Elements: The Four Elements
12/10/22 12:07 Filed in:
ElementsEmpedocles, a Greek philosopher-scientist and healer who lived in Sicily in the fifth century B.C., believed that all matter comprises the four elements: earth, air, fire and water. Fire and air are outwardly reaching elements, reaching up and out, whereas earth and water turn inward and downward.
The Four Elements also describe the four unique personality types associated with the zodiac signs. The elements exhibit profound influence on basic character traits, behaviour, emotions, thinking and intuition. They are reflected in our relationships, our ambitions or lack thereof, and the unexpected turns and twists that add spice to our lives.
Astrology aims to help us to better focus our energies, gain a better understanding of our positive traits, and deal with the negative ones. We use this knowledge to realize our full potential and live our best life. We all need air to breathe, water to cleanse us and sustain our growth, fire to shelter us from the cold and nourish us, earth to live on together with all the living things and to grow our food. All the elements are equally important and below is a more in depth description of each.
Earth
Astrology: Taurus, Capricorn, Virgo
Tarot: Pentacles
Jung: Sensation
Feel the Earth under our feet, the soil that sustains all forms of life. Look at the power and beauty of the mountains, a symbol of stability and solidity of the earth. Everyday we experience the physical world, we walk on this earth, enjoy
the beauty and bounty of Mother Earth and feel the comfort of being on solid ground.
Associated with the signs Taurus, Capricorn and Virgo, Earth represents the practical, realistic material side of our nature, it seeks to assert a stable, secure and structured environment into which we may function. Feel the earth under our feet, solid and steady as we walk slowly. Earth is patient and reliable. It is solid and strong. To be on solid ground encourages one to seek the practical and most logical answer to a problem.
Earth may stabilize a relationship contributing structure and organization to achieve balance and harmony. Earth sustains growth- such as a planted acorn grows into an oak tree; so do humans grow from youth to maturity, and realize the immense growth in every facet of life.
The over-expression of this element may produce a stubborn and rigid personality, one that strives to remain in the comfort zone in life, afraid to take risks. It is also seen by a love of the material side of life, the comforts of material well-being. Material worth may be overemphasized and this may also lead to stressful worrisome situations.
Weakness: attachment, stinginess, materialism, resistant to change, too much attention to detail and missing the big picture.
Air
Astrology: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius
Tarot: Swords
Jung: Thinking
The element Air is associated with the signs Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius. It seeks to establish itself in the realm of the intellect. It is through the process of
thinking that we develop ideas. It is through the influence of this element that we learn to communicate. Through air we gain and share knowledge.
Air contributes inventiveness, originality and versatility to the personality. It gives that feeling of freedom, unattachment, it reaches out to the mental self. Enjoy that refreshing gentle breeze, allow thoughts to flow freely, and nourish the creative moment. Air expresses love of people, the ability to intellectualize, to appreciate the differences in people, accept different perspectives without which, there would be a lack of vision and human interaction.
Thoughts are a continual force in our lives. It is associated with meditation where deep breathing is essential to reach that level of stillness, energy, and relaxation. Air is used for transport, flying and sailing. Let our thoughts soar to reach our intellectual pursuits.
An over expression of air’s influence is seen as living in a dream world with unrealistic goals and flights of fancy. Air should seek to maintain practicality and develop consistency in dealing with the real world.
Weakness of this element: lack of emotion, depression, lack of connection with the higher self, overactive mind that blocks inner peace and harmony.
Fire
Astrology: Leo, Sagittarius, Aries
Tarot: Wands
Jung: Intuition
The signs Leo,Sagittarius and Aries are associated with the element Fire. It represents the life force glowing within us. This element projects self-expression, creativity, courage and enthusiasm. Feel the comforting warmth of a fire, or heat when we come in from the cold.
We need fire to meet the basic need of cooking our food. Fire provides a sense of security, warmth and inspiration that is shared with those around. Fire strengthens self-confidence to tackle problems without hesitation. Without fire, there is no radiance, no conviction, no expression. A spark lights up new ideas, serves as a beacon to light the way to achieve goals with conviction and enthusiasm.
An over expression of fire turns assertiveness into aggression, daring into reckless behaviour and so forth. When fire's influence is out of control, it seeks to consume all in its path.
Weakness: lack of interest, egotistic, excessive self-centredness, self-importance.
Water
Astrology: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
Tarot: Cups
Jung: Feelings/Emotion
The element Water is associated with the signs of Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces and influences the conscience and the subconscious forces that act on our lives.
The element water pours forth to others. It allows one to feel their pain and suffering and offer sincere compassion.
Psychic awareness is also present in the water signs and shows itself from time to time with uncanny accuracy. Water seeks to heal and nurture those around it.
Uncontrolled, this element sends emotions on a turbulent path resulting in moodiness and unpredictable highs and lows, like the crest and trough of a wave.
Water signs need serenity and calmness, like a gentle flowing river nurturing all in its wake and at the same time leading to the discovery of new paths. When over-expressed, one may tend to be overly emotional, deeply sensitive and subjective. With too much emotion, depression may result.
Weakness results from being too protective and possessive of our loved ones; a cold attitude and lack of drive may arise.
