THE ELEMENTS
Before we continue any further, perhaps an overall look at the underlying principles of energy displayed in the Birth Chart – in this case as defined by the ELEMENTS - will provide us with further understanding.
The Elements FIRE, EARTH, AIR and WATER symbolize the four basic threads of Universal Energy from which the fabric of existence is woven. The Zodiac is divided into these four fundamental energy groups, giving us three FIRE Signs (Aries, Leo & Sagittarius), three EARTH Signs (Taurus, Virgo & Capricorn), three AIR Signs (Gemini, Libra and Aquarius) and three WATER Signs (Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces). By noting an individual’s birth chart elemental emphasis (e.g. if a particular Element is more ‘prominent’ in terms of the planetary positions in signs and houses) it is quite possible to gather a strong insight into the general nature of the individual concerned with little more astrological information to go on.
An emphasis of any one element in the Birth Chart will suggest a tendency for the person to display the general characteristics of that element in their overall personality. A lack of that element will imply a lack of those characteristics in the personality. (Note: No individual will display all the elemental qualities suggested in their purest form. Each of us is actually a mix of them all to varying degrees. Also, other factors in the Birth Chart will always modify their effect, or expression, to a greater or lesser degree.)
The four elemental qualities are briefly defined as follows -
FIRE
Fire individuals are self-motivated, excitable and enthusiastic. They have great faith in themselves. Their self-motivated, high-spirited drive often makes them courageous, inspiring and proud leaders. Their dynamism can sometimes turn inwards however and they run the risk of becoming ego-centric (although their innate purpose is always to uplift and brighten the lives of others, however misguided actions are). Fire moves, motivates and enthuses others into activity and can bring much warmth into a sometimes sorrowful world. Fire individuals have most affinity with the Air element.
EARTH
Earth individuals are very much centered in the solid, material world. They are practical, matter-of-fact and often have a patience and endurance that is second to none. They are the most cautious and conservative of all the elements, rarely reacting in any sudden, flamboyant or unexpected manner. Often stubborn, skeptical and resistant to change, earth individuals find the greatest difficulty in accepting any spiritual, mystical or imaginative concept of life, unless they have a direct, personal experience of such things. Earth individuals have most affinity with the Water element.
AIR
Air individuals delight in dealing with ideas, concepts and abstract thoughts. Their objective and theoretical contribution to the thinking processes of the world are highly valued in this day and age and they rank strongly amongst the ranks of scientists, analysts and researchers. However Air individuals can often have trouble in putting their ideas into action. They make for good speakers and teachers as they arc most successful in communicating with others. Like the air around our planet, they are constantly on the move - both in thought and exploration. Like 'Fire' individuals (with whom they have the greatest affinity) their biggest blind spot is an inability to appreciate the feelings, fears and caution of others when pursuing their own individual ideas. Air individuals have most affinity with the Fire element.
WATER
Water individuals are the most sensitive of all the Elemental types to the subtleties of life. Their feelings and emotions run very deep and, at the 'highest' expression, they exhibit more care, compassion and sympathy toward their fellow man than any other type. They also number amongst the most mystic or inspirational artists, writers and composers of Mankind and their pronounced psychic abilities enable them to attune themselves to many of the higher planes of existence that remain beyond the reach of their more 'down to earth' companions. However, water needs to be contained, so without someone (or something) to guide and order their lives, these individuals can diffuse their abilities and live a life of confusion, escapism and inner suffering. Water individuals have most affinity with the Earth element.
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The Elements FIRE, EARTH, AIR and WATER symbolize the four basic threads of Universal Energy from which the fabric of existence is woven. The Zodiac is divided into these four fundamental energy groups, giving us three FIRE Signs (Aries, Leo & Sagittarius), three EARTH Signs (Taurus, Virgo & Capricorn), three AIR Signs (Gemini, Libra and Aquarius) and three WATER Signs (Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces). By noting an individual’s birth chart elemental emphasis (e.g. if a particular Element is more ‘prominent’ in terms of the planetary positions in signs and houses) it is quite possible to gather a strong insight into the general nature of the individual concerned with little more astrological information to go on.
An emphasis of any one element in the Birth Chart will suggest a tendency for the person to display the general characteristics of that element in their overall personality. A lack of that element will imply a lack of those characteristics in the personality. (Note: No individual will display all the elemental qualities suggested in their purest form. Each of us is actually a mix of them all to varying degrees. Also, other factors in the Birth Chart will always modify their effect, or expression, to a greater or lesser degree.)
The four elemental qualities are briefly defined as follows -
FIRE
Fire individuals are self-motivated, excitable and enthusiastic. They have great faith in themselves. Their self-motivated, high-spirited drive often makes them courageous, inspiring and proud leaders. Their dynamism can sometimes turn inwards however and they run the risk of becoming ego-centric (although their innate purpose is always to uplift and brighten the lives of others, however misguided actions are). Fire moves, motivates and enthuses others into activity and can bring much warmth into a sometimes sorrowful world. Fire individuals have most affinity with the Air element.
EARTH
Earth individuals are very much centered in the solid, material world. They are practical, matter-of-fact and often have a patience and endurance that is second to none. They are the most cautious and conservative of all the elements, rarely reacting in any sudden, flamboyant or unexpected manner. Often stubborn, skeptical and resistant to change, earth individuals find the greatest difficulty in accepting any spiritual, mystical or imaginative concept of life, unless they have a direct, personal experience of such things. Earth individuals have most affinity with the Water element.
AIR
Air individuals delight in dealing with ideas, concepts and abstract thoughts. Their objective and theoretical contribution to the thinking processes of the world are highly valued in this day and age and they rank strongly amongst the ranks of scientists, analysts and researchers. However Air individuals can often have trouble in putting their ideas into action. They make for good speakers and teachers as they arc most successful in communicating with others. Like the air around our planet, they are constantly on the move - both in thought and exploration. Like 'Fire' individuals (with whom they have the greatest affinity) their biggest blind spot is an inability to appreciate the feelings, fears and caution of others when pursuing their own individual ideas. Air individuals have most affinity with the Fire element.
WATER
Water individuals are the most sensitive of all the Elemental types to the subtleties of life. Their feelings and emotions run very deep and, at the 'highest' expression, they exhibit more care, compassion and sympathy toward their fellow man than any other type. They also number amongst the most mystic or inspirational artists, writers and composers of Mankind and their pronounced psychic abilities enable them to attune themselves to many of the higher planes of existence that remain beyond the reach of their more 'down to earth' companions. However, water needs to be contained, so without someone (or something) to guide and order their lives, these individuals can diffuse their abilities and live a life of confusion, escapism and inner suffering. Water individuals have most affinity with the Earth element.
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