Welcome to Astrology! Sun Signs, Essences, and Elements
Welcome to the world of Astrology! I’m glad you’re here. Maybe you're here to learn more about yourself, maybe your mom or dad, or maybe that overbearing coworker who won’t leave you alone on Valentine’s day. Maybe you’re here to learn more about that hot neighbor next door, the dog you’re thinking of adopting, or your friends that have never left your side no matter what. Hopefully you’ll find a small piece of these friends right here on this page. You’ll also discover the sun, the moon, roots of obsession, and even a small mirror where you’ll sometimes see yourself shining through.
Astrology is like a map. Well, a map drenched in water and maybe burned a little at the edges. It’s just decipherable enough to tell you how to get where you’re going. It will never indicate exactly where that might be, because this map is magic and the ending location changes between every user. Even if this map can’t tell you exactly where you’re going, it can teach you about love, the past and the future, passion, and how we are all connected.
Before you begin binging all the posts in this column, you might want to know a few basic things about astrology.
What is a sun sign?
Chances are you already know your sun sign. Your sun sign is usually the first sign associated with astrology and the first sign you learn when diving into it. It’s what people are asking for when they walk up to you and say, “Hey, what’s your sign?” and you’re all like, “I’m a Taurus!” What you really mean is that Taurus is your sun sign, because you are much more complex than just one sign. I wish it was just that easy. (I would have to write a lot less if that were the case!) Your sun sign is determined by the day, time, and place you were born. There are 12 signs in the zodiac: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces. Each sign is associated with a certain element and essence. Here is that breakdown:
Your sun sign is the most important sign if you would like to learn about astrology. It determines your ego, or your “soul’s potential.” In many ways, it's a hopeful guide on what you can do to make the best version of yourself during your life. It’s an outline, with many blanks for you to fill in. We are always influenced by many things, and a sign is just one of them. No matter what your sign is, you are still influenced by your own free will. Astrology will not decide your fate or anything of the sort.
There are no signs that are “better” or “worse” than another. Usually people ask this when they meet a Scorpio, because Scorpio’s are sometimes described to be cunning and dangerously determined. People interpret this as Scorpios are always 100% evil. Every sign has good and bad traits, so there is no way to have a “better” sign than anyone else. However, all signs come with values. If you wish to value one thing that tends to be difficult for you, maybe your star sign is influencing those values. But all this to say, it’s up to you to decide.
You will often encounter people saying that some signs are “more compatible” with one sign that another. If we’re talking big picture, all signs are compatible- it’s just the work that a relationship will take that varies from sign to sign. For example, Aries and Leo are both fire signs, so they will generally get along well. If you’re a Scorpio who is eyeing a Leo, all I can say to you is good luck.
What is an essence?
Every sign is associated with an essence, and there are 3 types: cardinal, fixed, and mutable. Understanding these essences is very simple, as the names pretty much give the meaning away right off the bat.
Cardinal Signs: Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn
Cardinal signs want to be running the show. Not only running the show, conquering the show and making it amazing. They crave followers and validation from their efforts, and can easily get frustrated if people don’t follow their lead easily. For this reason, there can be some power struggles between cardinal signs if they don’t put in some effort to get along.
Fixed Signs: Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius
Fixed signs are exactly what the name suggests. They tend to be very stubborn and reluctant to change. For this reason, they are very loyal to family and friends and will do anything for the ones they care about. Once they make up their mind, it’s not likely that it will change or reverse course. They start things and try their best to finish them. Their loyalty can be hindering, because they can be blind to certain aspects of reality and potential for betrayal. For example, Scorpios are known for staying with cheating partners because they are afraid of the unknown and being alone.
Mutable Signs: Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces
Mutable signs are the fun ones. They will go with the flow and are down for pretty much anything. Two mutable signs will love each other and get along well, but they can be a strange pair because neither will take the lead. If one will take the lead, it will only be a half-assed attempt to control whatever situation they got themselves into. They crave cardinal and fixed signs. Cardinal signs tend to love mutable signs because they are open to all their craziness.
Cardinal signs will control the show, fixed signs will attend the show, and mutable signs are the show. But in a karmic wheel, all essences work together perfectly.
What is an element?
There are four elements in the zodiac and each sign is associated with one. They are fire, air, water, and earth. They fall in order of the karmic wheel, each repeating three times to complete the zodiac. Each element drives people’s motivations and actions and can give you a sense of someone’s nature. It’s not hard to understand each element. Use your instincts to guide you. If someone tells you they are a fire sign, don’t run to google. Think about your memories of fire. Fire signs are usually feisty, independent, and impulsive. Earth signs tend to be loving, sensual, and practical, while water signs are spiritual, moody, and empathetic. Air signs are mostly communicative, restless, and brainy.