Life & Relationships
Astrology: What Are The Elemental Signs & What Do They Mean?
Illustrations by Shutterstock
Life & Relationships
Astrology: What Are The Elemental Signs & What Do They Mean?
A guide to better understanding yourself and others, astrological-style.
Whether you believe in astrology or not, seeing yourself reflected in your zodiac sign is undoubtedly fun (and sometimes pointedly revealing). Not only is it another entry point on your personal journey to learning about who you are, but it’s also a way for you to understand those around you better.
“Astrology helps us become more self-aware,” says Tati Petkovic, a Toronto-based astrologer. “It’s a language for us to dive deep into what works for us and for our energy.”
Petkovic believes your birth chart—your personal astrological chart based on the time and place you were born—can shed light on your strengths and weaknesses, family patterns and how you express yourself in relationships. It can help explain why a romantic partnership ended or why a dream job isn’t panning out. “Understanding that in itself can help you improve not only your relationship with yourself but also the relationships you have with other people in your life,” she says.
Every sign in the zodiac—think, Virgo or Cancer—has an associated elemental sign: fire, water, earth or air. Though zodiac signs have differing personality traits, the elements have overarching qualities that tend to relate to a group of zodiac signs and influence foundational behaviours. Here’s the astrologer’s take on what each element represents and how it might impact your life and relationships.
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Earth: the planners of the zodiac
Capricorn, Taurus, Virgo
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Grounded, reliable and practical, people with Earth signs feel most at home at the helm of the ship. Well-intentioned perfectionists, they thrive under a logistical plan. They don’t just say what you want to hear, they back up their words with action and intention. “They’re the ones people call when they need someone they know they can depend on,” says Petkovic. But be cautious of getting too set in your plans, Earth signs. Joy and success can also be found in spontaneity.
Most compatible with:
Earth signs, water signs
Water: The nurturers of the zodiac
Cancer, Pisces, Scorpio
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People who have Water signs as sun signs feel everything deeply and intuitively. Emotional and empathetic, they’re experts at picking up on others’ energy and deciphering someone’s true intentions. Great romantics, their compassion can sometimes cause them to experience an overwhelming amount of feelings. Don’t dwell too much on the past, Water signs—it’s behind you for a reason!
Most compatible with:
Water signs, earth signs
Air: the connectors of the zodiac
Aquarius, Gemini, Libra
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Those born under Air signs are people people. Social and inquisitive, they can get along with just about anybody. Their strengths lie in communication, giving them the unique ability to connect and thrive in social gatherings. They love lighthearted and flirty fun but are equally intrigued by perpetual learning and diving deep into new topics and experiences. These highly intelligent doers should be wary of giving too much of themselves to others, and living in the past.
Most compatible with:
Air signs, fire signs
Fire: the adventurers of the zodiac
Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
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Bold, passionate and expressive, Fire signs are natural-born leaders. Lovers of a good challenge, they get excited easily and have an innate desire to stay active in some form, whether mentally or physically. With a tendency for the dramatics, Petkovic cautions Fire signs against making rash decisions and overburdening themselves by taking on too much.
Most compatible with:
Fire signs, air signs
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