Weboteric - Astrology
Astrology - Elements and Qualities

Formerly, no Prince would make War or Peace, nor any General fight in Battle, in short, no important affair was undertaken without first consulting an Astrologer.

Benjamin Franklin

The Sun is in Libra

The Moon is: Waning Crescent

Astrology divides the signs into the four elements of Earth, Air, Fire and Water. Because there are twelve signs, three to each element, these are known as the Triplicities. The signs are also divided into three qualities, Cardinal, Fixed and Mutable. Because there are twelve signs, four to each quality, these are known as the Quadruplicities.

From ancient times four elements have been acknowledged by philosophers. Modern science derides this idea but misses the spiritual content.

It is only in recent times that the world of spirit and matter have been divided. In the age of Aquarius these concepts may well re-combine into a unified model of the universe.

Astrology divides the signs into the four elements of Earth, Air, Fire and Water. Because there are twelve signs, three to each element, these are known as the Triplicities. The signs are also divided into three qualities, Cardinal, Fixed and Mutable. Because there are twelve signs, four to each quality, these are known as the Quadruplicities.

By judging the influence these bring to a sign, the astrologer can judge action. For example, Aries is a fire sign - full of enthusiasm. It is also a cardinal sign sign - enterprising and outgoing. When faced with a new business idea, Aries will tend to charge ahead starting up, perhaps carrying through a bad patch with sheer enthusiasm.

The chart below shows the signs, their qualities and elements with an explantation below.

		Aries
		Taurus
		Gemini
		Cancer
		Leo
		Virgo
		Libra
		Scorpio
		Sagittarius
		Capricorn
		Aquarius
		Pisces

	Earth Practical and Stable, the Earth nurtures and provides the fertile soil for the growth of the spirit. Indicative of strength and resource as well as common sense.

	Air Intellectual and Communicative, the Air is inventive and alert providing the intelligence to carry through ideas. Often indicates a co-operative nature combined with a desire to explain.

	Fire Enthusiastic and Active, Fire is the force of the spirit generating idealism and will. Stimulating creation and creativity as well as providing the underlying strength behind endeavour.

	Water Emotional and Intuitive, Water enables change and progress. Compassion and artistic ability as well as psychic abilities are associated with this quality.

	Cardinal Enterprising and Outgoing. Cardinal signs are active, self-motivated and ambitious. Often leading or promoting ideas in any group.

	Fixed Unchanging and Stable. Fixed signs provide consistency, preserving heritage and holding onto traditional values. Filled with purpose and strength, a defender.

	Mutable Adaptable and Changing. Mutable signs learn and develop, able to see all sides to an issue and accept their opinion may change to match the reality.