Star Sign Meanings: A Guide to the Zodiac Elements (Fire, Earth, Air, Water

Astrology plays an important role in our behaviors and characteristics. Our star sign meanings aren’t just there for decoration; they interact with the zodiac elements to influence who we are as people. Whether you are simply wondering ‘What are the zodiac signs?’ or are seeking a deeper understanding of a sign, this blog has you covered. 

Throughout this article, you will gain an understanding of their importance and the relationship between astrology and the elements, as well as what this means for our behaviors and characteristics.

What Are the Zodiac Elements?

The zodiac elements are Fire, Earth, Air, and Water. Each star sign is categorized into one of these elements, which each serves an overriding purpose and description in the impact of astrology on our personalities and behaviors.

The star signs are categorised into the zodiac elements as follows:

• Fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) radiate energy and passion

• Earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) are known for their practicality and stability

• Air signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) embody intellect and communication

• Water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) are associated with emotion and intuition

The Fire Signs: Passion and Energy

Passionate, energetic, driven, and bold - all are characteristics of fire signs. Fire itself can be destructive and feisty, but undoubtedly beautiful and vibrant. Those who are fire signs encapsulate this driven nature that astrology intended, allowing them to excel in what they put their mind to.

Aries

Aries is the first sign in the zodiac, covering birthdays from March 21st to April 19th and is represented by a Ram. Generally action-oriented, Aries embody the pure essence of their element of fire. Their energetic nature fuels their courage, and their drive allows them to strive for greatness. While their stubbornness and inflexibility may shorten their temper, it also enables them to rise as leaders and overcome obstacles. Aries generally thrive in compatibility with other fire signs. Equal amounts of ambition limit boredom and create energetic relationships.

Leo

Represented by a lion, the Leo zodiac sign covers birthdays from July 23rd to August 22nd. Radiating warmth and brightness through their loyalty and confidence, Leos embody the fire element through their charisma and desire for the spotlight. Although this may come across as arrogance, there is little doubt in a Leo’s ability to express their passion through their behavior. The flair of fire throughout a Leo’s personality allows them to direct their energy towards self-expression. Generally compatible with other fire signs, Leos find ease in the equal levels of passion and often form successful connections.

Sagittarius

The adventurous aspect of fire is the essence of a Sagittarius. With wisdom comes a positive mindset and optimism for life, which in turn increases their ease in forming relationships. Covering the birthdays between November 22nd and December 21st, and defined by the symbol of the archer, Sagittarius follows in the footsteps of their fire sign counterparts by being action-focused and passionate. Whilst this can lead them to being impulsive and lacking in focus, their headstrong direction keeps them on track. It is no surprise that Sagittarius are most compatible with their fellow fire signs with shared enthusiasm and stimulation. They are also able to form strong relationships with air signs, where characteristics bode well.

The Earth Signs: Grounded and Practical

Being grounded and practical allows earth signs to remain headstrong and focused on their goals. With motivation to remain patient in their chosen fields, their hard work often allows them to enjoy the luxury life that earth signs tend to strive for.

Taurus

Taurus is the second sign of the zodiac, covering birthdays from April 20th to May 20th, and is represented by a bull. Known for their love of luxury (and bordering on materialistic), their hardworking nature often allows them to achieve this preferred lifestyle. In true earth sign style, they are grounded and practical, being difficult to aggravate or anger. However, that's not to say they aren't fierce once provoked. Their stubbornness fuels this fierceness, but it could be the key to their success. Most compatible with other Taureans, the desire for a luxurious life is ideally shared.

Virgo

Virgos are those born between August 23rd and September 22nd. Represented by a maiden with a sheath of wheat, their practicality is the key characteristic that demonstrates them as an earth sign. Reliable and striving for excellence in every aspect of their lives, this can result in the negative side of perfectionism. However, being dependable in this way is a trait that should not be overlooked. Most compatible with their fellow earth signs that share their practicality and reliability, Virgos also tend to click with water signs that complement a Virgo with their nurturing nature.

Capricorn

Represented by a Sea Goat, Capricorns are those born between December 22nd and January 19th. Their strong work ethic is complemented by their patience and discipline, enabling them to excel in whatever they set their minds to. With a tendency to be too serious and bordering on pessimistic, Capricorns may struggle to express their emotions correctly. Nevertheless, with their ability to navigate problems in a practical manner, it would be no surprise to see a Capricorn achieve what they put their mind to. Compatibility-wise, Capricorns are most suited to their fellow earth signs. Relationships with other signs, such as Aquarius and Aries, may seem difficult, but with good communication can thrive.

