What Is Your Zodiac Sign Element?
In Western astrology, the universe is formed by the four elements: Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. These are the outward manifestations of the true elements. Each of the four elements contains its own unique properties, which work simultaneously to create one united universe. None of the elements are inherently good or bad, however, each has both positive and negative qualities.
Whether you’re loud or quiet, timid or outgoing, or impetuous or logical, your personality is filled with complexity. It can be difficult to self-evaluate to gain insight into our base emotions and desires. That’s why finding your element can help. As you read over the qualities associated with each of the four elements of nature, you might have your “aha!” moment, or you might feel as though you don’t relate to certain aspects.
This variation is because every person is an utterly unique combination of elements. By finding your dominant element, you’ll be able to better appreciate your own strengths and weaknesses. This understanding will help you to build better, stronger relationships with those around you. Let your element be a guide to a more intuitive self.
What Are the Four Elements? Earth, Air, Fire, Water
The philosophy behind the four elements originates from the ancient Greeks who believed all matter consisted of a combination of these fundamental constituents. The purest form of these elements was impossible to attain and said to not exist on Earth; rather, everything we perceive on Earth consists of some combination of the elements. We know now that there are many more elements than these four, but they do correlate with the four states of matter accepted by modern science: solid, liquid, gas, and plasma.
When it comes to astrology, these elements have been ascribed to different characteristics that correspond with their nature.
What Element is Your Horoscope Sign?
The twelve signs of the zodiac are aligned with one of the four classic elements: Fire, Earth, Air, and Water. This elemental association reveals unique traits and energies that influence the personality and behavior of individuals born under each sign.
Earth Signs: TAURUS (April 20-May 20), VIRGO (August 23-September 22), CAPRICORN (December 22-January 19)
The Earth is stable and reliable, yet constantly working and moving. Those with the Earth sign share these traits. You are practical and logical and stand firm in your convictions. You learn through experience, which is never difficult for a curious person like yourself. You aren’t interested in unrealistic dreams, but rather, you believe in setting achievable goals that are attained through hard work.
You are an artist and love to create. Your home is welcoming and warm and always open to friends and family, which is fitting considering you’re a bit of a homebody. While you are always friendly, you do not let people into the inner circle easily. However, once you do, you are loyal to a fault. On the opposite side of this, you can sometimes be overprotective.
As it is impossible to stop the world from turning, it is also impossible to change your mind once it has been made up. You are stubborn and bull-headed and will often stick to your position for no other reason than it is your position. In relationships, you are empathetic and nurturing and don’t mind waiting out a few rough patches. But be careful, this also makes it easy for others to walk all over you.
Strengths:
- Stable and consistent
- Hard-working
- Loyal
- Nurturing
- Logical
- Empathetic
Weaknesses:
- Lazy
- Scornful
- Overly cautious
- Stubborn to the point of impractical
- Rigid
Compatibility:
- Known for their practicality and stability, Earth signs often find a grounding partnership with Water signs, as Water nourishes Earth and helps it flourish. Relationships between Earth signs can also be strong, providing a solid and dependable foundation.
Air Signs: GEMINI (May 21-June 21), LIBRA ( September 23-October 22), AQUARIUS (January 20-February 18)
Air is constantly in motion, even when you can’t see it. This is the same for the mind of a person with the Air sign. Of the four elements, Air is the most concentrated on thought. You think through every decision thoroughly and often find clever solutions to difficult problems. You are studious and scholarly and often see “the big picture” when others cannot.
However, as changeable as the direction of the wind, Air people can also vary quite drastically. While some are outgoing, rational and clever, others are scattered, eccentric, and cold. You excel at multi-tasking, but be careful as you are also easily distracted. You have the ability to multi-task, but you are strongest when focused on one problem at a time.
Air is also what gives humans the ability for speech. Because of this you are witty and entertaining and are a welcomed guest at any party. Be aware that while you have charm, you sometimes lack social graces. Your focus is placed so often on logic that you often overlook feelings. Commitment doesn’t come naturally to you.
Couple this with your sometimes insensitive nature, and it makes relationships very difficult. You are not rooted in tradition. You go with what makes sense and don’t believe in doing something because “it’s how it has always been done.” This propensity for what others see as “radical thinking” and your quick mind makes you a natural born puppet master. While Fire may be the face of the uprising, you are the brains behind it.
Strengths:
- Thoughtful
- Witty
- Charming
- Carefree
- Independent
- Flexible
Weaknesses:
- Inconsistent
- Insensitive
- Selfish
- Flaky
- Dishonest
Compatibility:
- Intellectual and communicative, Air signs can find a stimulating and harmonious connection with Fire signs, as they inspire and energize each other. Relationships between Air signs are often based on a strong mental and social connection.
