The 4 Elements & Personality Traits
The Universe and everything within was formed from the 4 elements.
These elements are Water, Air, Earth and Fire.
The very fabric of existence is woven from these elements and yes that means you as well.
Scientists have confirmed through their research that we are indeed made up of the very fabric of the Universe.
The building blocks of life are formed from just a few basic ingredients.
And yes these ingredients are present in the stars, the makeup of the Universe and the 4 elements.
And it is for this very reason the 4 Elements can have such a profound impact on your life.
Every human being has a personality matched by one of the elements and by discovering which element your personality type is you are better placed to understand the strengths and weaknesses of your personality.
On this page, you will be able to learn more about your element and perhaps better understand your place in the world.
For many, this has been a great revelation that has a profound impact on their lives.
The History of The 4 Elements of Astrology
Our vast Universe and all that it contains is built from four fundamental building blocks of existence.
The basis of everything around us is made up from the 4 elements – Water, Air, Earth, and Fire.
Over the centuries, both scientists and philosophers have pondered about the creation of the Universe.
They agree that the very fabric of our existence comes down to the four elements. Water, Air, Earth, and Fire make up the simple building blocks that have created such incredible diversity.
You, me, the animals around us, the trees in our forests, and the stars in our skies – we are all formed with a unique balance of the elements. This is what makes us all so different to each other and this is the basis for all astrology.
In modern times, we are bombarded with information about new age theories and practices – it can feel overwhelming. The study of the four elements brings us back to the basics and underpins many of the theories that have developed since ancient times.
If we look back in history, we see the theme of four and of balance in many cultures and spiritual teachings. Buddhism teaches about the four noble truths, American Indians worked with the four directions, Judaism talks of the four worlds – in fact, just about all teachings that have pagan origins use the same archetype.
The study of the 4 elements in astrology forms a bridge from the ancient wisdom of the past to our present. It allows us to use the knowledge held dear by the elders for ourselves.
4 Elements Basics
As Debra Silverman teaches, both in her astrology school and within her book – The Missing Element – everything contained in the fascinating study of astrology stands on the shoulders of the 4 elements.
It is by fully understanding the elements that scholars of this ancient art begin to see the bigger picture and connect the dots that make up the human persona.
Our personality type is made up of one or more of the elements. Everyone has a different mix, which explains why we are such very different people.
When we come to understand how the elements shape our minds, behaviours and emotions, we open the door to a deep and profound understanding of ourselves and those around us.
Missing Elements
A person may have a predominance of Fire, but lack Water. This person my find that they have huge amounts of energy and passion, but lack any depth in their emotional understanding of the people in their lives.
Air might figure strongly in someone’s astrological constitution, but they may lack Earth. This person may find they are constantly having new ideas and moving from project to project, but they can’t seem to stick to anything long enough to make a success of it.
Your personality is influenced hugely by the dominant elements it contains. However, it is equally affected by the missing element. Debra Silverman’s life work has involved helping people to understand their elemental constitution and identify their missing element.
This insight isn’t only fascinating, it allows you to understand your own nature and find true peace as you finally understand yourself on a far deeper level.
Armed with this knowledge, it’s possible to transform your weaknesses into strengths by cultivating the missing element. How do you do this? It’s simple, you look at the traits the missing element has, and you focus on developing yourself in these areas.
For example, if you lack water you may find it difficult to empathize with the emotions of other people. To cultivate the missing element, you spend time doing activities that stimulate your own emotions and empathy, such as watching emotionally moving films.
If you lack air, you may find it a challenge to communicate effectively. To cultivate the traits that air brings, you may join a debating club or take a course in effective public speaking.
If Earth is missing, you may be disorganized around the home and work. Your focus in cultivating your missing element may be in creating a system of order around you and de-cluttering your home.
If Fire is the element you have missing, you may find your energy and determination to succeed can be somewhat weak. The key for you may be to focus on doing things that excite you and have a target, such as taking up a new sport, fitness challenge or study.
When you understand the elements, the traits they provide and how their weighting deeply affects you, astrology has a new meaning. It’s as though a confusing veil that’s been obscuring your true view is lifted. You not only find peace with your own character type, but with those of others too. You now understand why one of your children wants to stay in his room and play alone, whilst the other one craves company.
You can understand why your partner becomes quiet and distant when she is feeling unsettled, whereas you tend to fly off the handle. Your new knowledge is like being handed the key to the human soul. You’ll never look at someone again without guessing which elements they are strong in and which they are missing.