posted October 22, 2002 09:13 PM              

Before we can talk about the elements, also known as the triplicities, I think it might be useful to spend a minute describing some of the very basic points of astrology and the terms I’ll be using along the way, especially for the brand-new astrologers out there!

The natal chart, also called the horoscope, wheel, nativity or map, is analogous to a picture of the sky taken at the moment of your birth. It is depicted as a circle with 12 ‘compartments’, called houses. Each house corresponds with one of the 12 signs of the Zodiac, and each of the 12 signs of the Zodiac are affiliated with a particular planet (for our purposes the Sun and Moon, also known as the luminaries, also fall under the umbrella of ‘planet’.) Each sign of the Zodiac is also considered to be representative of certain human characteristics, or archetype that has it’s genesis in myth and legends. While all twelve signs are unique, there are various common links between them, and this is where the elements come into play, as well as the modes, which will be discussed in the next lesson.

There are four elements used in astrology: fire, earth, air, and water. The twelve signs are divided equally among the elements, so that there are three signs that represent each element, which is where the term ‘triplicity’ comes from.

As we talked about in the introduction, there is a relationship between what we see in natural phenomena and our own experiences. (i.e. ‘As above, so below.) The concept of elements in astrology seeks to categorize the signs by using nature to assist in the symbolic definition of the signs. When considering the meaning of a particular sign it is essential to know it’s element, and so it’s especially useful to become familiar with what the element represents. This is not a difficult process at all! Visualizing and meditating on the nature of each element will help each of you to be able to understand it’s makeup.

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Fire Signs are courageous, idealistic, enthusiastic, energetic and optimistic. Fire signs usually do things in great and energetic rushes and are capable of accomplishing much in a short time. They have a tendency to ‘burn-out’, and so a challenge for all fire signs is to learn moderation.

The Fire Signs are: Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius

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Earth Signs are practical, down to earth, refined and realistic. Earth signs are concerned with gathering resources and are sometimes leaned upon by the other signs because of their inherent stability. Because of the focus on resources, Earth signs need to guard against materialism.

The Earth Signs are: Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn

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Air signs are intellectual, mental, changeable and objective. Air signs are most concerned with the mind and the expression of thought . This intellectual approach can sometimes mean that air signs appear to be distant or aloof in intimate relationships, which is something they need to be conscious of.

The Air Signs are: Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius

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Water signs are emotional, sensitive, artistic, compassionate and intuitive. Like the ocean, most people who are heavily influenced by water may appear to be always flowing, moving like the tides. Water people are also very sensitive to the feelings of others, which can allow for a great deal of compassion, but have to guard against using this understanding in a manipulative fashion.

The Water Signs are: Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces

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Discussion Question: What element is your Sun Sign? How do you feel this element expresses it’s self in your daily life?

In terms of compatibility, signs are considered compatible if they belong to the same element. Do you agree or disagree? Have you seen this in your own life? (If you do not know your Sun Sign, please post your birthdata, including place and time – I will let you know!)

Recommended Exercise: Some memory work is helpful when learning astrology. Memorizing what sign is associated with which element is one of those things which will assist you in understanding the basic nature of a chart quickly. Making a deck of ‘flash’ cards is something that is often recommended. If you create something like this, be sure to leave room for all the other useful tidbits you will be learning about each sign as the lessons progress!!!

posted October 22, 2002 10:06 PM              

this is just so cool..i am so excited!!

i'm a Fire sign btw, Sag, 121670...and I am ALWAYS burning out...

THANKS AGAIN TERRI!

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When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love has always won. There have been tyrants, and murderers, and for a time they can seem invincible, but in the end they always fall, always.

- Mahatma Gandhi

posted October 22, 2002 10:18 PM            

I'm an earth sun and Ascendant myself.

posted October 23, 2002 01:51 AM              

I am definately attracted to air signs with friendships, usually either Libra's and even more so Aquarian's.

I don't think I've ever had a lasting friendship with another fire element person.

My family are water sun, earth sun and fire sun, so there's a real mixture in my house!

