In astrology, each element correlates to an aspect of human nature and experience. The Air Element corresponds to thought, communication, and knowledge. The Element of Earth corresponds to the material world, finances, and productivity. The Fire Element corresponds to action, exploration, and creativity. And the Element of Water corresponds to emotions, imagination, and dreams.
The elements are also assigned to the astronomical bodies and calculated points that make up an astrology chart; the Sun is a fire point; the Moon is a water point, Mercury is both air and earth, and so on. Each house has an element; the first house is a firehouse, the second an earthhouse, and so on. The elements are extremely important to the makeup of astrological knowledge.
| Point | Element |
|---|---|
| Sun | Fire |
| Moon | Water |
| Mercury | Air and Earth |
| Venus** | Earth and Air |
| Mars | Fire and Water* |
| Jupiter | Fire and Water* |
| Saturn | Earth and Air* |
| Chiron** | Earth |
| Uranus | Air |
| Neptune | Water |
| Pluto | Water |
* Before the discovery of the outer planets (Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto), Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn did “double duty” like Mercury and Venus, so they once managed two elements.
** Chiron is slowly being considered the ruler for Virgo, making it an earth point that may eventually remove Venus from its “double duty” with air and earth.
| Sign | Element |
|---|---|
| Aries | Fire |
| Taurus | Earth |
| Gemini | Air |
| Cancer | Water |
| Leo | Fire |
| Virgo | Earth |
| Libra | Air |
| Scorpio | Water |
| Sagittarius | Fire |
| Capricorn | Earth |
| Aquarius | Air |
| Pisces | Water |
| House | Element |
|---|---|
| 1st | Fire |
| 2nd | Earth |
| 3rd | Air |
| 4th | Water |
| 5th | Fire |
| 6th | Earth |
| 7th | Air |
| 8th | Water |
| 9th | Fire |
| 10th | Earth |
| 11th | Air |
| 12th | Water |
Rulership describes the “natural” alignment of the house, sign, point, and element. Below is the chart putting all alignments together, including the classical (pre-Uranus, Neptune, Pluto, and Chiron assignments).
House
Sign
Point
Element
1st
Aries
Mars
Fire
2nd
Taurus
Venus
Earth
3rd
Gemini
Mercury
Air
4th
Cancer
Moon
Water
5th
Leo
Sun
Fire
6th
Virgo
Mercury (Chiron)
Earth
7th
Libra
Venus
Air
8th
Scorpio
Pluto (Mars)
Water
9th
Sagittarius
Jupiter
Fire
10th
Capricorn
Saturn
Earth
11th
Aquarius
Uranus (Saturn)
Air
12th
Pisces
Neptune (Jupiter)
Water
Zodiac elements in astrology correspond with each Sun sign, which influences their properties or attributes. They energize the personality, character, and relationships of the individual based on whether or not that person has his or her Sun in an air, earth, fire, or water sign.
Thus, the astrology chart of a person is a complex mix of intersecting elements connected by Aspects, which is the term used to describe certain angular relationships between points.
If someone’s Sun opposes their Moon in a chart, then the Sun and Moon are in opposite elements, either fire is opposing air or water is opposing earth. If this is the case, then the person must find a way to balance those elements in terms of their Life Path (Sun) and Soul Path (Moon).
In order to understand the four elements in Astrology, we need to know how the elements function in a Natal Chart. In a fully cast natal chart, most people have at least one point in every element. It is possible, but very rare, to have no points in an element, but much more likely to have no points in a particular sign or house.
In either case, that missing element, sign, or house activity, will make the individual keenly aware of people who come into their lives that do possess those elements or points in the signs that will trigger them. This dynamic is one reason why some people really “activate” us and others do not.
Air correlates with thought, communication, ideas, information, and wisdom. When this element is dominant in a chart, the individuals will be cerebral, quick thinking, and inquisitive. The Air signs – Libra, Aquarius, and Gemini – exhibit the energy in certain ways.
Fire correlates with action, spirituality, energy, creativity, competition, and play. When this element is dominant in a chart, the individuals will be maverick, adventurous, and active. The Fire signs – Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius – exhibit the energy in certain ways.
Water correlates with emotions, family, intimacy, vulnerability, and sensitivity. When this element is dominant in a chart, the individuals will be nurturing, caring, and empathic. The Water signs – Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces – exhibit the energy in certain ways.
Earth correlates with money, finances, work, the material world, and health. When this element is dominant in a chart, the individuals will be practical, productive, and physical. The Earth signs – Capricorn, Taurus, and Virgo – exhibit the energy in certain ways.
