Astrological Elements

Elements

There are four elements or triplicities in astrology; fire, earth, air, and water.

Each sign is attributed to one element.

Every element has three signs.

The elements show how we experience and process the world around us. 

Fire

The three Fire signs are Aries, Leo and Sagittarius.

The fire signs are masculine.

Earth

The three Earth signs are Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn.

All earth signs are feminine.

Air

The three Air signs are Gemini, Libra and Aquarius.

Every air sign is masculine.

Water

The three Water signs are Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces.

Each water sign is feminine.

Which Planets to Count?

Only count the seven visible planets which are, the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn.

Your total will add up to seven.

The reason for this limited count is that you want a quality count and not a quantity count.

The visible planets have been in human consciousness since man (and woman) evolved.

We are fully aware of them.

Whereas the other planets are relatively new.

Elemental Balance

The elements are considered to be in balance when the planets are equally spread amongst them.

For example, one planet in a fire sign, two in earth signs, two in air signs and two in water signs shows the elements are in balance.

Elemental Strength

An element with two planets more than the next best element is considered strong.

For example, four planets in fire signs and two in earth signs, zero in an air sign and one in a water sign will give a fire emphasis as there are two planets more in fire than in earth.

Elemental Weakness

An element without planets is considered weak.

For example, in a chart where there are no planets in fire, none in earth, four in air and three in water, fire and earth are both weak.

Fire Element Meaning

Strong Fire

Strong fire people will make things happen by creating a spark.

They use their intuition to make decisions.

Generally, fire people are optimistic, enthusiastic, inspirational, faithful, stimulating and positive.

Weak Fire

A lack of planets in fire indicates that inspiration and visualization may be in short supply.

Earth Element Meaning

Strong Earth

Strong earthy folk will bring things into reality and give them form.

They use sensations (touch, smell and taste) to make decisions. They are practical, realistic, useful, and can be slow moving.

Weak Earth

A shortage of planets in earth suggests the person is not well-grounded and may have an airy-fairy approach to life.

Air Element Meaning

Strong Air

Strong air individuals determine what things are, label them and then they inform others.

They use their thoughts and minds to process information, knowledge, ideas and concepts to make decisions.

They are often intellectual, good communicators, thoughtful, objective, positive, theoretical and they can deal in abstractions.

Weak Air

No planets in the element of air hints at an inability to think things through and to find a conclusion.

Water Element Meaning

Strong Water

Strong water souls experience feelings about things and they may give them care.

They use their feelings to accept or reject things depending on their likes and dislikes to make decisions.

Generally, they are sensitive, aware of atmospheres, introverted, impressionable and flexible.

Weak Water

When the water element is without planets, it implies an inability to understand emotions and what things and situations upset themselves and others.

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Aspiring Astrologer Activity: Elements

In your astrology journal, and only counting the seven visible planets from the Sun to Saturn, do the following:

Note which planets are in the element of fire.
Note which planets are in the element of earth
Note which planets are in the element of air.
Note which planets are in the element of water.
Decide if there is an element emphasis or a lack.
Write a brief interpretation of your chart’s element strengths and weaknesses (50 words).