The four Zodiac Elements...Fire, Earth, Air and Water...are also known as the Triplicities since there are three signs belonging to each Elemental category. Thus, this trio of Signs share something of a similar basic character. These Elements are also known as the Four Humors, utilized in Astro-Meteorology to describe a type of wind and in other matters associated with the weather. Empedocles, a Fifth Century Greek philosopher, originated the terms "Fire," "Earth," "Air" and "Water," explaining the nature of the universe as an interaction of two opposing principles called "Love" and "Strife" who manipulated the four Elements. Empedocles also stated that these four Elements were all equal and of the same age, each ruling its own province and each possessing its own individual character. Thus, different mixtures of these Elements produced the different natures of things.Many historic philosophers and alchemists also believed that the four Elements exhibited themeselves in humankind as four varying natures and that one would be more prevalent in each individual than the other three. Elemental signs are basic, being general or generic in nature. The related characteristics may be tempered by other factors, but the Elemental influence nonetheless refers to core human behavior and temperament. The Elemental quality associated with a Sign is dependent upon which of the Twelve Signs of the Zodiac the Sun was residing at the time of an individual's birth.
NOTE: In the Wiccan culture and some other Western traditions, there is also a Fifth Element known as Pure Spirit, "Quinta Essentia," or Akasha. Akasha is the life force...the basic substance of the Universe and the soul or spiritual being of an individual. It is the subtle spiritual essence that pervades all space...not precisely ether, but an ether-like substance of a spiritual rather than material nature which, in ancient writings, is said to operate by mean of sound or vibration. Thus, it is often identified with the Element of Air, but in a spiritual sense...the "Breath of God" concept. Essentially Akasha stands apart from the Four Elements of the Zodiac and is not depicted within an individual's horoscope. Akasha hints at the freedom of mankind and is a reminder of the "great mystery of the eternal."
Scorpio is governed by the Element of Water...an Element it shares with the Signs of Cancer and Pisces. Water is also the ruler of the Fourth, Eighth and Twelfth Houses of the Zodiac. Water is linked to emotion and the subconscious. Believed by many to be the strongest and most enduring Element, Water is associated with love, purification, intuition, compassion, family, mysteries of the self and psychic ability. In a physical sense, all life is dependent upon Water and it is symbolic of the universal womb, the Great Mother, birth and fertility. This Element is equally life-giving and life-destroying...used to cleanse or purify in both a physical and psychic sense. Water is able to adopt many forms...it can be liquid or gaseous (as in steam) or even frozen...it can be as gentle as a tiny babbling brook or as violent as a thundering tidal wave. Water is indicative of the emotional response to a situation, as well as being sensitive and inspiring of intuition. This Element remembers the past and foresees the future. It is said to correspond to the emotional side of an individual's nature...humans being equally as changeable, subtle and able to infliltrate as is Water itself. Water natives possess the ability to gauge moods, sense the atmosphere of an environment and act accordingly. The approach of these individuals is based upon emotion, where experience is registered through feelings and evaluated by the emotional responses made to such feelings. This Element also describes what is known as instinct...or the part of an individual which is animal and includes the workings of the body which are outside the bounds of willpower...digestion, heartbeat and the instincts of survival and procreation, for example. The traditional symbol for Water is a triangle pointing downward.
Water individuals tend to feel things very deeply but remain emotionally reserved, regardless what outward impression may be given. However, still waters do run deep and there is a certain mystery which has always been associated with Water Signs. Such subjects are prone to fall silent or become withdrawn when they are attempting to sort things out, and it usually takes quite some time for others to become well-acquainted with those ruled by this Element since Water natives tend to reveal themselves very slowly. Water Signs realize that their intense emotions hold tremendous power and are apt to handle their feelings with extreme care. In love, water signs "fall" wholeheartedly and are more than generous with their devotion. Being sensitive, they are highly romantic...even sentimental. Often blessed with psychic powers, those governed by Water have the ability to read the true intentions of others by simply tuning-in to gestures and body language. Those ruled by Water will always trust actions more than they trust the spoken word. This Element is the universal solvent, cleansing and sustaining life on earth, breaking down substances, dissolving them and then taking on their qualities. In much the same way, a Water Sign native will listen to the problems of others and then take on those problems as though they were his or her own. This ability to sympathize and empathize is a truly wonderful trait and individuals governed by Water offer those in need their full attention, a shoulder to cry on and some excellent advice. Because Water Signs give of themselves so readily, it is necessary for them to have regular time alone in order to regain their center.
