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LESSON VIII
THE INFLUENCE OF THE ELEMENTS
* Introduction *
In order for you to render an accurate delineation of a horoscope it is crucial that the tools for the delineation are clearly understood by you. You must comprehend the complete significance of each and every influence manifested in the chart you are reading. The solar system is a perfectly functioning mathematical unit. Human dynamics function mathematically too and they function in accord with the same mathematical formula. Astrology is a mathematical phenomena measuring the influence of the solar system in the human. It is evident then that we are dealing with scientific facts and factors, therefore the delineation should be undertaken with great care given to accuracy. We would like to stress here that too many astrologers are jumping the gun, and some definitely lack organized education in the astrological field. Their opinions are limited and often based on faulty information. The science of Astrology has been invaded by these frauds seeking only financial rewards and they have been debasing the true value of astrology. They have devised shortcuts for delineation and introduced a general aura of confusion into the field. Our course has been very carefully designed to instruct you in the complete delineation of a chart. When you have earned your degree not only will you have mastered the art of accurate erection and complete delineation but, as you continue to develop as an astrologer, your development will not cease as long as you occupy the physical realm of this planet. You will possess a solid and clear foundation and will be able to spot the phonies and the frauds very readily. It is with this notion of completeness that we commence a study of the elements and their combining influence with the qualities of the signs.
* SQUARE OR CROSS *
The elements are always in a square relationship to each other. Each square or cross (as they are sometimes referred to) is known as a Quaternary and each Quaternary contains 4 signs, one from each element. The three groups are known as Cardinal, Fixed, and Mutable Signs. This sign division is similar to the House division - Angular, Succedent, and Cadent houses. (If necessary, refer back to Lesson VII and refresh your mind on the principle of this House Division). The elements themselves are divided into four groups of three Signs each, and each group is known as a Triplicity. The groups into which the elements are characterized. Fire, Earth, Air, Water, are known as Triplicities and the squares or crosses which they form with each other are known as Quaternaries.
There is a popular conception in the field of astrology concerning the nature or influence of the square. There are those astrologers who contend that the square is inherently evil and stimulates bad radiation for the native. The square, in reality, generates an intense activity, and the general strength of the person will determine how much control he has over this activity. The square signals a certain amount of discord but we must consider the basic strength of the character of the native before we label the square completely evil. In a future chapter dealing solely with the influence of aspects you will study the complete effect of the square aspect and you will realize how it affects a horoscope. We will always find that certain signs are basically square to others by their very nature and there is nothing we can do to prevent them from being so. There is no alternative but to consider these aspects as causes of activity, motion, or power.
The elements will always be involved in this square or opposition and cosmically we will never find air square to air, or Earth square to Earth, they must always be square to another element. (See Illustration A.)
The first group, referred to as the Square or Cross of Progress, is known as the Cardinal Cross. It's influence encompasses all the activity, progress, and pioneering the native is subject to. It indicates a strong disregard for the status quo and a determined drive toward change. An exhaustive study of people who have the majority of their planets (The influence of each Quaternary and Triplicity becomes important only when we find a few or a majority of planets posited in either group. The planets determine the influence.) in the Cardinal Signs has demonstrated that these are the people most likely to take up lost or unpopular causes and turn them into success. They do not seem to comprehend the meaning of the word "fear". In the face of extreme difficulty their eagerness remains a solid driving force once they have focused their vision on something revolutionary.
The Cardinal Signs are so-called because they are placed at East, West, North and South points of the astrological figure. Hence they are comparable to the four Cardinal points of the compass. In their natural houses the Cardinal Signs consist of Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn. They are all signs of great activity. Even though the Capricorn native is sometimes noted as being prudent and discreet with a flair for caution he can become a powerful factor in the creation of new businesses. Aries always signifies a beginning and so it discloses the inherent strength of the brain and the initial driving power possessed by the native. Aries is constantly acted upon by the square from Cancer, the home, and the square from Capricorn, the necessity of the profession. The Cardinal quality of Libra demonstrates the reaction of the public also postulating the cooperation or lack of it from partners and close associates. It represents the fight for status.
It is imperative to note that the four rulers of the Cardinal signs are, Mars for Aries, Moon for Cancer, Venus for Libra, and Saturn for Capricorn. Considerable research has indicated that the rays from the fitful changing Moon, acting upon the desires innate in these three planets - Saturn for position. Mars for self, and Venus for the mate - causes all four signs to be as restless as herself. The Cardinal Signs possess almost the identical active nature as the Angular Houses to which they naturally belong.
