Elements have been used as the principle building blocks when Tarot, astrology and other esoteric sciences were initially designed. In the western world we identify with four basic elements used to relate to concepts, people, places and things. The four elements we currently identify with are fire, earth, air and water, with each element corresponding to a suit in the Tarot and a sign or house in astrology.

Fire is considered to be a life force which gives zest to our lives. It is active, adventurous and aggressive, as well as playful, creative and loving. It strives to be first, and it should come as no surprise to discover that many people with a preponderance of fire in their birth horoscopes tend to think primarily of their own wants, needs and desires. In matters of love, fire is conquesting, exciting and romantic. Fire is associated with the astrological signs of Aries, Leo and Sagittarius, and the suit of Wands in the Tarot.

Earth is the stabilising force in our lives which reminds us of our duties, responsibilities and obligations, and thus helps us achieve our worldly ambitions. It helps us to work, earn money and advance in our careers. Because of this emphasis on materialism, earth can at times appear boring or greedy, but on other occasions it can appear sensual as people with this element strongly aspected in their horoscope enjoy good food, drink and pleasurable entertainment. In matters of love, earth tends to be more analytical, practical and sensual, and will choose a partner based upon what he or she can bring into the family unit. Earth is associated with the astrological signs of Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn, and the suit of Pentacles in the Tarot identifies most closely with this element.

Air is intellectual and prefers to think, communicate and socialise. It is responsible for the development of acquaintanceships, close relationships and marriages. Air as a rule operates best when surrounded by friends and needs a wide variety of intellectual stimulation or will become bored. In matters of love, air tends to opt for commitments to be cemented with a legal contract because it knows all too well that verbal arrangements can easily be misunderstood. Air is associated with the astrological signs of Gemini, Libra and Aquarius, and the suit of Swords in the Tarot.

Water gives us feelings which range from pure, to intense, to spiritual in nature. Without water we cannot feel because this element is highly intuitive. Although water enables us to experience feelings, we can easily escape into a fantasy world or addiction if other stabilising forces are not present. Water is an elusive element and is often responsible for delusion in our lives which can manifest when we are under stress. In matters of love, water seeks soulmate relationships which are intense and spiritual. Water is associated with the astrological signs of Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces, and the suit of Cups in the Tarot.

HOW THE ELEMENTS RELATE TO ONE ANOTHER

When one element is combined with another, the two elements form a reaction which can result in either a positive, negative or neutral effect. For example, the elements of earth and water are said to compliment each other and provide a favourable influence as water pours forth onto the earth to provide life giving moisture which will bring vegetation and life. However, if the same water floods the earth, the life giving moisture which is so necessary for survival can saturate and drown the plants it had previously helped give life to. The compatibility of elements should never be taken for granted and we should never assume that earth is always compatible with water and that air is always incompatible with water.

Fire coupled with fire has somewhat of a neutral effect in most instances. When the elements of fire are combined with each other this indicates that much energy is put forth into business or creative enterprises. Although fire, when combined with itself, is said to be beneficial, too much can become explosive. For this reason it is essential to properly harness the vast amount of energy inherent in this element to derive maximum benefit.

The element of air tends to strengthen fire. The creative energy of fire coupled with the mental agility of air brings much imaginative creation in the form of visions and bright ideas. When a touch of air is blown onto a burning ember the flame will intensify and strengthen. However, if a huge gust of air overpowers that same ember, it will extinguish the flame. Therefore, it is always necessary to temper air and fire so that these two elements can enhance each other.

When fire is coupled with earth, these two elements have the effect of complimenting each other. The energy inherent in fire mingled with the practicality of earth helps us to achieve our materialistic goals through inspiration and actualised by hard work. As with the other elements, fire's energy needs to be properly directed so that it doesn't scorch the practical potential of earth.

When fire is mixed with water much care needs to be taken to ensure that these elements do not weaken each other. When emotions are mixed with energy, a melodramatic emotional outburst can occur if a proper balance is not maintained to temper any passionate displays. The activators inherent in fire can generate much creativity when combined with the sensitivity of water.

When earth is combined with itself it has somewhat of a neutral influence. The two earthy elements have a tendency to reinforce each other's practical qualities so money, property and other basal concerns predominate. Although earth coupled with itself is usually neutral, too much earth can lead to excessive materialism, greed or lust which will allow us to become entrapped by our possessions.

The element of earth combined with water has somewhat of a neutral impact when coupled together. The practicality of earth generally has the effect of stabilising water's deeply flowing emotions. Earth provides a sense of level-headedness which helps water keep its deep emotions at bay. Although the astrological sign of Capricorn is considered to exemplify the properties of earth, the fact that the symbol is half fish and half goat indicates that this sign, at least on an esoteric level, has deeply buried feelings that have somehow been transcended to form more highly rationalised thought processes to give the recipient much empathy when forming opinions. Excavations from ancient oriental drawings also suggest that the earthly sign of Capricorn was at one time a water sign. Additionally, our modern zodiac was not in its present form until about 2,000 years ago when it is said that Julius Caesar carved Libra and Virgo out of the former great snake-like constellation of Scorpio in an effort to make the calendar more accurate. With this in mind, Capricorn may well have been considered more emotive than present day astrologers give it credit for, and these ancient influences may still lie dormant in our zodiac's most serious sign. When earth is combined with water the creativity channelled through is more useful to come up with inventions which will enable us to more effectively go about our day-to-day activities.

When earth is coupled with air the influence of these two elements can be weakened. The intellectual influences of air combined with earth can produce a conflict of material versus analytical concerns.

The element of air deals predominantly with communication and our ability to express ourselves throughout the use of words. Throughout history the written and spoken work has been interpreted in many ways, thus leading to disputes which have necessitated the intervention of facilitators and mediators in order to prevent misunderstandings.

When air is coupled with itself, it generally has somewhat of a neutral effect. Because air is mentally agile, the combination of these two elements stimulates a great deal of cerebral agility. This mental activity can take the form of correspondence, writing and decision making. Since air generally dictates verbal activity, misunderstanding and discord can sometimes occur.

When air is coupled with water, these two elements have a tendency to strengthen one another. The intellectual characteristics of air mingled with the emotional sensitivity of water tends to produce creative ideas as well as socialistic thinking processes. A touch of water mixed with air can form a fine mist which creates a sense of refreshing coolness on a warm day. However, if that same water becomes too heavy the mist will give way to heavy humidity or showers. For this reason, it is essential that just the right amount of water is mingled with air to ensure a positive outcome.

When water is coupled with itself, it tends to have somewhat of a neutral effect. Water mixed with itself highlights emotional sensitivity. If this emotional sensitivity is positive, much joy, love, fun and creativity can come from the union. However, if the emotions are low, then excessive fantasy, depression or delusions can result.