The Element of Water is said to rule the soul and possess a strong aversion to being confined. Thus, those who fall under its influence will often assert their immense desire for freedom...no matter how gently such may be expressed. Water Signs will be imaginative and very creative and their observations regarding the human condition quite often inspire masterpieces of painting, music, photography, literature or dance. Working in a studio or a small self-employed business (usually connected to the creative arts) holds much appeal for those ruled by Water, although their on-target intuition frequently assures success in financial areas also. Water natives are intuitive, sensitive and tend to feel more intensely than those born under the other three Elemental jurisdictions. These are emotional and nurturing souls who, somewhat like a river, "run deep." Actions are usually based on sense rather than logic or intellect. Basically, Water Signs are concerned with compassion and understanding, since the receptive talent of such individuals is extraordinarily high. Those governed by this Element are able to absorb the feelings of those around them, process the information and then put forth a plan or solution which will be conscientious to all. Since Water Signs sense the feelings of others and are acutely aware of their surroundings on an emotional level, they tend to live in a somewhat spiritual world where everything and anything can become sacred. Thus, given such a protective and nurturing nature, Water natives frequently find it difficult to draw the line between what they should care about and what they should leave alone.
The major problem of those ruled by Water is their sensitivity. They are prone to break under stress if their sensitivity cannot be controlled and may seek escape through drugs, alcohol or some other type of addiction. These subjects also have a tendency to harbor grudges due to this same lack of control. Nevertheless, for the most part, the influence of Water manifests itself in an artistic manner, with those under its influence desirous of aesthetic beauty...and a wish that everyone be happy as a result of that beauty. Yet, much like still water can become stagnant, Water individuals who are inactive are not at their best. They feel most fulfilled when they are helping others...something they are usually able to accomplish in an enchanting, considerate and even romantic fashion. On the negative side, there is a tendency for those who fall under the jurisdiction of this Element to brood. They are susceptible to mood swings and, at their worst, can grow to be self-indulgent, controlling and hostage to something of a fantasy world. Of all the Signs, those ruled by Water are able to see things most clearly. In short, they are the psychics of the Zodiac...ones who prefer to specialize in private relationships. Individuals who fall under the jurisdiction of Water are fluidly-feeling souls and their range of dispositions moves readily from "ice storm" to "placid river" to "hot steam." These natives adore the comforts of home and family and are, in general, strongly nurturing of anything that has life. With compassionate instincts, the Water subject is drawn to care for whomever or whatever appears to be weak, defective or on the "losing side."
Adept in the world of feelings and rarely unduly frightened by any emotion which might be encountered, Water individuals are often mutually attracted to those governed by the Element of Air (Gemini, Libra and Aquarius). These Air subjects require support when encountering deep feelings and past memories, being apt to minimize the value of emotional experiences, while Water natives require assistance in the realm of logic and reason...qualities upon which they can draw heavily from the more verbal Air individual. However, Air tends to be a rather superficial Element and when the approaches of Air are perceived as being too icy and hostile, Water will shut itself off by forming a sheet of ice, thereby preventing the coldly analytical intellect of Air from looking into the depths of Water's soul. However, when these two Elements do connect in a favorable fashion, the results are often manifested in the form of artists who know how to express the images of the soul through words or music. This Elemental combination can also produce the true spiritual helpers and guides. Nevertheless, Water natives customarily dislike the strong boisterous personality which is inherent in the Air character. This personality aversion also applies to those governed by the Element of Fire (Aries, Leo and Sagittarius), but to an even greater extent and Water tends to flee from the heat of Fire Signs. In short, this is a combination which "steams." Water quickly feels overpowered by Fire's direct nature and often, Water finds itself with hurt feelings. Yet, the momentum of Fire...the inherent optimism and joy of life...can sometimes rouse Water from its apathy. Since trust is of paramount importance to Water, perhaps the most compatible Element is Earth (Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn), which is frequently able to provide such a quality. Earth may bring to Water the much needed stability, structure and consistency to keep this Element contained in a more healthy and calm manner. However, this will apply only as long as Earth can prevent itself from "drying out" the Element of Water since there is a tendency for Earth to suppress, by way of unimaginative and factual thinking, the inner correlation that Water senses.
