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 Fire is associated with the Signs Aries, Leo and Sagittarius, and it also rules the First, Fifth and Ninth Houses.
As one would expect, those graced by Fire are fiery, indeed. They are enthusiastic and sometimes larger than life. Just like a fire that is left untended, however, Fire Signs can burn out of control.
Ouch! It’s best to tend those embers.
A Fire Sign is also an indicator of creativity.
This Element manifests itself in creative and unique ways, and those in its glow are also wonderfully courageous, lively spirits.
Those influenced by a Fire Sign are self-sufficient, spontaneous and possess a tremendous zest for life.
It also stands to reason that a combustible Fire Signer would be ardent in the game of love.
Yes, these are the sexiest Signs of the Zodiac, knowing they are the cat’s meow and climbing ever higher in the name of love.
To their credit, those touched by Fire are often an inspiration to others, certainly for their adherence to solid moral and religious ideals.
If there’s a flip side to the Element of Fire, it can be that those who bear its will can be overly strident in getting their way.
Call it bossy, even. These folks can come across rather forcefully.
Selfishness and an overdeveloped ego can also be seen as part of a fiery individual’s shadowy side.
Fire Signs are strong, self-assured, creative and fun.
When they get too hot to touch, though, it may be a good idea to stand baxk!