Welcome to Gaia! ::

The Elements
Western Astrology uses four elements. They are also called triplicities, because each is associated with three zodiac signs. They are the platonic elements : Fire, Earth, Air, and Water. This is the order in which they appear around the zodiac, repeated three times.

The elements give a general feel for the signs associated with them, a common bond. They each have different characteristics. Below you will find a description of each element, some correspondences and some keywords. These can be used when interpreting a chart.

There are several ways in which the elements become important when reading a chart. The one most people are familiar with is to look at the Sun sign's element and make generalizations about that person based on the grouping. Then you can repeat this process for the other planets' signs.

You can then follow-up with a broader view and count the number of planets in each element. Chances are, one of them will stand out and one of them will look deficient. What this means is that they will naturally exhibit the qualities of the strongest element (i.e. the one with the most planets), while they will not naturally exhibit those of the weakest element. If the person whose chart you're studying already knows this (not necessarily in these terms), they might, however, put extra effort in developping the missing qualities.

Another way to work with the elements in astrology is to look at the aspects and the interaction between the elements of the aspected planets. For example, in my birthchart, I have Mars in Leo and Venus in Scorpio and they form a square aspect. So, in addition to talking about the planets in their respective signs, and the aspect itselft, you might want to throw in something about how Fire and Water interact.

Each element is neutral. And they can all manifest themselves in a positive manner and a negative manner. In astrology, there is no hierarchy of elements, that is none is above, or better than another. They are different, but equal. They can all create and destroy, but the manner in which they do is different.

Many traditions use elements in their practice, and most Western traditions use these four (with the possible addition of Quintessence or Aether as a fifth). For example, they are a core component of Alchemy; the four suits in Tarot relate to the four elements. Easter tradition uses a different set of elements.

Earth
Earth is the element of physical reality. Earth is the vessel of life. We get our nutrition from the Earth, we get our currency (metals) from the Earth. "Ashes to ashes, dust to dust" reminds us of the impermanence of our bodies, and that we are made of minerals found in the Earth. Earth is the great provider, Gaia. Everything that is material is Earthly.

People for whom this element is strong in their chart will tend to be practical, traditional, materialistic, and grounded. They do well with finances. If they are not careful, they could easily stagnate. Strong support from Air or Water, either in their own chart or from a partner, when well applied, will get these earthy people moving. Their generous nature will be useful for Fire, but they need to keep their guards up so as to not get over consumed by the flames. Earth filters Water; Water quenches Earth and helps it grow. Earth also directly Water's flow; but Water erodes Earth. Earth's plantlife filters Air and prevents Air from it's destructive forces; Air carries Earth's seeds to spread life.

At their best, strong Earth people will be supportive and ground the people around them. At their worst, they will be dogmatic and stuck in their ways, and highly materialistic.

People lacking this element will be less concerned with the material world than the average person. These people will need to put extra effort to be practical and responsible.

Zodiac : Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn
Polarity : Negative, Female
Tarot suit : Coins

Keywords
stable, practical, money, finance, material, physical, traditional, conservative, grounded, concrete

Water
Water is the element of emotion and intuition. Water is the flow of life. Our body is composed of mostly Water; 70% of our body weight is Water. 75% of our planet's surface is Water. The depths of the oceans are mysterious.

People for whom this element is strong in their chart will tend to be sensitive and may demonstrate some psychic abilities. They are empathic. If they are not careful, they may get emotionally drained. Strong support from Earth, either in their own chart or from a partner, when well applied, will contain these watery people and give them depth and direction. Fire can help melt away the cold harshness of these people, but melt too much and it could mean drowning the Earth.Water has a strange relationship with Fire; Water is composed of highly flamable components when separate, yet together in the right proportions they have the ability to put out Fires. Air separates Water above from Water below, and it carries the higher half around the world. The strong winds of Air can provoke Water into destructive behaviour.

At their best, strong Water people will be sympathetic towards people around them. At their worst, they will have unpredictable mood swings and be emotionally needy.

People lacking this element will be less concerned with other people's emotions and less intuitive than the average person. These people will need to pay extra attention to other people's needs and put extra effort in demonstrating their emotions.

Zodiac : Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
Polarity : Negative, Female
Tarot suit : Cups

Keywords
emotion, intuition, psychic, fluid, cold, instinct, cycles, flow, tides, dreams, sensitive

Reserved #7

Reserved #9