Elements

What are the Elements in astrology?

The elements are the basic classification that divides the twelve zodiac signs into four groups: Fire (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius), Earth (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn), Air (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) and Water (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces). Each element holds three signs, a set known as a triplicity. Fire describes enthusiasm and the urge to act, Earth practicality and patience, Air thought and communication, and Water feeling and intuition. Signs of the same element sit 120 degrees apart, which is why the trine between them is considered harmonious. Chart interpretation does not stop at the Sun sign: the Sun, Moon, ascendant and planets are counted across the elements to find the chart's elemental balance. Someone with a water Sun but most planets in air signs, for example, may be read as led by thought. A common misconception is that two people of the same element are always compatible; compatibility readings weigh the whole chart. You can see which element stands out in your chart by creating your birth chart on Faltastik.

• Descendant

  The sign opposite the Ascendant at the cusp of the 7th House. Represents the qualities you seek in partners and relationships.

• Modalities

  The threefold classification of signs by seasonal position: Cardinal (initiating), Fixed (sustaining), Mutable (adapting). Each element group contains three signs.

• Ascendant (Rising Sign)

  The sign rising on the eastern horizon at the moment of your birth. Determines your physical appearance, first impression, and interaction style with the world. Cannot be calculated without birth time.

• Decan

  Dividing each sign into three 10-degree segments. Each decan is ruled by a different planet, explaining differences between people of the same sign.

• Cusp

  The transition point where one sign ends and another begins. People born in the cusp zone may carry characteristics of both signs.

• Ruling Planet

  The natural ruler of each sign. For example, Mars rules Aries, Venus rules Taurus. The ruling planet's chart position strengthens that sign's energy.