AstrologyGlossaryMagic

The Four Elements: An Introduction

By March 11, 2018 No Comments
The Four Elements - An Introduction at EarthbornEcho.com

The four elements of Earth, Air, Fire and Water are linked to astrology as well as magic. Each element is assigned 3 zodiac signs and the people with these astrological signs are meant to exhibit traits of their element. All of the elements have good and bad qualities, so none are superior, they are all equal and neutral. Oftentimes, you will find that element traits and qualities are reflective of the actual nature of each element – fire can be destructive, water is every changing, earth is stable, air is free.

In magic, the elements can be called upon when doing spell work, often known as ‘the calling of the corners’ and are linked with the 4 directions – North, East, South and West. Each of the four elements has many associations which can again be used in spell work, such as colours, herbs and seasons.

Below I’ve delved into each element a little and have found out more about the strengths, weaknesses and associations of each. I really enjoyed finding out more about this subject as it has been a prevalent feature in my studying of Astrology, so it is all very helpful to know. I do plan on creating more in-depth content about each element, so watch this space!

Earth

The Earth element is indicative of practicality, stability and reliability. People who fall into Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn are all said to have traits which link to Earth.

Strengths

  • Hard-working
  • Logical
  • Consistent
  • Respectful
  • Reliable
  • Loyal
  • Ambitious

Weaknesses

  • Superficial
  • Lazy
  • Stubborn
  • Touchy
  • Timid
  • Cautious
  • Scornful

Although this practical and logical side to Earth signs remains, they can be extremely creative beings who like to express themselves using their homes or personal spaces – personal space is something an Earth sign is fond of, so they often have a set group of close friends. Friendliness comes easily but letting people into their lives takes time and practical evaluation. Once an Earth sign has made a new friend, they are very loyal.

Earth signs are very curious people and like to learn by trying things for themselves. With a practical approach to life, they are often fairly grounded and find logical solutions to any problems which may arise. Their hard-working nature means Earth signs are likely to set achievable goals with an exact plan on how they are going to get there. Unfortunately, laziness can mean these goals get pushed aside and therefore become an (I have no energy) to-do lists.

People who are very Earth-like are often stubborn and can be a little single-minded when it comes to other people’s opinions. Earth signs can often find themselves being walked over by those who choose to take advantage of their empathy and kind nature.

Air

The Air element is indicative of logic, study and change. People who fall into Libra, Aquarius and Gemini are all said to have traits which link to Air.

Strengths

  • Vigilant
  • Thoughtful
  • Understanding
  • Kind-hearted
  • Charming
  • Optimistic
  • Witty

Weaknesses

  • Insensitive
  • Dishonest
  • Inconsistent
  • Cunning
  • Selfish
  • Extravagant
  • Apathetic

One of the most changeable elements is air – constantly moving and flowing, changing temperature and varying in pressure… Air signs can often be very different people. Some may be eccentric and disorganised whereas others might be super brainy and rational. Since Air types can be so varied, it is no wonder they are often great at multi-tasking, but their comfort lies in uniformity – carrying out one task at a time and giving it their undivided attention.

Air signs are procrastinators, often spending long periods of time in thought. Thinking things through thoroughly is how they make their decisions and they are often the ones who come up with some pretty great solutions and can frequently be the brains of a group. They know how to make people feel comfortable in their presence and can be a total laugh and very charming. However, logical-minded Air signs can sometimes suffer from foot-in-mouth syndrome when they come out with things that can hurt people’s feelings or offend. Due to their almost flighty nature, they find it hard to commit in relationships and aren’t big fans of tradition.

Fire

The Fire element is indicative of forcefulness, passion and leadership. People who fall into Aries, Leo and Sagittarius are all said to have traits which link to Fire.

Strengths

  • Focused
  • Bright
  • Enthusiastic
  • Creative
  • Decisive
  • Courageous
  • Driven

Weaknesses

  • Violent
  • Jealous
  • Obsessive
  • Indulgent
  • Argumentative
  • Irritable
  • Destructive

You will often find Fire signs in leadership positions as they are very commanding characters. They are frequently surrounded by people due to their ability to work a room and the fact they can be very entertaining.

Fire types are passionate in all that they do and can make brilliant lovers – fire can’t exist on its own! But saying this, fire spreads to anything that is nearby and this is true of a Fire type’s relationships, which can be intense, but they are often unfaithful. Self-serving is something Fire signs have no problem with.

This Fire passion is something that can get them into trouble, often forming into angry and sometimes violent outbursts. Family, friends and loved ones drive a Fire type, but also help to keep passion from becoming obsession.

Fire can be affected by all of the other elements in different ways – water will put fire out, air will make it grow and earth keeps it going. On it’s own, it ceases to burn.

Water

The Water element is indicative of emotion, flow and compassion. People who fall into Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces are all said to have traits which link to Water.

Strengths

  • Understanding
  • Compassionate
  • Forgiving
  • Modest
  • Calm
  • Devoted
  • Placid

Weaknesses

  • Lazy
  • Heartless
  • Irrational
  • Overly emotional
  • Gullible
  • Melancholic
  • Unstable

Water types are some of the most emotionally in tune people, they are very internalised and have loads going on under the surface. They do say that a water’s current is usually faster than it looks on the surface. Water signs are very compassionate and can connect with people on many levels.

Emotional vulnerability means Water signs can often be taken for granted or used, as they tend to trust people very easily. But do not underestimate the power of water – when focused and concentrated the force is strong! Like a river carves its way through the land, you can usually journey through life pretty effectively, although it will not be without struggles.

Water types can be susceptible to other people’s emotions and take them on as their own – neglecting their own. They can be prone to depression as emotions can become overwhelming and part of everyday life. Water signs are deep people and can often come across as mysterious.

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