The second group, the Cross of Matter, is known as the Fixed Cross. It is also sometimes referred to as the square of gain, or the square of matter. Whereas the Cardinal Signs are similar to a vehicle of motion because they possess a tremendous amount of mobility the Fixed Signs are like heavy tanks slowly creeping through the heaviest of impediments. Both the Cardinal and Fixed Signs are excellent for the pursuit of a profession. The professions of course will differ in nature according to the Sign involved.
A conscientious study of a nativity depicting a plurality of planets in Fixed Signs will undoubtedly signify that the person has etched out progress in the face of overwhelming obstacles, or, in some cases, that he is in the midst of a tragic state because he cannot, or will not, alter himself to adjust to new circumstances. He has become far too involved and attached to his own opinions to employ the principle of adaptability.
The Fixed Quaternary comprises those signs which, in natural chart, occupy the succedent houses 2, 5, 8 and 11. They are signs of great fixity of purpose and will power. They are opposed to change and prefer to follow a solid course in accordance with their opinions. They are Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius. The second sign Taurus heralds the keynote of gain. It represents the money not only which the native earns but also what he spends his money on. There are three basic principles, concerning money, which are manifested by the square of Taurus to the houses of Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius. The square to Leo indicates that money will more than likely afford pleasure, entertainment and children. By the square to Aquarius money will be spent on friends and also on the achievement of one's objective in life. The opposition of Scorpio tends to indicate the money will be spent on sex, death, and funerals.
Taurus represents money earned through the continued self-effort of the native; Leo governs that money originating from the home or the family. Scorpio signals the money obtained through a partner either in business or on a personal level and Aquarius determines the money which the native procures as a direct result of his profession.
Once again it is important to note that the planetary rulers of these Fixed Signs are: Venus for Taurus, the Sun of Leo, Mars for Scorpio, and Uranus for Aquarius. It appears, after careful observation, that the unmoving constant nature of the Sun exerts a direct influence on the other three rulers to maintain a constant devotion to their pattern of desires. Venus for money and possessions and things of a wordly nature. Mars for reproduction and things involving the bodily functions. Saturn for hopes and wishes and that which involves the occult and psychic natures of the mind. Uranus, however, seems to be the one planet which will yield to change and prevent the formation of ruts in the world. The Fixed Signs are of the same fixed nature as the succedent Houses to which they naturally belong.
The third group, the square of thought or of causation, is known as the Cross of Reason. The keynote of this square is demonstrated by Gemini, which manifests the mind deciphering the circumstances surrounding certain situations. The Third House reveals the general circumstances into which the child is born concerning his family or relatives. It also indicates the possibilities for travel and study available to him. The more active the child is the more he realizes that he can modify his environment by his actions. The Mutable Cross affords the native this talent for adaptability. If the native is truly adaptable he learns how to deal with his relatives and neighbors and he begins to comprehend what he can accomplish by means of action or conversation.
The Mutable Quaternary comprises those signs which in a natural chart lie in the cadent houses. They are Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces, the Signs of Adaptability, thought and intercommunication of ideas. Mercury rules both Gemini and Virgo, Jupiter rules Sagittarius and Neptune rules Pisces. Gemini with it's distinct powers of observation, its ability to synthesize facts, and its desire for change and movement is the motivating force behind this cross. Mercury's rays exert an influence on Virgo determining the expression of the ideas of the mind. They also influence Sagittarius to consider legislation and religion. The same rays effect Pisces' consideration of the whole gamut of cause and effect. Since the mutable signs have less desire than the other signs, they are generally more able to adapt themselves to other people.
A study of a person's horoscope indicating a preponderance of planets in the mutable signs tells us that this person has had to make many adjustments to project his acceptability in the business and social realm. He has a distinct fancy for change and travel, and listening to what other people have to say. Under the strict Gemini influence the native dislikes contracting sickness and making any kind of contact with sick people. It is very distressing for him to be around sickness until the Gemini influence is polarized with the Sagittarian mind, which reaches out to cause and effect. After this, Gemini can consider trouble and sickness as a necessity causing ultimate justice, and not just as a factor of fate punishing the just and the unjust for unexplained reasons.
