Astrology and The Four Elements

Astrology and The Four Elements
by Charlie Higgins

     Empedocles, a fifth century BCE Greek philosopher, originated the
terms Fire, Earth, Air, and Water. He explained the nature of the
universe as an interaction of two opposing principles called love and
strife manipulating the four elements. He stated that these four
elements were all equal, of the same age, that each rules its own
province, and each posseses its own individual character. Different
mixtures of these elements produced the different natures of things.

     Most philosophers and alchemists also believed that the four
elements exhibited itself in man as four varying natures and that one
was more prevalent in each individual than the other three. An
individual leaned more to one particular type rather than possessing
equivalent amounts of all four. Empedocles said that those who have near
equal proportions of the four elements are more intelligent and have the
most exact perceptions.

     Astrology uses the elemental sign of an individual as one of it's
delineation tools. I rememeber when I first started studying Astrology
one of the first things I encountered was the Elemental Signs - and that
was it...maybe every now and then some article would list a few keywords
but no explanations. I got a general idea of the meaning of the Elements
but never found any author who explained them in depth. Later, when I
had a more solid grasp of Astrology I wondered why the Elemental signs
were just mentioned and then set aside. I often wondered if the
Astrologer felt they were too basic or they just didn't understand their
relative importance. I soon found out that it wasn't that they were
unimportant but that other delineations were more important than mere
elemental signs. Elemental signs are basic. They are general or generic
in their nature therefore only contirbuted to a basic generalization
such as the Sun sign. You were either a Fire, Earth, Air or Water
sign...and you had generic qualities associated with that element...too
general were most attitudes. " Need to get to the planet' positions and
aspects so we can see the person in depth"... Don't get me wrong, I am
as guilty as the next since I have studied the subject. But, one of the
first things I explain to those I read for is their Elemental Sign. This
may be tempered by other factors but it is still a basic quality that
can not be just mentioned and set aside. Once you know your elemental
sign you will know your basic nature. Tempering of the person's nature
begins at this point. The Sun, Moon, Rising Sign, Planet's Positions,
Aspects, Transits, etc., temper this very basic natue.

     An elemental sign is determined from a person's Astrological natal
chart. It is the elemental quality of the sign the Sun resides in at the
moment of birth. If you are an Aries by birth then your elemental sign
is Fire. If you are a Cancer then your elemental sign is Water.


FIRE EARTH AIR WATER
Cardinal Aries Capricorn Libra Cancer
Fixed Leo Taurus Aquarius Scorpio
Mutable Saggittarius Virgo Gemini Pisces

     Some of the qualities associated with the elemental signs are
listed below.


FIRE EARTH AIR WATER
Righteousness Propriety Knowledge Benevolence
Warriors Merchants Priests Servants
Spiritual Physical Mental Emotional
Goal Oriented Sensory Self Apraisal Other People
Deceit Fraud Trickery Falsehood
Leader Provider Seer Server
Ego Senses Intellect Mind
Fortitude Prudence Justice Temperance

     The key to understanding the above qualities is to look at the
specific differences between each elemental sign. The keywords are
listed according to philosophical definitions. The first line, going
across the page, lists each elemental sign's keyword for the Four
Virtues.

Righteousness Propriety Knowledge Benevolence

  The Fire signs exhibit righteousness. These people conform to the
standard of moral law. They do what is right and are known for their
sense of fair play. They are truthful, straight-forward, just, upright
and virtuous in their dealings with other men.

     The Earth signs show propriety. They are conventional, proper and
fitting. They follow what is socially acceptable in conduct, behavior
and speech. They have excellent manners and are very polite. They are
prudent and have a deep regard for conventional rules of behavior.

     The Air signs possess the virtue of knowledge. This does not mean
they are more intelligent than anyone else but are generally well
rounded and informed. They are good communicators. Most have a good
grasp of the language and generally know a little something about
everything. They have good personalities and are easy to get to know.

     The Water signs exhibit benevolence. These type people are
charitable, have a kindly disposition and promote goodwill. They are
concerned with the welfare of others. Where other people are concerned
they are kind, generous and philanthropic. They seldom harbor hostility.
They derive pleasure from doing good deeds.

     The next set of keywords shows the four cores (Individualities) of
man.

Warriors Merchants Seers Servers

     The Fire signs are the true warriors. They demonstrate courage,
fortitude, zeal and pugnacity. They have the mental and moral strength
that enables them to venture into unknown waters and to persevere and
withstand danger. They seldom show fear and are confident in their
actions. They have mettle, resolution, and tenacity. They can face
danger or difficulty without flinching or retreating. They will fight
for their principles and have a stubborn persistence that is unwilling
to recognize defeat. They have grit, back bone, guts, and are willing to
keep fighting under all odds. They are aggressive and thrive on
challenge.