The Air Signs: Intellect and Communication

Presented through their intellectual and social nature, air signs are generally open to exploring new ideas and prioritize the greater good. They are curious and creative, but despite their sociable nature, have a tendency to be emotionally detached.

Gemini

Represented by the twins Castor and Pollux, Geminis are those born between May 21st and June 20th. Known for their adaptability and curiosity, Geminis have the ability to channel this, allowing them to excel in communication. Thriving in social settings with a desire to learn about others and their perspectives, this allows Geminis to be well-liked but also be prone to only building superficial relationships, with a lack of depth. They find higher compatibility with other air signs and also fire signs, where they are able to benefit from each other's enthusiasm.

Libra

Represented by the symbol of scales, Libras prioritize balance and justice. Covering the birthdays between September 23rd and October 23rd, the element of air manifests itself in a Libra’s sense of fairness and harmony. However, this desire to be loving and fair can result in people pleasing, restricting their ability to prioritize themselves and their own goals. This means Libras benefit from the essence of air throughout other air signs, making them more compatible. Nevertheless, a relationship with a fire sign allows for passion and love to be the priority.

Aquarius

Aquarians are the true essence of an air sign. With their intelligence and independence often taking centre stage, the water bearer seeks to share their wisdom and uplift others. Covering January 20th to February 18th, Aquarians tend to be innovative and unpredictable. They may, however, struggle with one-on-one empathy, often being emotionally distant and cold, emphasized by their independent streak. Compatible with their fellow air signs and also fire signs, strong intellectual connections can be formed and are strengthened by a mutual understanding of the need for a degree of freedom.

The Water Signs: Intuition and Emotion

The water signs are characterized by their emotional nature and ability to provide for others. They place empathy and compassion above all and use their intuition for the greater good.

Cancer

Known for their emotional and nurturing nature, Cancers are represented by a crab, and are those born between June 21st and July 22nd. With a streak of dedication among their emotions, this is often demonstrated through their loyalty and desire to help others. This intensity of emotions, however, can lead to them being perceived as clingy or sensitive. Cancers tend to be more compatible with the other water signs, where they can reach a mutual understanding of the emotions involved in such relationships.

Scorpio

Known for their passion and ambition, the Scorpio star sign represents those born between October 23rd and November 21st, and therefore a scorpion. Their determined nature pushes them to reach for their goals, though their jealousy and desire for control can hold them back. Their intense passion can come across as overwhelming to others, but they tend to draw others towards them through their charisma. Sharing an emotional understanding with the other water signs makes them most compatible, whereas signs that desire independence will struggle to form deep relationships with a Scorpio.

Pisces

The Pisces star sign represents those born between February 19th and March 20th. They channel the emotion of the water element through their empathy and compassion for others. They are often drawn to the artistic side of life and are represented by two fish swimming in opposite directions. Being the final sign of the zodiac, they embody the culmination of learning from all of the signs and carry this wisdom with them. Finding strong compatibility with their fellow water signs, Pisces also bode well with fire signs, allowing them to bond over shared passion.

Find Your Element: A Quick Guide

The elements and star signs within these are based on your birthday. Follow our easy guide to finding your star sign, then use this to discover which element you are:

• January 20th to February 18th - Aquarius - Air

• February 19th and March 20th - Pisces - Water

• March 21st to April 19th - Aries - Fire

• April 20th to May 20th - Taurus - Earth

• May 21st and June 20th - Gemini - Air

• June 21st and July 22nd - Cancer - Water

• July 23rd to August 22nd - Leo - Fire

• August 23rd and September 22nd - Virgo - Earth

• September 23rd and October 23rd - Libra - Air

• October 23rd and November 21st - Scorpio - Water

• November 22nd and December 21st - Sagittarius - Fire

• December 22nd and January 19th - Capricorn - Earth

Capture Your Cosmic Identity with The Night Sky

Our star signs' meanings are important to us. There is no doubt about that. But sometimes, reminding ourselves of those meanings in order to stay true to ourselves can be difficult. That's where The Night Sky comes in. Our zodiac jewelry is inspired by the ancient stories of the zodiacs and allows you to keep your identity close to your heart, while our star maps can be customized to show the night sky on the day you were born, giving you a visual of your cosmic identity. 

For a piece you can always keep close by, our jewelry, such as our star map necklaces, bracelets, and lockets, provides a constant source of identity and allows you to remain close to your cosmic roots.