Earth, Air, Fire and Water


Empedocles, a fifth century BCE Greek philosopher, identified Fire, Earth, Air, and Water as elements. He stated that these four elements were all equal and that each rules its own province and possesses its own individual character. Each astrological sign is associated one of these classical elements.

But the ancients didn’t know modern chemistry, biology and psychology – or at least understand it in the way we do today. Psysign elements are based on the two temperment choices people make.

The first is Intuitive versus Sensor (N vs S) The intuitive prefers to look at the big picture first and then the detail. A sensor focuses on the sensory detail first and then the big picture. These preferences have sometimes been called “opposite ends of the same telescope”.

The second temperment choice is ( P vs J) Perceivers choose to observe. They are comfortable with a certain amount of ambiguity and variety. Judgers seek closure and value tradition.

Now let’s look at the combinations (SJ, SP, NP, NJ). Using the idea of molecular interaction, the first three are relatively easy to figure out.

EARTH: A Sensate-Judger is one who trusts their senses and seeks closure. SJ’s want to be “on solid ground”. Feels like Earth to me. By the way, this is about 45% of our population.

WATER: A Sensate- Perceiver is one who trusts their senses but is more fluid. SP’s are more “go with the flow”. Feels like Water to me. This is about 23% of our population.

FIRE: An Intuitive-Feeler is one who is  intuitive, warm and passionate. Sounds like Fire. This is about 15% of our population.

AIR: An Intuitive-thinker is one who lives in the world of possibilities and are cool and rational. NT’s like to be “above it all”…including drama. Sounds like Air to me. This is about 5% of our population.

Psysigns are based on these four elements. Land animals live on earth. Sea animals live in the water. Birds and flying creatures live in fire and air. Each animal type excels in their native environment. At the same time, each type is most challenged by their diagonal counterpart.

There is tension between earth and air as well as water and fire.