One of the
distinctions of the twelve signs is based on the element they belong to. The
four basic elements in the Ancient Greek Philosophy – from which the universe
emerged as they believed- is Fire, Earth, Air, and Water. Very often when we
look at a natal chart we see either a balance between the elements or some
element that dominates or even an absence of an element. Different combinations
give different types of people.
Aries, Leo and Sagittarius belong to the
Fire signs. Fire as an element is connected with life itself, with faith
and optimism. When Fire is dominant as an element it gives openness, courage to
face life and inspiration, a vision for the future. Fire co-creates, it has the
need to manifest and it urges the world into action and change. Its energy is
positive, active and dynamic. When it is absent from a chart the person could
possibly have a lack of trust in his abilities and in life in general, he may
be scared or he may not be bold and confident enough to get inspiration from
life’s possibilities.
Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn belong to the Earth
signs. The basic characteristic we connect the Earth signs to is practicality,
but it isn’t the only one. When the Earth is dominant in a chart, there is
quiet strength, reliability and willingness to fight with life’s difficulties.
Earth is persistent as a nature and it has cohesion and continuity. The person
with strong Earth in his horoscope is very well attuned with his body and its
needs, he lives according the nature’s changes and cycles and as a
grounded person he can face everything that occurs with prudence and
patience. When the element of Earth is
absent from a natal chart the person has difficulty in adjusting to reality and
very often there are issues with food and the energy we take from it as well as
a difficulty to persist in demanding situations.
Gemini, Libra and Aquarius are Air signs.
The basic characteristic of Air is the intellect and the world of ideas. When
the Air element is dominant in a chart there is a need to communicate and to
relate to others. The person with a lot of Air in his chart is usually
sociable, with a sophisticated aura, refined and with a strong logic. He can
easily detach from what’s going on and understand both himself and others being
objective. When the Air element is absent from a chart, the person has
difficulty in expressing his ideas and opinions, tends toward a more introvert
existence and he is very subjective in his perception. He may also have
difficulty with abstract thought and with verbal expression.
Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces are Water signs. Water
is connected to feelings and to psychic sensitivity. When the Water element
dominates, there is discretion and receptivity. A person with a strong water
element in his chart is insightful, protective and he has a strong
imagination. He is very easily attuned
to all forms of non- verbal communication and he can retain pictures, memories
and feelings in his mind. The person who lacks water in his chart has a lot of
difficulty in expressing his feelings or he may feel awkward when encountered with
strong feeling expressions; he either avoids, represses or he is bothered by
them. Occasionally, he may have a cold or detached face and he may suffer from
psychosomatic reactions, a sign that he has repressed his feelings.