Water. Earth. Fire. Air. This isn’t just an opening phrase to a fantasy book or movie. It is also a very important foundation to modern astrology. Zodiac element meanings vary, and they influence each sign – and person – greatly.

You may know there are 12 signs of the zodiac, but do you know the element of each sign? There are four elements: fire, earth, air, and water, or three signs per each element – this is called a ‘’triplicity’’ by modern astrologers.

Fire Signs: Creativity

The element of fire is synonymous with creativity, passion, and the driving force behind creation. Much like the original fireball that sparked the universe into existence, fire signs are dynamic, extroverted, and filled with vigor. Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius exemplify the qualities of cardinal, fixed, and mutable fire, respectively, each bringing its unique energy to the zodiac. Their impulsive nature, confidence, and adventurous spirit make fire signs natural leaders, bursting with the creative energy that sets the world in motion.

To live your best life, fire signs, try doing some or all of these: Find healthy outlets for your creative expressions. Spend time in warm-weather places, learn to rest and take breaks so you don’t get burned out. Travel to foreign countries and immerse yourself in new and exciting experiences. 

Never doubt your capabilities. Continue to learn—expand your horizons by giving yourself new opportunities to network, build your skills, and grow.

The fire signs, which are known for their energy and drive, include the following:

• Aries the Ram (March 20 to April 18), the sign of cardinal fire. It’s impulsive, daring, and gifted at setting things in motion.

• Leo the Lion (July 23 to August 22), the sign of fixed fire. It’s vibrant, confident, and brimming with determination.

• Sagittarius the Archer (November 22 to December 21), the sign of mutable fire. It’s independent, adventurous, and spontaneous.

Even though these signs differ in many ways, they share the life-affirming vitality that fire brings.

Earth Signs: Stability

Just as the Universe burst into existence with the fireball of the Big Bang, the cycle of the zodiac lifts off with a blast of fire. Fire creates heat, light, and movement. But what’s the point of all that combustion if it leads to nothing?

Without earth, fire would burn itself out like a spray of fireworks against the night sky. Earth signs ground the energy of fire by turning sizzle into something tangible. They are stable, sensible, productive, persistent, and materialistic – not necessarily in a bad way. Unlike less realistic signs, earth signs understand and respect material things, including money. 

They’re also tenuous, responsive human beings who love the physical world. 

Fire sends off sparks, no question, Air talks up a storm, And no one understands the impact of emotion like water. 

But if you want to actually get something done, look to Earth.

Some things that may help earth signs lead a more fulfilled life: Let go of control. Spend extended time in nature. Unplug from technology and social media. Cook at home with fresh ingredients. Use herbal tinctures and tonics. Keep your home space organized. Help yourself before you spend too much of your energy helping others. Meditate and partake in mindful activities to keep yourself centered. Create art, or take up hobbies that use your natural creative energy.

The earth signs, recognized for their productivity and pragmatic approach to life, include the following:

• Taurus the Bull (April 20 to May 20), the sign of fixed earth. Taurus is known for its persistence, its longing for security, and – in case you thought that earth signs are only about practicality – its love of pleasure.

• Virgo the Virgin (August 23 to September 22), the sign of mutable earth. Virgo is famed for its analytical mind, its attention to detail, and its tendency to be a perfectionist.

• Capricorn the Sea Goat (December 22 to January 19), the sign of cardinal fire. The Goat is resourceful, conscientious, and ambitious.

These signs share a desire to make a tangible contribution.

Air Signs: Intelligence

Air represents intelligence and reason. It’s the element of the intellect, and those born under its influence are known for their ability to connect the dots. Air signs are bright, curious, versatile, and intellectually restless. Their minds are always active, always searching for understanding. Crazy as it may sound, natives of those signs actually think about signs, and they try to do it objectively and in depth.

They value ideas and revel in conversation. Despite their reputation for sometimes being a little too objective and detached, they’re also very social, linking friends, relatives, and random strangers into networks of relationships.

Air signs may want to consider the following advice to live their best lives. 

Stay present. With such fast-paced, curious, and witty brains, it can be hard to stay present. Hit the spa. Activities like facials and massages are great for air signs. Physical touch is another way of coming back down to planet earth. Stay curious! Take up new hobbies when you feel yourself getting bored or stagnant. With such a powerful mind, it helps to do things like take classes, go to workshops, explore museums, and read new books in order to lubricate your noggin. Eat foods that ground you. Things like sweet potatoes, herbs, beets, carrots, ginger, pumpkins, and radishes. Teach, guide, and instruct others. Find topics to master and give back by teaching and guiding others.    

Air signs do a great job as professors, lawyers, therapists, and tour guides. Stay hydrated! If you find yourself struggling with keeping your energy levels high, it may be due to your dry nature. Make sure that you are hydrating with adequate water, tea, watermelon, cucumber, celery, and even adding an alarm to drink water if you struggle to do so without accountability. 

The air signs, which are legendary for their mental prowess, include the following:

• Gemini the Twins (May 21 to June 20), the sign of mutable air. Gemini is known for its curious, lively mind, sparkling personality and capricious ways.

• Libra the Scales (September 23 to October 22), the sign of cardinal air. Libra is recognized for its balanced intellect, sense of fairness, great sensitivity, as well as for the importance it places on partnership.

• Aquarius the Water Bearer (January 20 to February 18), the sign of fixed air. Aquarius is celebrated for its forward-looking ideas, unique and often eccentric interests, and free-spirited personality.

Air signs sometimes find it tricky to navigate their emotions. If this resonates with you, grab a free personalized Moon Reading! Explore the secret layers of your personality, understand your relationships better, and discover your true life purpose.

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Water Signs: Emotion

Water represents emotion, and those born under its influence tend to be flooded with sentiments. Profoundly sensitive, they’re vulnerable and active, first responders on the most human front of all. They’re also hugely intuitive and occasionally psychic.   

Although others may not consider them rational, water signs are cautious and seek comfort, meaning they aren’t going to throw all caution to the wind as they move through life. These sensitive beings will, however, lead with their heart and make many of their big life decisions with intuition before logic. That doesn’t mean they are less inclined to do well—quite the contrary. These folks forge ahead with something that can’t be taught in a textbook—and others might think is crazy before it actually works. 

Water signs can live their best lives if they take some of these tips to heart: Work with a therapist, life coach, or business coach. Journal to get in touch with your emotions and sort through them. Be honest with yourself about whether your closest friends and family are healthy people to keep around you. Spend time in solitude and get comfortable with your solo time. Express yourself through art, music, writing, or other healthy outlets. Find community spaces that build you up and make you feel safe. Continue to learn and grow by taking classes or reading.

The water signs are:

• Cancer the Crab (June 21 to July 22), the sign of cardinal water. Cancer is famed for its emotional acuity, sympathetic nature, and love of home.

• Scorpio (October 23 to November 21), the sign of fixed water. Scorpio is recognized for its intensity, magnetism, and ability to burrow deep, both psychologically and intellectually.

• Pisces the Fish (February 19 to March 19), the sign of mutable water. Ruled by elusive Neptune, Pisces is compassionate, impressionable, gentle, and imaginative.