     The Earth signs by nature are merchants. They are the storekeepers,
barterers and traders. They are at their best when buying or selling
material or tangible commodities. Most are very business oriented.

     The Air signs are what the philosophers called seers or priests.
These are mentally inclined people. They actively acquire knowledge
through experience, education and association. In ancient times, the
only educated people were either priests, royalty or those who took it
upon themselves to acquire knowledge (seers). The Air signs are curious,
have initiative, are original, generally are well-disciplined and are
quick thinkers.

     The philosophers called the Water signs servers.. People under this
sign are cooperative, companionable, hospitable and socialable. They are
true humanitarians and are concerned with the welfare of other people.
They are called servants or servers because of their unselfishness and
sincere devotion to the welfare of humanity. They unconditionally come
to the aid of the sick and the unfortunate just as they would for one of
their own family, and most often ask nothing in return.  

The next set of keywords shows the natures of man.

Spiritual Physical Mental Emotional

     The Fire signs are of a spiritual nature. They have a nature that
gives them physical energy, strength and vital powers. Their essential
characteristic qualities are liveliness, energy, ardor, enthusiasm,
courage and action. They have a firm, courageous and assertive
disposition which is their most characteristic qualitiy.

  The Earth signs have a physical nature. They have a characteristic
love for the material, tangible things. They derive pleasure from
sensory stimulation such as taste, smell and feel. They surround
themselves with tangible items such as fine furniture, art, jewelry and
most have a nice home that is expertly decorated. They have good taste
in clothing and most are connoisseurs of food and drink.

     The Air signs have a mental nature and are keen witted. They
rationalize by thinking things out rather than being influenced by
emotional or physical factors. They enjoy any type of entertainment
where they can use their intellectual capacity and their ability to
think quickly and accurately often gives them the upper hand.

     The Water signs have an emotional nature. They have strong feelings
and sensibilities. They tend to make decisions based on their emotions
rather than by reason. Although they are emotional in nature, they do
not outwardly express it. Their feelings are hurt easily but they tend
to not let it show.

     Each person has a different emotional direction.. The emotional
nature of a person is determined in part by the Moon's location in the
natal chart, but just as important the emotional nature of a person can
readily be seen by the elemental sign.

     There are four basic types of emotions.

Goal Orientied Sensory Stimulation Self Appraisal Other People

     The emotional nature of the Fire sign is goal oriented. These
people like to win or be the best in anything they pursue. Their
aggressive nature makes them just one big ego. There is nothing more
stimulating to them than to win, and there is nothing more depressing to
their ego than to lose. They strive to be the center of attention and
are at home when showing-off.

     The Earth signs' emotions are aroused by sensory stimulation. Each
of the five senses can produce an emotional response. Sight, sound,
touch, smell and taste brings joy or depression. Nice surroundings, good
music, the feel of quality materials, the smell and taste of good foods
and financial security are the conditions required for an emotionally
happy Earth sign.

     The emotional nature of the Air signs is directed toward self
appraisal. These people have a tendency to judge themselves very
harshly. They have certain standards they set for themselves such as
hygiene, the way they dress, education, job performance and family. The
Air signs are almost as ego-oriented as the Fire signs.

     The Water signs' emotions are directed toward other people. They
are deeply concerned about the welfare of their friends and family. They
also care about what other people think and say about them. An
insensitive remark from someone can hurt their feelings deeply, although
they may not show it. They give of themselves and their material
possessions freely to help a less-advantaged person gain confidence and
stature. They will go all out where close friends or family is
concerned. It is not easy to make friends with a water sign because they
are skeptical and naturally shy. They will be generous and kind to a
certain point, but when you gain their confidence you will have an
all-weather friend who will stand by you through your struggles.

  The next set of keywords shows the four evils of man. Man's
treatment of other men is not without its faults. Each individual, when
angered or mistreated in some fashion, exhibits one of these four evils
more predominantly than the other three.

Deceit Fraud Trickery Falsehood

     Deceit is one of the faults of the Fire signs. They are determined,
spiteful and revengeful. When angered, they will go to almost any
extreme necessary to get revenge, and that revenge will more often be at
the moment of the anger. When they're mad they want everyone around them
to be mad. They are spiteful and will deliberately and openly do things
which irritate someone to the point of anger. They are very
short-tempered and anger easily. They are straight-forward and have no
reservations about hurting the feelings of others, and they are prone to
inflict physical pain as well as mental pain. Just as the main virtue of
this sign is being just and right, its main fault is deceit.

     The Earth signs are normally not prone to physical violence, but as
in any situation, there are exceptions. They are mildly revengeful.
Their attitude is 'my time will come and they do hold a grudge. They
will eventually get their revenge one way or another more often by
hitting a person in his pocketbook. When angered, Earth signs, similar
to the Fire and Air signs, are quick to express that anger verbally
though most likely not physically unless as a last resort.

