Fire, Earth, Air & Water.

Astrology is based on the 4 elements - fire, earth, air, & water. The qualities of each element greatly influence the individual's character. It is a strong predictor and determining factor in his natal chart. Depending on which element that is dominant in the chart, the person will display the strengths and weaknesses of that particular element. Novice astrologers often underestimate the importance of the elements, and that is the reason why readings are not deep or insightful enough. Veteran astrologers, meanwhile, tend to place a heavy emphasis on elemental qualities, which enable them to pick up subtle hints and meanings about a person.  

FIRE

FIRE TRIAD - Aries, Leo, Sagittarius.

FIRE PLANETS - Sun, Mars, Jupiter.

FIRE HOUSES - House I, V & IX

Fire symbolizes force, energy and will power. It burns and crackles and sizzles. When fire is strong in a natal chart, that person will have high vitality and self-confidence in life. He will be physically robust, confident, and extroverted. That is why Aries, Leo & Sagi are energetic signs. They can't sit still. They represent masculinity, the "Yang" energy which is forceful and assertive. When fire gets channeled in the right direction, it conveys the gift of great optimism and leadership in life. A person can always bounce back in times of down and has an inner light of joy and hope which cannot be extinguished. Sir Winston Churchill famously had a fire trine in his natal chart. It allows him to inspire a nation with hope during a time of great gloom and depression. Fire lights up the dark, and he lifted Britain out of darkness. A fiery leader can be very brave and inspirational in the face of challenge, despite all odds. There is a need for competition, and a need to push themselves. Fiery people are very competitive and thirsty for challenges. They are also frank, straightforward and rather blunt in their expression. They see what they want, they take it. Action speaks louder than words.

GIFT: Energy, Vitality, Assertiveness, Confidence, Leadership, Athleticism, Optimism, Joy, Hope, Inspiration.   

CURSE: Aggression, Violence, Impatience, Arrogance, Selfishness, Egoism, Destructiveness, Promiscuity.

EARTH

EARTH TRIAD - Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn

EARTH PLANETS - Venus, Mercury, Saturn

EARTH HOUSES - House II, VI & X.

Ever heard of the expression "down-to-earth?" That describes earth, which is pragmatic by nature. They are practical, sensible people with a rational head. They think clearly in times of emergency and can be relied on to solve problems. Earthy people are managers and troubleshooters. They are indispensable to an organization. They work with structure and effectiveness. These are people born with their eyes open, as they are realistic about the world. They do not waste time dreaming or do useless things which will benefit nobody. They can work very hard to achieve their ambition. Gifted with managing skills, earthy folks plan things ahead and execute their plans with patience. Their planning skills are quite legendary. So are their ability to do business. The greatest businessmen in the world - Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Warren Buffet - all have strong earth elements in their chart. You can't do business without a good deal of earth. Reputation and status in society is something very important to earthy people, and they will always want to leave an impact in society; to be acknowledged for their success and achievement. As such, they climb the ladder slowly and steadily. They plant the seeds, water the plant and reap the fruits. They don't believe in shortcuts. Their stamina is amazing, and they can endure setbacks in life - because they persist.

GIFT: Common Sense, Practicality, Realism, Responsibility, Reliability, Loyalty, Endurance, Productivity, Resourcefulness, Diligence.

CURSE: Materialism, Greed, Ruthlessness, Coldness, Manipulativeness, Boring, Rigid, Stubborn, Pessimism.

WATER

WATER TRIAD - Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces

WATER PLANETS - Moon, Neptune, Pluto.

WATER HOUSES - House IV, VIII & XII.

Still water runs deep, or so goes the saying. Water people are deep and emotional. They are incredibly passionate, ruled by instincts. They represent femininity,  the "Ying" energy which is nurturing and life-giving, like a mother. They are capable of deep, lasting relationships and unconditional love. Bonds forged in water can never be broken. Water people have an unparallelled capacity for love and intimacy. They love so deeply they are willing to die or sacrifice themselves for their closed ones. Perhaps because they have such strong feelings, they become introverted and guard their feelings closely. They put on masks so they don't get hurt. Emotional security and intimacy are the most precious things to a Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces. Uncontrolled passion can be their undoing. So channel the passion wisely, into the right direction. Water folks are gifted with fertile imagination, which makes them excellent artists, musicians, writers, actors and actresses. Since they are sensitive souls, they tend to have faith in God. Faith comes to them easily. Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Teresa and many religious leaders have strong water emphasis in their natal charts.

GIFT: Altruism, Love, Faith, Imagination, Creativity, Spirituality, Passion, Compassion, Instincts, Intimacy, Sincerity.    

CURSE: Too Emotional, Fragile, Oversensitivity, Insecurity, Defensiveness, Gullibility, Low Self-Esteem, Dreaminess.

AIR 

AIR TRIAD - Gemini, Libra, Aquarius.

AIR PLANETS - Mercury, Venus, Uranus.

AIR HOUSES - House III, VII & XI.

Air is a symbol of the mind. Intelligence is the hallmark of airy people. They live in their minds, in the world of ideas. Imagination is their strong point. They are gifted with articulate, sharp tongues and can express themselves well. Witty and humorous, they love to communicate and excel in delivering charming, persuasive speech. The world's best lawyers, politicians and public speakers have heavy air element in their chart. If you don't have air, you have no soft skills. You can't speak or write persuasively. In other words, you need air to communicate, to build bridges with others. The more air a person has, the more charming that person is. They can charm the birds off the tree. Too much air, however, can lead to impracticality and escapism in the form of wild fantasies. As a rule of thumb, airy people are not practical. They are satisfied by gaining knowledge, through reading, writing, chatting, socializing, etc. In other words, they are nurtured by "building castles in the air." If Mars is weak in their chart, they may not be able to put their thoughts into action, and so become unproductive. Therefore, a strong Mars is needed to ensure these airy folks take action. Many scientists, like Albert Einstein and Isaac Newton, have lots of air in their charts. Air tends towards a progressive, scientific outlook.

GIFT: Intelligence, Logic, Wit, Charm, Sociability, Humour, Ideas, Originality, Innovativity, Refinement, Culture.  

CURSE: Impracticality, Superficiality, Fickleness, Vanity, Indecisiveness, Restlessness, Unproductivity, Laziness, Escapism.