“A man with outward courage dares to die, a man with inward courage dares to live” - Lao Tzu

The element of Fire is associated with the zodiac signs of Aries, Leo and Sagittarius. The ruling planets of these signs, Mars, the Sun and Jupiter are hot and dry energies that are associated with fire. The houses of the zodiac that are inspirational and creative are the 1st, the house of self, the 5th, the house of pleasure, sports, children and artistry and the 9th, the house of adventure and higher learning.

Fire represents personal will, freedom and energy. A strong emphasis in fire produces a high spirited, restless nature that constantly releases energy. Fire types are passionate and emotionally independent. They value freedom and adventure more than security. Fire is not the most sensitive element but it rarely holds a grudge.

Problems with too much fire include danger. Fire warms the milk but it can also burn down the house. Positive fiery personalities can inspire a generation and/or overestimate their abilities and “burn out” before the job is done. Negative fire types are rebellious, aggressive or hysterical.

A strong Saturn tones down an otherwise fiery chart. A lack of fire produces a dependent type of person with a weak will and/or an inability to take risks.

Gemini, Libra and Aquarius are the sign associated with the element of Air. The planets that relate to this intellectual and humane element are Mercury and Uranus. The Air houses are the 3rd, the house of siblings, communications and short trips, the 7th committed partnerships and the 11th the house of friendships and large associations.

Air is associated with quick movements in the social and mental realm. Air types have the ability to think and write clearly and reasonably. Very clever and easily bored, they love playing games and inventing new ways of addressing situations. Air signs and planets excel at math and science. Excellent communicators as well as people persons, they are often writers, teachers, salesmen, counselors and social butterflies.

An emphasis in air in a horoscope creates a likable personality that makes a favorable impression and remains true to its ideals. Air has the talent of being personal in an impersonal situation.

Problems with an over emphasis in air include a “spacey” ungrounded nature and insensitivity to the emotional side of life. The mind is overemphasized and the emotions are undervalued or unacknowledged.

A lack of air can mean either an inability to think or speak clearly, to be objective or a lack of social skills.

The element of Earth is associated with the signs of Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn. The planets that are considered to be grounding are Saturn and Venus. The houses that relate to the earth element are the 2nd, our talents and how we make money, the 6th, health issues and the techniques of our work and the 10th, our reputation in the outer world or our career.

Earth is considered to be the most realistic and practical of the four elements. Earth types are quiet and placid. As the builders of the zodiac, earth knows how to use materials to the best advantage. Conservative and keepers of the status quo, earth signs and planets are good at organizing. The earth element loves order and structure. Security is its most valued commodity.

The strengths of the earth element include being able to sort fact from fiction, to stay in control, to be reliable and to be persistent. The nature of the earth element is physical, sensual and healing through its sense of touch.

An imbalance of the earth element may result either in a lack of imagination and obsessive-compulsive tendencies that tend to slow down the pace or a sense of not being limited by the physical world and/or a loss of proportion during stress.

The element of Water is associated with the signs of Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces. Planets that carry the most emotional content are the Moon and Neptune. The 4th, 8th and 12th houses relate to unconscious or subconscious situations in our lives.

Water is the substance of the soul. The most sensitive of all the elements, water encompasses all the emotions. The function of Water is not to inspire, to express or to do; it is to hold the space for feelings. Water flows to the lowest level and often finds itself in situations that are overwhelming and terrifying. At best, water heals all wounds, at its weakest it acts in a compulsive and fear-based manner.

The strengths of water are creativity, imagination and the ability to perceive what is hidden. Water washes away the blood of our psychic and emotional wounds.

An over emphasis or an absence of the water element is seen when emotion dominates the thinking faculty and a lack of objectivity is evident. Co-dependent behavior, addictions, obsessions and phobias are also a symptom of a water imbalance. Being out of touch with the feelings is evidenced as inappropriate sympathies or unconscious needs expressing as self-defeating behaviors.

© Pam Ciampi. All rights reserved.