Astrology Elements and Qualities
Fire, Earth, Air, Water, Cardinal, Fixed and Mutable in the Zodiac
The Elements
The astrological elements are fire, earth, air and water. Three of the 12 astrological signs fall into each of these categories.
Fire Signs – Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
Those who have a lot of planets in fire signs tend to be courageous, enterprising and confident. Their love of excitement causes them take risks and they are often extravagant or careless with money. Fire people are generous to a fault, idealistic and helpful. They are quick to anger but also quick to forgive. Fire people are usually honest, in many cases to the point of bluntness or tactlessness.
Fire people are energetic and often athletic. They are assertive and in some cases aggressive or argumentative. Impulsivity can lead to poor decisions, financial disasters and unnecessary conflict. Extroverted and easily bored, they seek attention and tend to be affectionate and friendly.
Earth Signs – Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn
Those who have many planets in earth signs tend to be responsible, reliable and trustworthy. They can usually be counted on to provide stability and practical help. They are loyal to their friends and not inclined to be fickle, though when someone crosses them, they can be quite ruthless in cutting that person out of their lives forever. Sane, reasonable and diplomatic, those whose charts are weighted toward earth are slow to anger but also slow to forgive, tending to hold grudges.
Those with a preponderance of earth in their charts tend to be physically strong and high in endurance. Although passionate and sensible, they are generally reasonable unless severely provoked. They are inclined to achieve success through hard work, and their innate cautiousness, fear of change and need for security keeps them from making rash decisions or gambling excessively, though it can also cause them to miss opportunities or get into ruts. While not exceptionally innovative, they have good follow-through, and are able to finish what they start.
Air Signs – Gemini, Libra, Aquarius
Those who have a lot of planets in air signs tend to be intellectual in outlook rather than emotional, which can lead some to view them as insensitive. They are logical, rational and detached by nature, which enables them to be open-minded and non-judgmental in most cases. Air people tend to be friendly and sociable.
Air people are adaptable, mentally flexible and easy going. They tend not to blow up at people in an anger-provoking situation, as they are more inclined to analyze circumstances than to react passionately. They are also easily bored, and need a diverse array of social companions, hobbies and other entertainments. Air people usually love change and tend to be experimental and open to new experiences. Impulsivity and curiosity often leads them to make impractical decisions or squander their money.
Water Signs – Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
Those who have many planets in water signs tend to be highly intuitive, able to discern the emotions, needs and motivations of others. Water people are compassionate and inclined to care for the physically sick and the emotionally damaged. They can be very self-sacrificing on behalf of those they care about, or in some cases, even strangers.
Sensitive and easily hurt, water people often develop a tough outer shell to hide their vulnerability. They are passionate in their attachments to people and prone to jealousy. Because they are idealistic, their perceptions of people may gloss over many of their faults and as a result, they can be deceived.
Water people are sensual and creative. Given the right environment and opportunity, they can produce art, music, literature, or in some cases, inventions or scientific ideas, that have a profound effect on others.
The Qualities
The astrological qualities are fixed, cardinal and mutable. Four of the twelve astrological signs fall into each of these categories.
Cardinal – Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn
A person with the majority of natal planets in cardinal signs will be enterprising and tend to initiate courses of action. Cardinal people make things happen and transform situations. This can be done to the benefit or detriment of others.
Fixed – Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius
Those who have a lot of planets in fixed signs have good follow-through. They tend to stick to a single course of action and carry out activities to their completion or conclusion. Fixed-sign people tend to be moody and stubborn, and to have intense reactions to things. They are also inclined to act as a stabilizing force or necessary anchor for others.
Mutable – Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces
Those who have the majority of their planets in mutable signs tend to be flexible and adaptable. They accept change, and adjust well to new circumstances that can throw other types off kilter. Mutable people are often better in a crisis than in a stable situation.
How to Find Your Balance of Elements and Qualities
Astrodienst offers free chart calculation and some free interpretation. The chart tells you which sign each of your natal planets falls in, as well as your rising sign.
Further Reading
For more information on astrology, see Astrology Sun, Moon and Ascendant, which provides information on solar, lunar and rising sign influences on personality.
