Empedocles, a Greek philosopher, scientist and healer who lived in
Sicily in the fifth century B.C., believed that all matter is comprised
of the four elements of earth, air, fire and water. Fire and air are
outwardly reaching elements, reaching up and out, whereas earth and
water turn inward and downward.
In her book, Four Elements in Ancient Greek Philosophy, Tracy Marks
describes a wide-ranging look at earth, fire, water, and air, and the
dynamic twin forces of Love and Strife. Her book takes one to a journey
from ancient Greece to alchemy to Carl Jung's association of sense,
feeling, thoughts and intuition.
The Four Elements of Air, Fire, Water and Earth describe the four unique
personality types associated with the zodiac signs.The elements exhibit
profound influence on basic character traits, behaviour, emotions,
thinking and intuition. Detractors consider these traits too general,
but these are reflected in our relationships,and ambitions or lack
thereof, and the unexpected turns and twists that add spice to our
lives.
Astrology aims to help us focus these energies to the positive aspects,
gain a better understanding of our positive traits and deal with the
negative ones; thus realize our full potential and give our best to this
life.
To deny these is to deny life and destiny. We all need air to breathe,
water to sustain our growth and to cleanse us; fire to shelter us from
the cold and nourish us; earth to live on together with all the living
things on it and to grow our food.
Feel the Earth under our feet, the soil that sustains all forms of life.
Look at the power and beauty of the mountains, a symbol of stability and
solidity of the earth. Everyday we experience the physical world, we
walk on this earth, enjoy the beauty and bounty of Mother Earth and feel
the comfort of being on solid ground.
Associated with the signs Taurus, Capricorn and Virgo, Earth represents
the practical, realistic material side of our nature, it seeks to assert
a stable, secure and structured environment into which we can
function.Feel the earth under your feet, solid and steady as you walk
slowly.
Earth is patient and reliable. It is solid and strong.To be on solid
ground encourages one to seek the practical and most logical answer to a
problem. Earth can be a stabilizing force in a relationship contributing
structure and organization to achieve balance and harmony. Earth
sustains growth- watch plant life grow, from an acorn does an oak tree
grow; so does man grow from youth to maturity, and realize the immense
growth in every facet of life.
The over expression of this element can be seen in a stubborn. rigid
personality, one that strives to remain in the comfort zone in life,
afraid to take risks. It can also be seen by a love of the material side
of life, the comforts of material well- being,material worth can be over
emphasized and this can lead to a stressful worrisome situation.
Weakness: attachment, stinginess, materialism, resists change, too much
attention to detail and miss the big picture.
Air Astrology: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius Jung: Thinking The element Air is
associated with the signs Gemini,Libra. and Aquarius. It seeks to
establish itself in the realm of the intellect. It is through the
process of thinking that we develop ideas. It is through the influence
of this element that we learn to communicate. Through air we gain and
share knowledge.
Air contributes inventiveness, originality and versatility to the
personality. It gives that feeling of freedom, unattachment, it reaches
out to the mental self. Enjoy that refreshing gentle breeze, allow
thoughts to flow freely and nourish the creative moment. Air expresses
love of people, the ability to intellectualize, to appreciate the
differences in people, accept different perspectives without which,
there would be a lack of vision and human interaction. Thoughts are a
continual force in our lives.It is associated with meditation where deep
breathing is essential to reach that level of stillness, energy,and
relaxation. Air is used for transport, flying and sailing. Let your
thoughts soar to reach your intellectual pursuits and realize your full
potential.
An over expression of air's influence can be seen as living in a dream
world with unrealistic goals and flights of fancy. Air should seek to
maintain practicality and develop consistency in dealing with the real
world.
Weakness of this element : lack of emotion, depression, lack of
connection with the higher self, overactive mind that blocks inner peace
and harmony.
Fire Astrology: Leo, Sagittarius, Aries Jung: Intuition The signs
Leo,Sagittarius and Aries are associated with the element Fire. It
represents the life force glowing within us. This element projects
self-expression, creativity, courage and enthusiasm. Feel the comforting
warmth of a fire, or heat when you come in from the cold.We need fire to
meet the basic need of cooking our food. Fire provides a sense of
security, warmth and the inspiration that is shared with those around.
Fire strengthens self-confidence to tackle problems without hesitation.
Without fire, there is no radiance, no conviction,no expression.
A spark can light up new ideas, serve as a beacon to light the way to
achieve goals with conviction and enthusiasm.
An over expression of fire can turn assertiveness into aggression,
daring into reckless behavior and so forth. When fire's influence is out
of control, it seeks to consume all in it's path.
Weakness: lack of interest, egotistic, excessive self-centeredness,
self- importance.
Water Astrology: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces Jung: Feelings/Emotion The
element Water associated with the signs of Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces
influences the conscience and the subconscious forces that act on our
lives,The element water pours forth to others.It allows one to feel
their pain and suffering and offer sincere compassion.
Psychic awareness is also present in the water signs and shows itself
from time to time with uncanny accuracy. Water seeks to heal and nurture
those around it. Uncontrolled, this element can send emotions on a
turbulent path resulting in moodiness and unpredictable highs and
lows,like the crest and trough of the waves.
Water signs need serenity and calmness, like a gentle flowing river
nurturing all in its wake and at the same time leading to the discovery
of new paths.
Over expressed, there is tendency to be overly emotional, deeply
sensitive and subjective. With too much emotion, depression may result.
Weakness can result from being too protective and possessive of loved
ones; cold attitude and lack of drive may arise.
A Balance of the Elements The best combination of each element type of
personality strives to create a balance of these elemental aspects of
each, thereby resulting in relationship that thrives on mutual growth
and harmony.
Air-fire The element air in a relationship provides ideas and dreams
that fire can act on and forge into realities.
Earth-Water Water provides sensitivity and nurturing to the sometimes
cold reserved earthly approach to matters, thereby laying the groundwork
for future growth in the relationship
Fire- water Balance can be achieved by realizing that water can inject
needed sensitivity and patience into the fire sign. and at the same time
Fire can add drive and the courage to act that can at times be lacking
in the water signs.
Fire-Earth Fire's initiative and drive can stimulate the sometimes laid
back and reserved nature of earth. At the same time ,earth's
practicality and discipline can be balancing to fire's sometimes quick
to act ways.
When two elements of the same type combine, harmony can be achieved when
the needs and traits are the same for both .However, it hinders growth
when both individuals become too comfortable to a point that the needed
spark for growth may be lacking.
Ideally ,we should strive for a balance of the elements Earth/Water and
Air / Fire.
The other combinations can also work as long as both partners respect
the others needs and unique traits that both bring into the relationship
and they utilize each others strengths to balance
END
Reference: Tracy Marks book :The Elements in Ancient Greek Philosophy
Bonnie Moss may be contacted at
http://goldencupcafe.tripod.comchristielk@excite.com
Bonnie Moss writes mostly about spirituality, New Age topics
,inspirational and motivational articles where she promotes personal
empowerment. She also writes poetry. Her articles are published in e-zines
and various newsletters. Visit her website :
http://goldencupcafe.tripod.com
