The four classical elements (water, earth, air & fire) are relevant for a deeper understanding of astrology. We use these elements to represent four factions of human personality. They are symbolic of the nature that divides these twelve signs into four, distinctive categories.
W A T E R
Water feels everything. When you drop a rock into a lake, you can see how one stimulant can cause a ripple throughout the entire body of water. Water runs deep–symbolizing life, purity, and healing. Water can tame or violent, depending on the conditions of its environment. It feels the world around it, and responds accordingly. Water signs symbolize this kind of energy. They are extremely sensitive to the outside world, noticing every ripple, and feeling that shift in space to the highest degree. Water signs are moved like running water, but must be careful not to lose theirselves in the tide.
E A R T H
Earth stands still. It exists entirely because of stability. Like the roots of trees it is bound to its core, unmoved for years. A quote from Salvador Dali (Taurus) reads, “everything alters me, but nothing changes me.” Earth signs are observant, but don’t allow the conditions of their environment to shift their attitude or behavior. They are practical, stubborn, and determined, governed by the laws of self discipline that they set for theirselves. Like the ancient earth, these signs are patient, with the potential to be exceptionally productive, because they always stick to the plan. Earth signs must understand nobody is immune to the force of time.
A I R
When we think air, we think of an abstract force; once that cannot be contained. Air is constantly shapeshifting, moving with the winds, and traveling with the breeze. The opposite of earth– air is an intellectual, dreamy force. Idealistic, imaginative, and curious. They are friends of progression and love the thrill of learning what tomorrow brings. They are aloof, not always transparent, not always practical. They are on a quest to turn life into what they’ve always dreamt it would be. They are easily shifted, moved, transformed. They are constantly evolving. Air signs live with their head in the clouds. They must learn when it’s time to come down.
F I R E
Fire is chaotic, sporadic, and sudden. Fire is aggressive, creating its own path wherever it goes. It is bright, and draws attention from every angle. It’s demanding, but also warm, and people are drawn to the heat it radiates. Fire signs are natural leaders, impulsive, and temperamental. But just as quick as they burst into flames, they sizzle out. They are fast, determined, and impatient. They are initiators who are quick to light up and start commotion. They are trailblazers, bond to the light the create when they are stimulated. Fire signs must learn staying warm is not always worth getting burned.
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