     Air signs resort to trickery. These people are crafty, under handed
and ingenious when it comes to evil. They are also prone to physical
violence. Whereas the Fire signs' anger is generally of the moment and
soon after forgotten, the Air signs at their worst are mean. They carry
a grudge, and like Fire signs, they are quick to express their opinion
and are very opinionated. Aquarius and Libra are not as violent as
Gemini. Gemini and mind altering drugs such as alcohol just do not mix.
The Air signs will not hesitate one moment to express their anger
verbally, but physical violence is not a first choice during that anger
(the exception being Gemini who will act in an instant).

     The Water sign's fault is being untruthful. They will suppress the
truth by words, writing and conduct to do damage to another. This is not
spite. This is their non-violent way of getting their revenge. Milder
cases include stretching the truth a little, not exactly untrue but not
the real truth. Water signs are emotional people and tend to get carried
away in the heat of a situation. These people are not prone to physical
violence normally, but being of an emotional nature and having the
tendency to let things build up inside them, they can become extremely
abusive. The exception is the sign Scorpio. Scorpios are self-confident,
intelligent, and strong-willed....they will tell it like it is - whether
you like it or not makes no difference to them. They will resort to
caustic verbal and often times physical violence in an instant. Scorpio,
by ancient definition, was previously ruled by Mars as is Aries, and
that Mars quality in present in both, both are prone to physical
violence when angered.

     As you can see, just from the knowledge of the elemental sign of an
individual you can get a good idea of his virtues, evils, nature, and
emotions. Once you know the qualities of the elemental sign of a person,
you can then fine tune these qualities by other means.

Zodiac

Source Unknown




The zodiac is an imaginary belt in the celestial sphere, extending about 8° on either side of the ecliptic, the apparent path of the Sun among the stars.



The width of the zodiac was determined originally so as to include the orbits of the Sun and Moon and of the five planets (Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn) that were known to the people of ancient times.



The zodiac is divided into 12 sections of 30° each, which are called the signs of the zodiac. Starting with the vernal equinox and then proceeding eastward along the ecliptic, each of the divisions is named for the constellation situated within its limits in the 2nd century BC.



The names of the zodiacal signs are Aries, the Ram; Taurus, the Bull; Gemini, the Twins; Cancer, the Crab; Leo, the Lion; Virgo, the Virgin; Libra, the Balance; Scorpio, the Scorpion; Sagittarius, the Archer; Capricornus, the Goat; Aquarius, the Water Bearer; and Pisces, the Fishes.



Because of the precession of the equinoxes about the ecliptic, a 26,000-year cycle, the first point of Aries retrogrades about 1° in 70 years, so that the sign Aries today lies in the constellation Pisces. In about 24,000 years, when the retrogression will have completed the entire circuit of 360°, the zodiacal signs and constellations will again coincide. See astrology, horoscope and houses.



Signs of the Zodiac The Zodiac is a circle of space surrounding the Earth. It may be imagined as a belt in the heavens about 15 degrees wide in which the planets travel. It is the Sun's apparent path, called the ecliptic. The zodiacal circle is divided into twelve parts, each part containing 30 degrees of space called the Signs of the Zodiac. Thus a sign is a one-twelfth division of the zodiacal circle and is defined as containing 30 degrees of celestial longitude: 12 signs each measuring 30 degrees constitute the circle of the zodiac or 360 degrees. In this circle the planets travel each in its own orbit, one outlying beyond the other. The zodiac, then, is a circle divided into twelve signs through which the planets travel or transit from west to east, going through one sign after another in their order from Aries to Pisces. Although the zodiac is generally referred to as a circle it is, in fact, elliptical. Each sign possesses a certain specific influence of its own.



The motion of the Earth around the Sun once a year causes the Sun to appear to pass through one of the 12 signs each month. Its influence, according to location, determines not alone the seasons but the general nature and character of persons born at that time.



The signs in order are Aries the Ram, Taurus the Bull, Gemini the Twins, Cancer the Crab, Leo the Lion, Virgo the Virgin, Libra the Scales, Scorpio the Scorpion, Sagittarius the Archer, Capricorn the Goat, Aquarius the Water-Bearer, and Pisces the Fishes.



Qualties:



* Cardinal - marks the beginning of each new season, active.

* Fixed - represents the season at its height, steady

* Mutable - heralds a change of season, variable.



Elements



The zodiacal signs are divided into four groups called "triplicities," and in their order they represent the four elements, fire, earth, air and water.



Fiery Triplicity is composed of Aries, Leo, Sagittarius

Earthly Triplicity: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn

Airy Triplicity: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius

Watery Triplicity: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces



Triplicities



The zodiacal signs are divided into four groups called "triplicities," and in their order they represent the four elements, fire, earth, air and water.



Fiery Triplicity is composed of Aries, Leo, Sagittarius

Earthly Triplicity: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn

Airy Triplicity: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius

Watery Triplicity: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces


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