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 Water is associated with the Signs Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces, and it also rules the Fourth, Eighth and Twelfth Houses.
The watery words flow with this Element: fluid, flowing, wavering.
These terms can easily apply to an individual’s emotions, which are exactly the realm in which Water exerts its influence.
Water Signs are intuitive, sensitive and feel more intensely than the rest.
They are emotional and nurturing and, like a river, run deep.
How things feel is what matters to these folks, and they base their actions on sense, rather than on logic or intellect.
Water is also about compassion and understanding, since the receptive talents of these individuals are remarkably high.
Water Sign people can take in the feelings of others, process them, and put forth a plan or solution that will be conscientious to all.
Those graced by Water love to take their sense of the world and translate it into the artistic.
They desire aesthetic beauty — and for everyone to be happy as a result of that beauty.
Much like still water can become stagnant, however, an inactive Water Sign person is not a Water Sign person at their best.
Water Signs feel most fulfilled when they are helping others, and they do so in an enchanting, considerate and even romantic way.
The flip side of this dreamy Water world is the tendency of these individuals to brood.
Water Signs are susceptible to mood swings, and, at their worst, they could become self-indulgent, controlling and hostage to a fantasy world.
This also brings up the ability of these folks to see things more clearly than others.
Call it psychic, if you will.
Water Signs are emotional, empathetic, receptive and feel things deeply.
Alternately calm like the sea or possessing the force of a torrential rain, the emotions brought forth by this Element are plentiful, indeed.