There are two classifications of the Signs of the Zodiac –Elements and Qualities — and they each refer to core humancharacteristics.
The Elements, which are also known asTriplicities (as in groupings of three), speak to the basic natureand temperament of a Sign, whereas Qualities address theirmanner of expression.
The Elements (Fire, Earth, Air and Water) are based on ancientGreek philosophy.
The ancients took it back to square one, thebuilding blocks of life: the solid earth upon which we stand, therunning water we use as a resource, the air we breathe and thefire which keeps us warm and aids in the creation of additionalresources.
It’s easy to see a kinship to science in this elementalplan.
With the individual in mind, the Greeks started philosophizing abit.
In this scenario, the body is considered earthy, feelings arefluid, thoughts often airy and activity animated and energetic.
Astrology developed, the ancients attached these elementalcharacteristics to the Signs, seeing as how it made sense toplace a watery label on a more emotional sort.
Thus evolved theclassification of the Signs to their corresponding Elements.
The four Elements and their corresponding Signs are Fire (Aries,Leo and Sagittarius), Earth (Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn), Air(Gemini, Libra and Aquarius) and Water (Cancer, Scorpio, andPisces).
While the Elements in and of themselves help todescribe our basic nature, once combined in our overallastrological chart, they help to define us as a whole and complexperson.
In looking at an individual’s astrological chart, the presence ofmore Fire Signs may well indicate a fiery, combustiblepersonality.
Along the same lines, the absence of Earth Signswould indicate someone who is not very grounded or practical.
The presence of a mix of all of the Elements would be a sign ofa well-rounded individual.
Each Element reflects a quality of human nature andcorresponds with the Suits in both playing cards and the Tarot.

The Element of Earth is attached to the Signs Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn, and it also rules the Second, Sixth and Tenth Houses.
All the earthy metaphors are appropriate here: salt of the Earth, feet firmly planted on the ground and so forth.
Those graced by an Earth Sign in their horoscope are practical, grounded and dependable.
These folks aren’t taking big risks, much preferring a sure thing.
Much like the Elements are considered the building blocks in nature, Earth Signs are the builders of the zodiac.
To these Signs, creation is a tangible proposition.
Whether it’s building jobs or homes, or creating comfortable rooms within that home through the acquisition of possessions, Earth Signers are about all what is solid around us.
Those influenced by this Element feel best once they have accumulated a goodly number of worldly possessions.
The risk inherent in this, however, is that these individuals may become greedy and far too materialistic.
The Element of Earth also confers a sense of duty, responsibility and reliability to those in its sphere.
These are the people you can count on to be there when you need them.
Those influenced by Earth also tend toward caution and conservatism, in both desire and approach.
That said, they are sensualists, certainly in that they appreciate a good meal and fine wine better than anyone else.
The logical mind of an Earth Signer is always appreciated.
In keeping with this measured approach, these folks also display considerable recuperative powers.
On the flip side of things, however, those supported by Earth may be so caught up in their objectives that they might overlook the feelings of others.
It is a big picture, after all, but these folks may be more concerned with the finish line than the journey they are taking.
Earth Signs are dependable, practical and conservative, yet fairly materialistic.
They have their feet on the ground but their eyes on the prize.