is what matters to these folks, and they

base their actions on sense, rather than on logic or intellect.

Water is also about compassion and understanding, since the

receptive talents of these individuals are remarkably high. Water

Sign people can take in the feelings of others, process them,

and put forth a plan or solution that will be conscientious to all.

Those graced by Water love to take their sense of the world and

translate it into the artistic. They desire aesthetic beauty -- and

for everyone to be happy as a result of that beauty. Much like

still water can become stagnant, however, an inactive Water

Sign person is not a Water Sign person at their best. Water

Signs feel most fulfilled when they are helping others, and they

do so in an enchanting, considerate and even romantic way.

The flip side of this dreamy Water world is the tendency of these

individuals to brood. Water Signs are susceptible to mood

swings, and, at their worst, they could become self-indulgent,

controlling and hostage to a fantasy world. This also brings up

the ability of these folks to see things more clearly than others.

Call it psychic, if you will.

Water Signs are emotional, empathetic, receptive and feel things

deeply. Alternately calm like the sea or possessing the force of a

torrential rain, the emotions brought forth by this Element are

plentiful, indeed.