The Elements of Astrology
Fire:
Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
We refer to the element of fire as the force of Spirit. This means
that through the fiery triplicity, the primal forces of creative expression are
manifested. Fire is the desire for life, the will to be, and, especially in the case of
Aries, the act of individualizing the self from the rest of Mankind. It is the element of
fire in a horoscope which serves as the animating force behind an individuals
self-assertions.
Positive
natural tendency |
Misuse
or exaggeration of trait |
Courageous and self-assertive |
Ruthless and self-imposing |
Idealistic and visionary |
Zealot or fanatic |
Helpful and kind |
Imposes own authority at all
times |
Simulates creative expression |
Destroys the efforts of others |
Active life force |
Dissipates life force through
sensual exercises |
Ardent and strong |
Self-indulgent and loud |
Earth:
Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn
We refer to the earthly element as the force of Form (or Body).
Mans strongest instinct is the will to be and the first manifestation of that desire
is to create something out of matter to prove his existence. Earthly people do this
through the gathering of material possessions and the actual building of the physical
aspects of Man: his industries, his homes, and his physical body. It is the element of
earth in a horoscope behind the needs to be practical, cautious, and very understanding of
Mans ambitions toward material security and physical pleasures.
Positive
natural tendency |
Misuse
or exaggeration of trait |
Provides necessities |
Hoards resources |
Bestower of opportunities |
Seeks control over others |
Deep emotional understanding |
Lack of true empathy |
Good sense of timing |
Manipulation through secrecy |
Aware of potentiality |
Ultraconservative |
Delicate and refined |
Coarse and base |
Air:
Gemini, Libra, Aquarius
We refer to the air element as the force of the Mind. People who are
strongly influenced by the airy signs can be calm and refreshing as a cool breeze. But if
their temper is raised, they react with galelike force, shattering the tranquility of the
world around them. Air is necessary to convey the words which one person uses to speak to
another. It is in its aspect as a communicating and collectivizing agent that air has its
most important function in astrology. Through air, Man can reach for ideas in the
intuitive mind, and apply them in the realm of human experience. Mind is mans most
important tool.
Positive
natural tendency |
Misuse
or exaggeration of trait |
Cooperative and gregarious |
Superficial and loquacious |
Inventive and inspirational |
Imitative and repetitious |
Intelligent, quick, and alert |
Hyperactive, runabout, and
nervous |
Objective and humane |
Aloof and cool |
Full of balanced ideas |
Walks on thin air |
Water:
Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
We refer to the water element as the force of Soul or Emotion. Soul
is, in part, the element of human nature which provides understanding and compassion for
the feelings of others. People who are extremely influenced by the water element are
extremely sensitive to human sentiment and artistic expression. They can seep into the
subconscious of others and instinctually, if not intellectually, understand the motives
behind other peoples actions.
Positive
natural tendency |
Misuse
or exaggeration of trait |
Compassionate and understanding |
Easily put upon by others |
Psychic |
Prone to hallucinations |
Sensitive and impressionable |
Paranoiac and hysterical |
Artistic and aesthetic |
Sensualist and self-indulgent |
Romantic |
Can live in fantasy world |
Seeks to help others |
Seeks to gain control over others |
Reserved |
Exaggerates all feelings out of
proper proportions |
The
Mixing of Elements
Elements |
Tendency |
Fire and Earth |
The elements can conflict.
However, Earth can provide boundaries for Fire, and Fire can provide inspiration for
Earth. |
Fire and Air |
These elements are basically
compatible. Fire needs Air, but too much Air can cause a Fire to get out of control or
blow Fire out. |
Fire and Water |
These elements are antithetical
as Fire turns Water to steam and Water puts out Fire. |
Fire and Fire |
This combination can give all
impulse but no direction. Too much fire can give too much self-expression without due
consideration for other peoples feelings or ideas. |
Earth and Air |
Air tends to stimulate Earth.
Earth must be fully oxygenated for fruit to grow. Air, however, cannot penetrate the true
depths of Earth, and tends to give only a superficial contact. |
Earth and Water |
These two elements are very
compatible, as earth needs water in order to be fertilized for growth of its fruits. The
proportions are important. Too much water results in mud, and too much Earth will
completely absorb the Water, giving it no life of its own. On the other hand, too little
water will result in a desert, i.e., a dry and unfeeling individual. |
Earth and Earth |
This is not the best combination,
for it does not supply the stimulus which the earth needs in order to manifest its latent
fruitfulness and creativity. Too much Earth in any one horoscope will cause too much
suspicion, inertia, and materialism. |
Air and Water |
Air can only touch the surface of
the sea. Yet Water must be filled with the gaseous properties of Air in order for it to
remain fresh. Water can feel unfulfilled by Airs lack of understanding of its
emotional nature. The two elements do manage to balance each other and are necessary to
each others primary function. In human nature, the intellect of air will service to
modify the oversensitivity of water while the latter will tend to broaden the sympathies
of the more intellectual air signs. |
Air and Air |
Too much activity with too little
direction can be the result of an abundance of Air. Without the stability of Earth or the
emotionality of Water, this combination can turn into a whirlpool of ideas without a
practical release into the realm of human experience. |
Water and Water |
Although this combination may
give added depth and increased sensitivity, the likelihood of cross-currents is very
prevalent. Feelings can be easily hurt, indolence can alternate with whirlpools f
stirred-up emotions. In short, too much water leads to instability and a lack of cohesive
and realistic focus on affairs of living.
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