Earth, Water, Air, Fire—the four elements
Fire Signs: ARIES (March 21-April 19), LEO (July 23-August 22), & SAGITTARIUS (November 22-December 21)
Fire provides heat and light, but it cannot exist on its own. The same is true for people born to the Fire sign. You are passionate, warm and light up every room. You are the life of the party, and your natural intensity that compels others to take notice makes you a natural-born leader. You follow your gut instinct and become fully committed to what you believe. Of the four elements, Fire is by far the most entertaining, drawing, and dynamic. You have the power of transformation and can convert any negative situation into a positive one.
However, be wary. You can also easily turn a positive into a negative. Your passion turns to anger quickly and blinds you when hurting those close. When not contained, Fire spreads to anything nearby, and so do you. You are often unfaithful and will follow any lead to serve your own self-interest. Fire needs other elements to survive.
While Air will make it grow, Earth will keep it burning steadily. The same is true for you. Your loved ones are what motivate you and keep you stable. Without them, your passion turns to obsession, and you quickly exhaust yourself.
Strengths:
- Passionate
- Bright
- Charismatic
- Focused
- Decisive
- Daring
Weaknesses:
- Strong temperament
- Obsessive
- Unfaithful
- Jealous
- Easily irritated
- Vindictive
Compatibility:
- They are passionate and dynamic, often compatible with Air signs, as Air fuels Fire, creating a vibrant and energetic relationship. Fire signs can also harmonize well with other Fire signs, sharing a mutual understanding and vitality.
Water Signs: CANCER (June 22-July 22), SCORPIO (OCTOBER 23-November 21), PISCES February 19-March 20)
Water is constantly flowing, with much of its activity happening below the surface. Water sign people, while your outside may seem calm and collected, inside your emotions are in constant turmoil. You are compassionate and caring and can relate easily to others. You connect with people whole-heartedly, which can sometimes make you overly trusting.
When spread too thin, you are ineffectual, but when collected and focused, you are a force to be reckoned with. You see life as a journey, and every movement you make is part of a definite path (though sometimes an unexpected one).
However, your ability to connect so deeply also makes you prone to carrying other people’s burdens. This compassion for others leaves your own needs neglected. Too many built-up negative emotions can lead to depression and often addiction. Your emotions ebb and flow, making you sometimes volatile and irrational.
You often feel the need to bring up deep topics during lighthearted situations, much to the annoyance of others. You must find balance in learning to help others and learning to help yourself in order to find harmony.
Strengths:
- Understanding
- Trusting
- Devoted
- Forgiving
- Flexible
Weaknesses:
- Unstable
- Prone to depression
- Irrational
- Gullible
- Lack of self
Compatibility:
Emotional and intuitive, Water signs can form a deep and understanding bond with Earth signs, as they provide stability and nurture each other. Relationships between Water signs are often intensely emotional and empathetic.
How to Balance Your Element
Balancing your element is important, just like anything in life. Too much of any one thing can lead to burnout, overindulgence, laziness, aloofness, or insecurity. By knowing which elements dominate your personality and what traits or habits are tied to those elements, you can recognize when you’re overextending yourself in one area or another.
For instance, if you’re a fire sign, it’s important to remember the traits you naturally express, such as energy, elevated emotion, and passion. Practicing mindfulness and paying attention to the moments when you’re particularly fired up, and correcting for this with calm and level-headedness, will set you up for success and help prevent confrontation.
If you’re interested in exploring Eastern zodiac signs and their elements, we recommend learning about Chinese zodiac elements. Discover how each zodiac sign is paired with one of the five elements and how they relate to Eastern astrology.
About the Author
Don't Miss This Rare Solstice Planetary Alignment
Today marks a full planetary parade, a Cancer solstice, and the perfect time for you to expand your potential.
Here’s how you can prepare to get the most out of this rare phenomenon on June 21st the Northern Hemisphere will see the most light while the Southern Hemisphere will be at its darkest.
If we look through a telescope that night, we’ll be able to see all the planets of our solar system lining up with the Moon in between Mars and Jupiter. But starting June 24th, the Moon will be in the constellation of Taurus between Mars and Venus and will be the most beautiful day to look at the sky.
How will this celestial event impact our lives? Astrologer Mercedes Arnus Arraut weighs in on the event.
“So equinox and solstices divide the zodiac wheel into four points, which are the zero degrees of Aires, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn,” Arraut said. “When the Sun enters any of these four constellations, we have an equinox or solstice, bringing in a new season. That’s why these four zodiac signs are called cardinal signs; it’s cardinal energy bringing something new and activating areas in our life that needed action. In this case, the constellation that we’re talking about is Cancer — the energy of home. Cancer season starts on June 21st and talks about homes, safety, family, stability, protection, nurture, and what’s familiar to us — it’s our emotions. So in the upcoming three months, we can experience a renewal of all these matters, since Cancer solstice this year takes place under very dynamic energy.”
