The Meaning of the Moon in Each Element: Air, Earth, Fire, Water

when creating your astrology natal chart that you may see a special feature such as "The Air element is dominant among the inner planets".

The twelve signs in Astrology have unique characteristics, but they are connected to one another in an interesting way. They are categorised into 4 elements: fire, air, earth, and water. The elements describe abstract states of matter, which describe how it fundamentally acts.

What is the symbolism of the elements within astrology?

In astrology, each of the elements is defined through the human personality and has parallel characteristics to the element in nature.

The elements of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water are vital to understanding the deeper meanings of the zodiac. Each of the twelve birth constellations are governed by one of these four elements, each imparting unique traits and tendencies, painting a complex and colorful picture of human nature and cosmic influence. 

Why look at the Moon and its element in astrology?

The Moon, as one of the more personal lights in our charts, and one that reflects the subconscious impulses, is illuminating in revealing how we function.

In astrology, the Moon placement in our natal show what we encounter or expect in intimate, one-to-one relationship, including our earliest love affair — that of our earth mother.

Getting to know our Moon sign may not always be comfortable, but it is always be productive in some way. Understanding our subconscious element can help you to become more conscious of just what your Moon needs.

Each element governs three signs. For example, Moon in Earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) need practicality and stability. Moon in Air signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) operate primarily via the intellect and communication. Moon in Fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) radiate energy and passion. Moon in Water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) are attuned to emotion and intuition. 

Moon in Fire:Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius

You need a sense of meaning, an imaginative connection with a deeper or higher pattern. You need life to be “larger than life” as you are keenly aware of the mythic and archetypical dimensions.

In this sense, a Moon in fire sign can feel like a contradiction in everyday terms, as the Moon represents the bodily realm. Yet, Aries, Leo or Sagittarius instinctively tries to vitalise material reality with
drama and imagination.

Nothing snuffs out a fire Moon’s happiness more than a banal life, where there are no higher aspirations to live for or causes to fight for, whether issues at large, or the family at home. Fire Moons needs to live for something other than a day job and the grocery bill!

Moon in Air: Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius

The airy signs are social creatures, and are naturally gregarious. Even the most hermetic or selective (read: snobbish) personality who has an airy Moon will, when meeting others, seek mental connections with others. For Moons in Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius, nothing is more painful than a relationship where there is no talking, or where the communication is dishonest, manipulative, and full of double messages.

An environment devoid of communication and ideas will tank anyone . Even as a child, the air Moon fades in an environment that is too disciplined and dull, without any time for free play. You need beauty and light and style in some form to truly nourish your soul. This in turn strengthens you for inevitable emotional confrontations that come in any relationship.

When emotions run too high, you find yourself opting for a way out to not feel too bogged down by complications and dramatics.

Moon in Earth: Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn

Earth Moons need to be grounded in the tangible and practical aspects of life, embodying the stable and nurturing qualities of their element.

Material and physical changes, such as selling one's home and moving to a new neighbourhood can be a terrifying and deeply traumatic experience for an earthy Moon, even if all the nitty-gritty details have been impecably resolved. Earth Moons feels every physical discomfort deeply.

Just as earthy Moons can be stubborn against change, they have a need to sort and arrange daily life on the physical level into something orderly for them. When they feel pain, it can literally and quite swiftly manifest in their body as health symptoms.

The Moon in earth also needs to feel useful. With the Moon in Taurus, Virgo, or Capricorn, there is an instinctive need to be occupied, to be doing rather than wasting time.

Moon in Water: Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces

For a watery Moon, feelings is the whole point of relationship. Feeling disconnected sinks a Moon in a water sign, as it only feels safe, and seen, only if one is merged with others. The Moon in water needs above all

to receive emotional response from others. It is the most important thing in the world. Even if the response is hatred or anger, it is better than nothing at all. The challenge here is to realise self-worth.

Which do you have? Find out by with a personal Moon Sign reading here.