The Elements of Astrology
Fire, Earth, Air, Water, Wood & Metal — the foundations of Western and Chinese astrology.
Elements are the building blocks of astrological systems. In Western astrology, four elements — Fire, Earth, Air, and Water — divide the twelve zodiac signs into groups that share core temperaments, motivations, and ways of engaging with the world. Each sign expresses its element in a unique way, shaped by its modality and planetary ruler.
Chinese astrology uses five elements — Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water — that cycle through the years on a two-year rotation, combining with the twelve animals to create the full 60-year calendar. These elements represent phases of energy transformation rather than fixed traits, reflecting the Taoist principle that all things flow and change.
Western Elements
The four classical elements group the 12 zodiac signs by shared temperament.
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Chinese Elements
The five phases (Wu Xing) cycle through the years, shaping personality alongside the 12 animals.