Elements and modalities: fire, earth, air and water in astrology

Four elements organise the signs

Fire includes Aries, Leo and Sagittarius; earth includes Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn. Air contains Gemini, Libra and Aquarius. Water contains Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces. Here, element has a traditional symbolic meaning. Despite its name, Aquarius is therefore an air sign. This classification does not establish a person’s temperament or what they can achieve.

Three modalities describe symbolic movement

Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn are cardinal signs. Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius are fixed signs. Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces are mutable signs. Astrological explanations associate these groups with beginning, sustaining and adapting. This organises stories about the signs; it is not an established explanation for someone’s behaviour.

Use the categories as questions rather than labels

You can consider the three movements in relation to a project. What needs a beginning? What needs maintenance? Where should the plan adapt? Anyone can explore these questions, regardless of their zodiac sign. The elements can likewise provide different perspectives on a conversation. They become less helpful when used to call someone impulsive, distant or inflexible before getting to know them.

A shared element does not guarantee a relationship

Two people whose signs belong to the same group still have different experiences, wishes and boundaries. An astrological similarity can start a conversation, but it does not establish whether a relationship is safe, equal or lasting. Look at actual behaviour and communication. The categories are also unsuitable for assessing health, suitability for a job or a person’s worth.

Source

• Astrodienst — Elements and qualities (astrological terminology) ↗