THE ELEMENTS AND QUALITIES OF ASTROLOGY

And the Corresponding Signs

Astrology divides the zodiac signs into four elements of FIRE, EARTH, AIR and WATER. Because there are
twelve signs, three have been assigned to each element. These are referred to as the Triplicities, three signs
that exhibit the same element. The element of each sign also corresponds to the four seasons (Spring,
Summer, Autumn and Winter). The Elements speak of the basic nature and temperament of a Sign, whereas
the Qualities address their manner of expression.
Below you will find tables describing each signs element and quality with basic characteristics. Knowing the
qualities and elements of each sign ensures a far better interpretation of the horoscope.

Fire

Earth

Air

Water

1st House/Aries

2nd House/Taurus

3rd House/Gemini

4th House/Cancer

5th House/Leo

6th House/Virgo

7th House/Libra

8th House/Scorpio

11th
House/Aquarius

12th House/Pisces

9th House/Sagittarius 10th House/Capricorn

A description of the elements:

Fire

Enthusiastic, impulsive, confident, impatient, energetic,

passionate

Earth

Earthy, grounded, practical, cautious, reliable, conservative,

realistic

Air

Detached, curious, social, distant, unemotional, flighty, aloof

Water

Emotional, private, moody, psychic, spiritual, feeling,

compassionate

The qualities are CARDINAL, FIXED and MUTABLE, also known as the Quadruplicities.

Cardinal

Fixed

Mutable

1st House/Aries =fire

2nd House/Taurus =earth 3rd House/Gemini =air

4th House/Cancer =water

5th House/Leo =fire

6th House/Virgo =earth

7th House/Libra =air

8th House/Scorpio
=water

9th House/Sagittarius
=fire

10th House/Capricorn
=earth

11th House/Aquarius
=air

12th House/Pisces =water

The signs of the same quality do not compliment each other; in fact, these signs will form either a 90 degree
angle to one another (square) or a 180 degree angle (opposition) and can generate tension.
A description of the qualities:

Cardinal The Zodiacs initiators, active, leaders, impatient, self starters

The Zodiacs most determined signs, stable, stubborn,
Fixed
powerful
Mutable The Zodiacs adaptable signs, changeable, communicators
Each sign of the Zodiac is positive or negative = feminine or masculine
+ Masculine
1st House/Aries +
3rd House/Gemini +
5th House/Leo +
7th House/Libra +
9th House Sagittarius +
11th House/Aquarius +

- Feminine
2nd House/Taurus 4th House/Cancer 6th House/Virgo 8th House/Scorpio 10th House/Capricorn 12th House/Pisces -