* ELEMENTS *
In order for you to design a complete delineation of the influence of each sign and planet it is compulsory to possess a grasp of the nature of each element. The elements are known as the triplicities and you must be able to combine the influence exerted by these with that of the Quaternaries to do your client justice. Comprehension of the significance of the elements is of considerable value when delineating a chart. According to the dominating element so you find the dominating characteristics of the person. All great Greek philosophers employed this basis when they constructed their thesis that the complete man consisted of the interweaving of the four categories into which every human activity can be placed.
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Category |
From Contemplation of |
Result of Element |
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1. Physical |
Body: functions & needs |
Earth |
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2. Intellectual |
Mind: concepts & thought process |
Air |
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3. Aesthetic |
Soul: yearnings, emotional processes |
Water |
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4. Moral |
Spirit: aspirations, conduct & character |
Fire |
The qualities and elements contained in the signs which posit the Sun, Moon and the planets are gradually developed by every stimulation that reaches the native through these points of receptivity. Every planet and all the angles combine with each other planet as they pass through a chart, resulting in an accent. In other words there are a dozen points of receptivity that are daily stimulated by an accent from each planers electromagnetic radiation.
All twelve signs of the zodiac are distributed among the four elements of Fire, Earth, Air and Water. The combinations are known as triplicities.
The three Fire Signs are Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius. The Fire Signs are very much similar to the element of Fire. They impart movement, phosphorescence and radiance. These zodiacal signs of Fire are directly affiliated with the qualities of fanaticism, zeal, love, eagerness, passion, courage, enterprise, individuality, faith, and spirituality. It is of great significance that this triplicity has its beginning in the Cardinal Sign Aries, ruling the eastern hemisphere or sunrise, the beginning of self. Hence the keyword of the Fire Signs is self. Although the word self may connote a vain egotistical person, it can also refer to one who is very refined and knows his place. It sometimes indicates a person who has matured his intrinsic powers to such an advanced state that he is obviously a highly individualized person. He is not outright conceited nor is he ostentatious with his talents yet he knows within himself that he has certain powers under his control. All the plus and minus that concern the basic self of the native are postulated by this element of Fire.
By its very nature Fire tends to move upwards and unlike Water it does not come back down to its own level again. It continues this upward motion. Fire Signs are always seeking impossible ventures and trying to reach the plane of the attainable. They possess a distinct drive to be just (the best) in whatever they undertake. Natives of Earth Signs tend to be very leary of Fire Sign people and often consider them dangerous. The Earth native beholds the Fire Sign's enthusiasm as a hindrance because it renders the person less aware and careful of the nature and frivolity of the material objects that block the path to true happiness. Water is the single most effective weapon against Fire. Just as it can extinguish the robust flames of a Fire, Water can also dampen Fire just by its very presence. Water Signs and Fire Signs cannot be polarized. Although it is true that Water Signs are detrimental to Fire Signs if the Fire is strong enough and has generated enough heat it just might vaporize the effect of the water.
Water and Earth can be polarized. Fire and Water cannot. Air and Fire can be polarized whereas Air and Earth cannot. Fire, Earth, Air, Water are all interacting with one another and hence deciding the fine points of the personality.
The inspirational Fire Signs group is almost universally symbolized by the Lion. (Not to be confused with the symbol for the sign Leo which is the lion's tail)
The Three Earth Signs are Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn. The Earth Signs emit a tremendous degree of stability. They, like the very earth itself, are dependable, reliable and possess a determined power to gather and collect, to discriminate and to build. The Earth Signs form the basis for supply in the world. The triplicity has its beginnings in the sign Taurus and it depicts life as seen by others and knowledge that the public has concerning public activities. The keynotes of this triplicity are those of possessions, materials, property, goods, information, tools, and servants. It is by such standards that the average person forms opinions concerning a person's basic substance.
The Earth Signs signal the source of supply available to the native. Just as the earth cannot produce vegetation or animal life, nor maintain life without water, so too Earth Signs demand the presence of Water Signs in order to insure proper functioning. By the same token that too much water on the earth causes floods and destruction, so too in the Zodiac too many Water Signs will tend to limit or nullify the positive qualities of the Earth Signs. Since air is also very necessary to all life on earth we find that Earth-Air Sign combination will produce positive effects for the native. Fire which can be so destructive to the earth stands in direct opposition to the Earth. The Earth-Fire Sign relationships can be as dangerous as forest fires for those people who have not learned to control their various qualities.
