* The Four Elements :-
The “four elements" of astrological tradition refer to the vital forces (or energies) that make up the entire creation that is commonly perceived by human beings. The four elements in a birth chart reveal the ability to participate in certain realms of being and to tune in to specific fields of life experience. These elements have nothing to do with the elements of chemistry and in fact transcend them completely. The astrological birth chart is drawn for the moment of first breath. that instant when we immediately establish our lifelong attunement with cosmic energy sources. The birth chart therefore reveals your energy pattern or cosmic attunement to the four elements. In other words. the chart symbolizes the pattern of the various vibratory manifestations that comprise the individual's expression in this plane of creation.
The four elements-Fire. Earth, Air. and Water-each represent a basic kind of energy and consciousness that operates within everyone. Each person is consciously more attuned to some types of energy than others. Each of the four elements manifests in three vibrational modalities: Cardinal. Fixed, and Mutable. Combining the four elements with the three modalities produces the twelve primary patterns of energy called the Signs of the Zodiac.
One way of understanding these various energy patterns is to analyze them in terms of their modalities. The Cardinal Signs correlate with the principle of action and symbolize initiating movements of energy in a definite direction. The Fixed Signs represent concentrated energy gathered inward toward a center or radiating outward from a center. The Mutable Signs are correlated with flexibility and constant change and may be conceived as spiralic patterns of energy.
The element of any sign that is emphasized in a chart (by significant planetary placement in that sign)‘ shows a specific type of consciousness and method of perception to which the individual is strongly attuned.
Air Signs are correlated with the mind's sensation. perception, and expression. especially related to personal interaction and to geometrical thought forms and abstract ideas.
Fire Signs express the warming. radiating. energizing life principle which can manifest as enthusiasm. faith, encouragement, and the drive to express self.
Water Signs symbolize the cooling. healing principle of sensitivity, feeling response. and empathy with others.
Earth Signs reveal an attunement with the world of physical forms and a practical ability to utilize and improve the material world.
The elements have traditionally been divided into two groups. Fine and Air being considered active and self-expressive and Water and Earth considered passive. receptive. and self-containing. This differentiation is of great importance in a wholistic approach to birth charts. These terms refer to the mode of operation of these energies and to the individual's method of self-expression rather than to a generalized quality that can be haphazardly and rigidly applied to all people in a certain category.
For example. the Water and Earth signs ate more self-contained than the Fine and Air signs in that they live more within themselves and don't allow themselves to project their essential energy outwardly without a good deal of caution and forethought. However. this enables them to build a solid foundation for action. The Fire and Air signs are more self-expressive since they are always "getting it out," pouring forth their energies and life-substance unreservedly [at times ignoring limits completely): the File signs by direct action and the Air signs by social interaction and verbal expression. This classification of elements. and the fact that the signs of the same element (e.g.. Aries. Leo. and Sagittarius-all Fire) and of the elements in the same group (8.8., Taurus & Pisces = Earth & Water) are considered to be generally “compatible." is of the greatest importance not only in the interpretation of individual charts but also in the art of chart comparison.
Each sign of a specific element is a different mode of expression of the same elemental energy and represents a different level of development and pattern of energy.
* THE FIRE SIGNS: Aries, Leo & Sagittarius :-
The Fire signs express a universal radiant energy. an energy which is excitable. enthusiastic. and which through its light brings color to the world. The Fire signs exemplify high spirits. great faith in themselves. unending strength, and a direct honesty.
KEY CONCEPT: Radiant energy confidence & initiative
CHARACTERISTICS & KEY WORDS: fearless impulsiveness high spirits enthusiasm strength direct honesty. even bluntness outgoing freedom of expression directed willpower & leadership demonstrative impatient
* THE AIR SIGNS: Gemini. Libra & Aquarius :-
The Air signs express the life-energy which has been associated with breath or what the yogis term “prana.” The Air realm is the world of archetypal ideas beyond the veil of the physical world: in the air element. the cosmic energy is actualized into specific patterns of thought. The Air signs have the inner need to detach themselves from the immediate experiences of daily life. and thus to gain objectivity, perspective, and a rational, reflective approach to everything they do.
