What Are Astrological Elements?
When discussing, studying, or investigating astrology, it can be all too easy to focus on only our sun signs. It’s quite common to meet someone and inquire about what sign they are, to 
determine potential compatibility. Many books give annual forecasts based solely on sun signs. Even the daily horoscopes in our local newspapers focus only on sun signs. But, though it is easy to use sun signs as an over-arching and quick way to look at what the stars have in store for us, it is highly important to remember that we are an amalgamation of our entire natal chart (one reason my Leo best friend is so different from me, a Leo with a moon and ascendant in Virgo).
One way to understand ourselves through astrology is study our element. Each astrological sign is associated with an element. Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius are Fire signs (tending to be egotistical, “fiery,” energetic, and charismatic); Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn are Earth signs (these signs are “earthy:” grounded, stable, cautious, materialistic, and practical); the Air signs are Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius (these signs might have their “head in the clouds,” but are also intellectual, rational, social, and communicative); lastly, the Water signs of Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces tend to be emotional, private, compassionate, vulnerable, and intuitive.
Do you embody your astrological element? Are you a fiery Sagittarius or a down-to-earth Taurus? Sun signs can combine in several ways, but what about the elements—which ones are complementary, and which ones aren’t? We recently released The Astrological Elements, by Sally Cragin. In it she explores these relationships based on elements, so that you know what to expect from your new Capricorn boss or how to approach your Cancer child. Sally was even kind enough to blog for us.
Though I’ve long known which sun signs belong to which element, I can honestly say that in past I placed little emphasis on element, focusing instead on specific sun sign qualities. Which do you find more informational when interpreting compatibility: sun sign or astrological element?
