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There are four elements in astrology: fire, earth, air, and water. Each element represents certain personality traits and corresponds to a distinct type of energy. In Western astrology, there are twelve signs and four elements. Each sign is assigned one of these four elements, and there are four groups of signs that share the same element. Because zodiac sign elements are strongly correlated to personality, knowing someone’s astrology element can help you understand them better.

What Is My Element?

Determining your astrological element is very easy. Every sign has a pre-determined element associated with it, so if you know your sign, you know your element, too! Depending on your zodiac sign, your element will be either: fire, earth, air, or water. Like your sign, your element is determined by the time of year you were born.

What Are the Fire Signs?

The fire signs are Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius.

What Are the Earth Signs?

The earth signs are Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn.

What Are the Air Signs?

The air signs are Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius.

What Are the Water Signs?

The water signs are Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces.

Fire Sign Traits

Fire signs – Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius – are spontaneous, reactive, and assertive. They also tend to be creative, energetic, and deeply passionate. Like fire, they burn brightly and attract everyone towards their passion and warmth. They are courageous and unafraid to fight for their beliefs, making them great leaders. On the dark side, however, fire signs can be impulsive, angry, and as difficult to control as burning flames.

Earth Sign Traits

Earth signs – Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn – are reliable, stable, and sensual. They are “grounded” individuals with a strong connection to the physical world. They are able to stay present in the moment, yet their persistent and practical nature helps them plod forward to reach their goals. They are also deeply sensual and enjoy rich sensory experiences. On the dark side, however, earth signs can be stubborn and controlling when stressed.

Air Sign Traits

Air signs – Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius – are intellectual, communicative, and fair-minded. They are known for their charm and social skills. Their light, casual nature has them floating – much like air – amongst their many acquaintances, allowing them to navigate events and parties with ease. Despite their bubbly personality, they prefer to think logically rather than emotionally and are able to see both sides of an issue clearly. Their versatility and intellect give them a special affinity for grasping abstract concepts and ideas. On the dark side, however, air signs can be indecisive and flighty.

Water Sign Traits

Water signs – Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces – are intuitive, emotional, and empathetic. Like an ocean, their emotional depths are vast, and they feel things extremely deeply. They are often able to pick up on the emotions of others as well, which makes them great healers. They are understanding, compassionate, and act from a place of intuition and spirituality rather than logic. These highly perceptive, sensitive souls are usually the best people to talk to when you’re feeling down. On the dark side, however, air signs can be moody, hypersensitive, and highly private.

Understanding Your Astrology Element

So now you know which astrology element applies to you! Your astrological element can have a major effect on your personality and determines the energy with which you approach the world. And just like your sign itself, your astrological element suggests some specific character traits – including both strengths and weaknesses – that you may have. But your element alone doesn’t tell the whole story – you need to consider both your zodiac sign and your astrology element together to really get the full picture. For example, even though Taurus and Capricorn are both earth signs, the way earth energy manifests in each sign is different.

Astrology Elements and Moon Signs

Many people prefer to consider their sun sign alone because it’s easy to determine and understand. But your moon sign is important, too. Your moon sign is highly correlated to your inner emotional life, so it can tell you a lot about your deepest self. In many cases, your moon sign may have a different astrological element than your sun sign. So be sure to look up the astrology element for your moon sign, too! It can tell you a lot about your emotional needs and the energy with which you approach them.