The Four Elements

Astrologers group the twelve signs into four elements: fire, earth, air and water. Each element has three signs, spaced a third of the way around the wheel from one another. An element describes a basic temperament, a way of taking in and responding to life.

Fire: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius

Fire signs are about spirit, enthusiasm and action. They tend to be warm, brave and quick to ignite, and they want life to have heat and meaning. Their risk is burning out, or running ahead of others.

Earth: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn

Earth signs are about what is practical and tangible: the body, money, work, routines. They tend to be reliable and patient, and they trust what they can test. Their risk is getting stuck or too cautious.

Air: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius

Air signs are about thinking, talking and connecting. They tend to be curious and social, and they like to see all sides. Their risk is staying in the head and keeping feelings at arm's length.

Water: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces

Water signs are about feeling, intuition and emotional bonds. They tend to sense the mood in a room and care deeply. Their risk is being overwhelmed or absorbing what belongs to others.

Your own balance

The chart tables in Natalora count how many of your planets fall in each element. A strong element shows what comes naturally; a missing one is not a flaw, only an area you may develop more consciously, perhaps by leaning on friends who have it. A chart rich in earth, for example, may find spontaneity harder, while a chart heavy in air may need to practice staying with feelings.

Elements are not good or bad. They are simply different ways of being alive.