The Elements

There are two classifications of the Signs of the Zodiac --
Elements and Qualities -- and they each refer to core human
characteristics. The Elements, which are also known as
Triplicities (as in groupings of three), speak to the basic nature
and temperament of a Sign, whereas Qualities address their
manner of expression.

The Elements (Fire, Earth, Air and Water) are based on ancient
Greek philosophy. The ancients took it back to square one, the
building blocks of life: the solid earth upon which we stand, the
running water we use as a resource, the air we breathe and the
fire which keeps us warm and aids in the creation of additional
resources. It's easy to see a kinship to science in this elemental
plan.

With the individual in mind, the Greeks started philosophizing a
bit. In this scenario, the body is considered earthy, feelings are
fluid, thoughts often airy and activity animated and energetic. As
Astrology developed, the ancients attached these elemental
characteristics to the Signs, seeing as how it made sense to
place a watery label on a more emotional sort. Thus evolved the
classification of the Signs to their corresponding Elements.
The four Elements and their corresponding Signs are Fire (Aries,
Leo and Sagittarius), Earth (Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn), Air
(Gemini, Libra and Aquarius) and Water (Cancer, Scorpio, and
Pisces). While the Elements in and of themselves help to
describe our basic nature, once combined in our overall
astrological chart, they help to define us as a whole and complex
person.

In looking at an individual's astrological chart, the presence of
more Fire Signs may well indicate a fiery, combustible
personality. Along the same lines, the absence of Earth Signs
would indicate someone who is not very grounded or practical.
The presence of a mix of all of the Elements would be a sign of
a well-rounded individual.

Each Element reflects a quality of human nature and
corresponds with the Suits in both playing cards and the Tarot.