The Four Elements
In this week’s blog, I am diving into the four elements. These elements are all around us and are worked with and represented in both Astrology and Tarot, two things I am passionate about. Empedocles, a Greek philosopher, scientist, and healer who lived in Sicily in the fifth century B.C., is known for originating the cosmogonic theory of the four classical elements. He believed that all matter comprises the four elements of earth, air, fire and water.
The Four Elements are used to describe the four unique personality types associated with the zodiac signs. The elements exhibit profound influence on basic character traits, behaviour, emotions, thinking and intuition. They are reflected in our relationships, our ambitions or lack thereof, and the unexpected turns and twists that add spice to our lives. Fire and air are outwardly reaching elements, reaching up and out, while earth and water turn inward and downward.
Astrology aims to help us to better focus our energies, gain a better understanding of our positive traits, and deal with the negative ones. We can use this knowledge to realise our full potential and live our best life. We all need air to breathe, water to cleanse us and sustain our growth, fire to shelter us from the cold and nourish us, earth to live on together with all the living things and to grow our food. All the elements are equally important so let's take a more in-depth look at each of them.
Starting with air, this is the element associated with the signs Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius. It seeks to establish itself in the realm of the intellect. It is through the process of thinking that we develop ideas. It is through the influence of this element that we learn to communicate. Through air, we gain and share knowledge. In tarot, it is the suit of Wands that is associated with air. This is our ideas and inspiration. How we express ourselves.
Air contributes inventiveness, originality and versatility to the personality. It gives that feeling of freedom and non-attachment, it reaches out to the mental self. Enjoy that refreshing gentle breeze, allow thoughts to flow freely, and nourish the creative moment. Air expresses love of people, the ability to intellectualise, appreciate the differences in people, and accept different perspectives without which, there would be a lack of vision and human interaction.
Thoughts are a continual force in our lives. It is associated with meditation where deep breathing is essential to reach that level of stillness, energy, and relaxation. Air is used for transport, flying and sailing. Let your thoughts soar to reach your intellectual pursuits.
An overexpression of air’s influence can be seen as living in a dream world with unrealistic goals and flights of fancy. Air should seek to maintain practicality and develop consistency in dealing with the real world.
The weaknesses associated with this element include a lack of emotion, depression, lack of connection with the higher self, and an overactive mind that blocks inner peace and harmony.
In Tarot, water follows air and is represented by the suits of cups. This is our emotional response to our ideas, thoughts and inspiration. It also represents our relationships in tarot. In astrology, the element of water is associated with the signs of Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces and influences the conscience and the subconscious forces that act on our lives. The element water pours forth to others. It allows one to feel their pain and suffering and offer sincere compassion.
Psychic awareness is also present in the water signs and shows itself from time to time with uncanny accuracy. Water seeks to heal and nurture those around it. Uncontrolled, this element can send emotions on a turbulent path resulting in moodiness and unpredictable highs and lows, like the crest and trough of a wave.
Water signs need serenity and calmness, like a gentle flowing river nurturing all in its wake and at the same time leading to the discovery of new paths. When overexpressed, one may tend to be overly emotional, deeply sensitive and subjective. With too much emotion, depression may result.
The weakness of this element can result in being too protective and possessive of loved ones, a cold attitude and a lack of drive.
Following our emotional reaction to our thoughts and ideas is the realm of fire in the suit of swords. This is where we take action. In astrology the signs Leo, Sagittarius and Aries are associated with the element of Fire. It represents the life force glowing within us. This element projects self-expression, creativity, courage and enthusiasm. Feel the comforting warmth of a fire, or heat when you come in from the cold.
We need fire to meet the basic needs of cooking our food. Fire provides a sense of security, warmth and inspiration that is shared with those around. Fire strengthens self-confidence to tackle problems without hesitation. Without fire, there is no radiance, no conviction, no expression. A spark can light up new ideas, and serve as a beacon to light the way to achieve goals with conviction and enthusiasm.
An over-expression of fire can turn assertiveness into aggression, daring into reckless behaviour and so forth. When fire's influence is out of control, it seeks to consume all in its path.
The weakness of this element can lead to a lack of interest, or being egotistic, excessively self-centred or a feeling of self-importance.
Lastly, we have earth, represented by the pentacle suit. This is the physical manifestation of our thoughts or the results of our actions. It also represents our resources, time, money, etc in tarot. In astrology, it is associated with the signs Taurus, Capricorn and Virgo. Earth represents the practical, realistic material side of our nature, it seeks to assert a stable, secure and structured environment into which we can function.
Feel the earth under your feet, solid and steady as you walk slowly. Earth is patient and reliable. It is solid and strong. To be on solid ground encourages one to seek the practical and most logical answer to a problem.
This is the soil that sustains all forms of life. Look at the power and beauty of the mountains, a symbol of stability and solidity of the earth. Every day we experience the physical world, we walk on this earth, enjoy the beauty and bounty of Mother Earth and feel the comfort of being on solid ground.
Earth can be a stabilising force in a relationship contributing structure and organisation to achieve balance and harmony. Earth sustains growth. We can watch plant life grow, from an acorn to an oak tree. So do humans grow from youth to maturity, and realise the immense growth in every facet of life.
The overexpression of this element can be seen in a stubborn and rigid personality, one that strives to remain in the comfort zone in life, afraid to take risks. It can also be seen by a love of the material side of life and the comforts of material well-being. Material worth can be overemphasised and this can lead to a stressful worrisome situation.
The weakness of this element can lead to attachment, stinginess, materialism, being resistant to change, and paying too much attention to detail, missing the big picture.
I hope you have found this week’s blog interesting. If you would like to dive into the elements in your birth chart to discover the strengths and challenges they bring, then book a Moon Reading using the button below.