KEY CONCEPT: Mental sensation, perception, & expression
CHARACTERISTICS & KEY WORDS: living through the mind visualization rationalization detachment & perspective craving for understanding verbalization need for relationship & sociability communicative & curious awareness of others as individuals concepts & principles
* THE WATER SIGNS: Cancer. Scorpio & Pisces :-
The Water signs are in touch with their feelings. in tune with nuances and subtleties that many others don't even notice. The Water element represents the realm of deep emotion and feeling responses. ranging from compulsive passions to overwhelming fears to an ell-encompassing acceptance and love of creation. The Water signs know instinctively that to realize their soul's deepest yearnings. they must protect themselves from outside influences in order to assure themselves the inner calm necessary for deep reflection and subtlety of perception.
KEY CONCEPT: Deep emotion. empathy & feeling response
CHARACTERISTICS & KEY WORDS: sensitivity realizes the reality of the unconscious and/or unconscious of reality intuition purification & purgation psychic sensitivity deep reflection habitual secrecy & need for privacy ability for compassionate service need for emotional involvement with others
* THE EARTH SIGNS: Taurus. Virgo & Capricorn :-
The Earth signs rely heavily on their senses and practical reason. Their innate understanding of how the material world functions gives the Earth signs more patience and self-discipline than other signs. The Earth element tends to be cautious. premeditative. rather conventional, and usually dependable. Knowing their niche in the world is especially important to the Earth signs, for security remains a constant goal for them throughout their lives.
KEY CONCEPTS: Practical ability to utilize the material world
CHARACTERISTICS & KEY WORDS: attunement to physical world heightened physical senses practicality patience self-discipline persistence cautiousness dependable premeditative conventional
* Zodiacal Signs & Their Key Concepts :-
FIRE SIGNS KEY CONCEPT
CARDINAL: ARIES Single-pointed release of energy Self-willed urge for action, toward new experience.
FIXED: LEO Sustained warmth of loyalty and Pride and urge for recognition, radiant vitalization
MUTABLE: SAGITTARIUS Restless aspiration propelling Beliefs, generalizations, ideals one toward an ideal
A planet in this sign will be colored by these qualities
CARDINAL: ARIES Self-willed urge for action, toward new experience self-assertion
FIXED: LEO Pride and urge for recognition, radiant vitalization sense of drama
MUTABLE: SAGITTARIUS Beliefs, generalizations, ideals
EARTH SIGNS KEY CONCEPT
CARDINAL: CAPRICORN Impersonal determination to get things done
FIXED: TAURUS Depth of appreciation related to immediate physical sensations
MUTABLE: VIRGO Spontaneous helpfulness, humility, & need to serve
A planet in this sign will be colored by these qualities
CARDINAL: CAPRICORN Self-control, caution, reserve and ambition
FIXED: TAURUS Possessiveness, retentiveness, steadiness
MUTABLE: VIRGO Perfectionism, analysis, fine discrimination
AIR SIGNS KEY CONCEPT
CARDINAL: LIBRA Harmonization of all polarities for Self-completion
FIXED: AQUARIUS Detached coordination of all people and concepts
MUTABLE: GEMINI Immediate perception and verbalization of all connections
A planet in this sign will be colored by these qualities
CARDINAL: LIBRA Balance, impartiality, tact
FIXED: AQUARIUS Individualistic freedom, extremism
MUTABLE: GEMINI Changeable curiosity, talkativeness, friendliness
WATER SIGNS KEY CONCEPT
CARDINAL: CANCER Instinctive nurturing and protective empathy
FIXED: SCORPIO Penetration through intense emotional power
MUTABLE: PISCES Healing compassion for all that suffers
A planet in this sign will be colored by these qualities
CARDINAL: CANCER Feeling, reserve, moods. sensitivity. self protection
FIXED: SCORPIO Compulsive desires. depth. controlled passion, secrecy
MUTABLE: PISCES Soul yearnings, idealism, oneness, inspiration, vulnerability
* Functions of the Planets In the Signs :-
Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars commonly called the "personal plenets."
Jupiter and Saturn are a complementary pair and serve as a bridge between small personal concerns . and larger concerns of principle and society.
Uranus Neptune and Pluto outer planets represent profound sources of change and can be referred to as "transformative" planets or energies . The sign positions of Uranus Neptune and Pluto are indications of generational attitudes. but in the individual chart their signs are of much less importance than their house positions and aspects
SUN: how one is (the tone of being) and how one experiences life 8: expresses one's individuality
MOON: how one reacts based on subconscious predisposition
MERCURY: how one thinks & communicates
VENUS: how one expresses affection, feels appreciated & gives of self
MARS: how one asserts self 8: expresses desires
JUPITER: how one seeks to grow, improve oneself. 8. experience trust in life
SATURN : how one seeks to establish & preserve self through effort