ASPECT/POLARITY: Feminine, which is not a reference to gender but to the associated type of energy. In the case of the feminine aspect, the energy is receptive and traditionally conceived as being less active and focused on the emotional/material world, lending sensitivity and emotional depth to the character. Feminine signs (Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn and Pisces) are nocturnal or night-oriented by nature, viewed in the same light as the Yin (or dark) polarity of the Tao.
Within each of the Triplicities or Elements is found a category known as the Qualities...also referred to as the Quadruplicities, Modes or Common States. There are three Qualities: Cardinal, Fixed and Mutable. Each Quality addresses the manner of expression which will be displayed by the individual who falls within its jurisdiction, based upon which of the four Elements predominates. Thus, the Element (either Fire, Earth, Air or Water) will dictate the core characteristics, while the Quality (Cardinal, Fixed or Mutable) will dictate the way in which those characteristics are expressed.
Scorpio is a Fixed Quality Sign (a Quality it shares with Taurus, Leo and Aquarius). Fixed Signs arrive at the height of each of the four Seasons...a time of the most powerful seasonal expression. These Signs are the anchor points of the Zodiac, providing depth and meaning through the establishment of a strong sense of values. As the second Zodiac Sign of Autumn, Scorpio is the solidifier of this Season. Fixed Signs operate with stamina, loyalty, determination and perseverance. They are not easily compromised, possess deeply-ingrained habits and find any form of change a difficult concept. The most common response of Fixed Quality Signs is one of resistance. Thus, "letting go" can be a problem in all areas of life. These natives maintain, uphold and defend positions, responsibilities, goals or desires in everyday situations. In short, they are the Zodiac's preservers of tradition and those who fall under the jurisdiction of a Fixed Quality are not easily distracted...able to keep "hands on the wheel and eyes on the road" at all times. Fixed Signs can be relied upon to build with dogged persistence. They stabilize assets and never give up, working away in a calm fashion until the desired objective has been achieved. Fixed Signs have an abundance of self-reliance and seldom lack confidence. They are both powerful and purposeful, never forgeting those who helped them to reach their goals. Patient and steady, these individuals are reliable and determined...resolute and stable...possessing a great deal of strength, persistence and the ability to concentrate. Conversely, Fixed Signs can sometimes be stubborn, displaying a "my-way-or-the-highway" attitude and may tend to become stuck in their ways, believing they are always right. These are the tenacious souls of the Zodiac...the individuals who actually get things done. Fixed Quality Signs represent centripetal energy...energy which radiates inward toward the center. These natives are associated with the principle of intertia in their mundane manifestation, but are also known for great powers of concentration and perseverance when the energy is used in the pursuit of creative activities or spiritual development. The Fixed Quality is more centered on the "here and now" than either of the other Qualities, its essential energy movement being to preserve and sustain what was begun in the Cardinal phase. While Cardinal Signs start projects, Fixed Signs will finish them. In short, the Cardinal Quality indicates action, whereas the Fixed Quality is indicative of drawing action. There is an inclination toward stubborness here, coupled with a tendency to get into something of a rut, but such is the downside of an inherent ability to "stay the course." Fixed Signs are generally greatly valued for their consistency, loyality, devotion and reliability...to say nothing of being blessed with a patient nature. However, those who governed by a Fixed Quality hold very strong opinions and, at times, can be inflexible. Nevertheless, there are some areas of life where such traits are needed and even encouraged.As a Water Sign with Fixed Quality, Scorpio natives are fixated upon the emotional issues around shared values. Indeed, they are prone to carry the concept of sharing into the realm of intimacy and emotion. Scorpio deals intimately with sex and death. Just as these two subjects represent two ends of the life spectrum, so does Scorpio go to extremes. The Sign in and of itself holds extremes...able to act as a pillar of strength one minute and then be treacherous as quicksand the next. It is inherent in the Scorpio nature to get to the bottom of things and find the root cause. When such is accomplished...as it will surely be...then they will destroy the cause. Scorpio natives take no halfway measures in providing a cure or resolving a problem. To these individuals, the problem must be elimination so it can never return and be a pestilence. Consequently, Scorpio has a predisposition toward dealing out death. Regardless of how close a person may be to a native of this Sign, there will always be secrets and those governed by Scorpio will always hold back a part of themselves. An integral part of the Scorpio personality is to be resourceful...and to keep a part of themselves in reserve.
