The Elements
Last week I looked at the modalities of the zodiac (read here). This week I want to look at the four elements and what they mean for each sign.
The four elements date back to around 450 BC and Aristotle. All life and matter are made up of one or more of these elements, with the mysterious fifth element symbolising balance and oneness. The fifth element has many names, but we will be focusing on the main four.
Fire.
The element of fire has two sides. It can be destructive and associated with anger, war and aggression. But it can also be a source of life, warm and comforting. The Sun, for example, is a giant ball of fire in the sky that could wipe out life on Earth, but right now it is sustaining that life. Fire is associated with the realm of action, creativity, and desire.
The three zodiac signs representing fire are Aries, Leo and Sagittarius. All fierce signs. While Aries can be reckless and aggressive, they are also assertive and brave. Aries is the sign that takes action, they are a leader and great at starting new things. Leo is considered self-centred and egotistical, but they are also warm and loving, self-confident and creative. The uninhabited, cheerful and visionary Sagittarius can also be reckless and restless.
Earth.
The element of earth is the most grounded, representing nature. This is the element of stability, home, security and nourishment. Animals find their homes in the earth, and it is from the earth that food grows. Earth is associated with the practical matters of life, what we need.
The three earth signs are Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn. All hard-working and practical signs. While Taurus can be a creature of comfort, often lazy and self-indulgent, they are also reliable, determined and consistent. Virgo can often be seen as fussy, pedantic and over-critical, but they are also efficient, organised and skilful. The most ambitious of the zodiac is Capricorn. They can be cold and controlling, but they are also disciplined, responsible and successful.
Air.
The element of air is essential to life. We breathe it in, we can feel it on windy days, and see its effect on plants and trees. It represents free spirit, independence, knowledge and strategy. Air is associated with thought, ideas and inspiration.
The three air signs are Gemini, Libra and Aquarius. These are the most social of the signs, able to communicate and express themselves. Gemini can be quite an inconsistent and easily distracted sign, but they are also expressive, alert and responsive. Gemini is the jack-of-all-trades sign. While Libra can be indecisive and inactive, they are also sociable and balanced. Libra can see both sides of an argument. Aquarius is the independent, progressive and experimental sign, that can also be rebellious and unreasonable.
Water.
The element of water is again essential for all life. Water symbolises calmness, peace and transformation. Water is very soothing and is often used to cleanse and purify. It can also be destructive, eroding the land over time. This is the realm of emotions.
The three water signs are Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces. These are the more emotional and dreamy signs. Cancer can be moody, insecure ad over-emotional, but they are also nurturing, caring and protective. Scorpio gets a bad reputation for being jealous, possessive and secretive, but they can also be passionate, and capable of great transformation and healing. Pisces is the gentle and imaginative sign that can also be gullible, ungrounded and have a victim-mentality.
How can we work with these signs in our goal-setting?
The moon spends two and a half days in each sign, moving through the elements in turn. We can use this as a timer to assign tasks that will be easier to do on each day, while also making sure we are taking time for ourselves. Starting with a fire sign, the moon will then move into an earth sign, followed by an air sign, and then a water sign, before starting again in a fire sign.
When the moon is in a fire sign, this is when we will feel the most excited, and fired up!! This is a great energy for starting new projects, picking up old projects that have lost their excitement, or completing tasks that just need a final push. It’s also great for physical activity, taking risks and letting your hair down and having some fun!!
When the moon moves into an earth sign it’s time to get to work and ground yourself. Anything that requires a lot of concentration, like accounts or a course you are studying, are best saved for earth moon days. Getting outside, cooking and activities that ground you are also great.
When the moon is in an air sign the energy is very mental and can be scattered. These are great days for research, brainstorming, or quick tasks. Getting together with friends and family, reading a book, or journaling also work well on air moon days. Nothing that requires a lot of concentration though, that is best on an earth moon day.
When the moon moves into a water sign it's time for a break. These are the emotional days. Make sure you are looking after yourself, resting, and processing your emotions rather than pushing them down. If you are well rested on water days then you will be ready for action again once the moon changes into the next fire sign.
I hope you have found this week's blog helpful. If you would like to talk more about how working with the moon can help you achieve your dreams, then book a free call using the button below.