I do tend to think my water element moon is the 'burn-out, draining' influence in my chart, but I could be wrong.
18th Dec 1968 (4:45 am Melb~Australia )

Anyway I just love being a Sagi and thank god that I was born under 'lucky' Jupiter

posted October 23, 2002 10:03 AM              

Illog - I have skimmed through many of Arryo's books, but never bought any. I do like his approch though, so maybe I should make the committment.

Bernadette and Poops - My son is a Saggi too, and he is always gung-ho, cheery and very very busy. He will fight bedtime and naptime with a vengence, yet if he misses out on enough sleep he ends up in a total collapse. Now he is still very little, so that's a bit exaggerated, but it's an example of what I mean by fire sign burn-out - they become so enthusiatically involved with whatever they are doing that they run the risk of ignoring the natural cues to take a break.

Air + fire, water + earth are considered good pairings of the elements too. That can be either in your combatibility with others, or even in your own natal chart, to see how combatible you are with yourself! (i.e. If your Ascendent is Aries and your Sun is Gemini than your outward and inner selves are in a harmonious balance. Compared to a Libra Sun, and a Pisces Ascendent, which might cause you to feel that people's perceptions of you (the Ascendent) are not at all like your real self (the Sun)

Ariesmoonxx - The nodes will be covered in greater detail by another teacher later, but a quick comment would be that since the Nodes point to your future (North) and past (South) the Saggi's into your life are to help you become familiar with the type of energy that you are moving towards at a Soul level. In general, I think it's been observed that when a number of people of the same sign are being drawn to you, that you have lessons to learn from that sign - and especially if as you say, 'they never work out'

posted October 23, 2002 04:57 PM            

I just had a thought......
For all you "newbees" - and I mean that in a way. If you don't know how to see your own chart - to see your elements then please post your details and we'll help you with your chart.
Sue

posted October 23, 2002 07:42 PM              

Hi Terri, I know what you mean with your son, as, when I was little I would go 'flat out' until I just colapsed at bedtime, actually not much has changed in time, as I still 'crash' the minute my noggen hits the pillow, and I can fall asleep, literally anywhere, regardless of the noise around me, but once awake, my mind's racing and I'm straight back into it. Boredom is my worst enemy!

Hi Cat, I was just wondering if you could check out my 'nodes' for me, I have my north in Aries (4th) & my south in Libra (10th), is this right ?????? Thanks !

Talk to you all soon.....

poops

posted October 24, 2002 03:21 AM              

That really annoys me.

posted October 24, 2002 02:47 PM              

Wonderful job!

My Sun is Aquarius (Air)
Moon is Capricorn (Earth)
Ascendent is Capricorn (Earth)

I have had the occasion of being misunderstood by others. I don't know if that is consistent with my chart having
(Air+Water)??

Also, I get bored and give up if things go too slow.??

TV is not for me, I'd rather read something.

Communication, OH! Yes, I can talk on the phone for hours!

Since I learned a few years ago, that I have a tendency to be distant with others.. I keep that in my awareness as not to offend anyone.
I press my children on making logical choices vs. emotional choices. I ALWAYS help them with homework.."If you can speak,read, and write properly; you can be anything you want to be."

Giving the benefit of the doubt has often been a problem for me, I tend to give it too much; but I only trust until that trust is broken.
In terms of compatibility, I do very well with (male-air)
(female-air) have a tendency to leave of their own accord or I eventually hate them If they do something that I can't forgive. No offense but they are usually Gemini.

(Earth) male and female are great!
(Fire) male and female are great, but they tax my patience.
(Water) male I CAN NOT deal with. Female still not sure, don't know too many.

We have a mixture of air and fire in our home. My children are fire, they seem to clash all day- everyday!
My husband and I, on the other hand get along wonderfully; we have maybe one disagreement every six to eight months or so...If that often! I know that sounds too good to be true...But it is true. Our children stress us A LOT! Being air we manage it well; I think....

posted October 24, 2002 04:50 PM              

Sun: Aries Fire
Moon: Aquarius Water
Rising: Taurus Earth

I am still looking for my birth certificate to check my birthtime. My mother told me 7:56am and she told me she was 'pretty sure' but she could be wrong. All this time I thought I was Leo rising (before I came here)