The "earthiness" of the materialistic or practical Earth Sign group is represented by a thick-necked bull. (Not to be confused with the symbol of the bull for the sign Taurus)
III. THE ELEMENT OF AIR
The three air signs are Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius. Air Signs are similar to air because they generate the ability of circulation. They create an aura of relaxation when around people and situations. The Air Signs are most naturally associated with the channels of communication, thought, adaptability, and the gift of making and sustaining relationships with ease. This triplicity has its beginning in Gemini and it characterizes the influence of other people on the native. The keyword of the Air triplicity is other people. The Air native will feel comfortably at home when in the company of other people and he is afforded the vital opportunity to execute his innate powers of communications. Included in those other people are partners, friends, relatives, and nearby acquaintances. The air native will undoubtedly possess a precise talent for adaptability and will be able to modify himself to accommodate any changes on the social level. He is easily the most versatile person in the Zodiac and his true substance will emanate only as he shines in the company of others.
The Air Signs tend to exist in a constant state of motion and are comparable to the air because of this fact. They arduously maintain that reason and logic have a greater potency than the material aspects of human life. A Fire-Air Sign combination can effect tremendous mental development and upon occasion produce new and striking mental concepts and in isolated cases even the genius state can be reached. Just as air is necessary before fire can bum so the Air Signs act as a monumental stimulus to Fire Signs. Conversely the enthusiasm of the Fire Signs sharpens the reasoning faculties of the Air Signs igniting the mental processes. However, in order to make these concepts feasible for mankind it is of the utmost importance that some Earth Sign Planets are present somewhere in the Horoscope to modify and direct the progress. Earth, however, lies in square to Air tending to initiate some conflict between thought and practice. In order to inspire humanity, ideas must be linked to emotion, but emotion is despised by reason. For this reason the square of Air to Water is difficult to harmonize.
The intellectual or mental Air Sign group is almost universally represented by a man, usually pouring water out of a jug, symbolizing the gift of the water of knowledge to a thirsting world. (Do not confuse with the similar Zodiac sign of Aquarius)
The three Water Signs are Cancer, Scorpio, and Places. The Water Signs, like water, impart the ability to flow smoothly, or possibly with tremendous strength depending on the nature of the terrain, or the wind. The water element is sometimes noted for grace, or power. The Water Signs are signs of heavy emotion, psychic power, and soul development. The Water triplicity commences with the Cardinal Sign Cancer, hence, emotion is the keyword. In Cancer the emotion essentially concerns the domestic side of life, in Scorpio it is directed towards partner and in Pisces the emotional of the element is directed towards all people particularly those in distress. In Cancer this emotion provides the home with all its intricate needs. In Scorpio this emotion results in a strong desire to probe life itself and it may also express itself in spiritual longings.
The Water triplicity is intimately connected with the House of Endings, for Cancer governs old age, Scorpio death, and Pisces the sorrows or rewards that come as a direct result of our actions.
The Water Signs possess the distinct trend of returning back to the level from where they started. Just as flood waters will always return to a normal tide level so too the Water native who gives up in an emotional outburst will always come back down again to the level of quiescence. They are without desire, as a rule, for leverage. They are generally engulfed in an aura of complacency and tend to carry a burden rather than fight to solve its riddle. They are constantly digging themselves into ruts from which they need some Fire or Earth assistance to extricate themselves. However if these practical Earth types prove to be too dominant insisting upon their own solution, Water signs grow very moody and they might even resort to violence.
The elements assume momentous value when we try to discover whether or not two people have harmonious natures. You can see why Planets well distributed among the Signs of different elemental temperaments produce the well-rounded individuals.
When delineating any horoscope it is essential that we count the planets in the various elements of Fire, Earth, Air and Water. We should then count the planets according to their qualities - Cardinal, Fixed, and Mutable. The construction of a very simple diagram will simplify this process and undoubtedly clarify any confusion you might encounter. (See Illustration V111-B on page 22)
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Illustration B
This diagram can be constructed with ease and if properly understood can be of infinite value to the astrologer. The letters F, E, A, W represent the elements (Triplicities) and the letters C, F, M signify the qualities (Quaternaries). Starting with Aries in the top left-hand corner each of the twelve squares houses a sign. In this fashion it becomes simple to determine the element and quality of each sign. Once you have familiarized yourself with the construction and the position of each sign it's a relatively easy matter to transfer the planets from a horoscope and enter them in this diagram. We can then add the planets vertically and horizontally and determine if there is a balance or imbalance indicated for the native. (You know by now that part of my method of teaching is to have you learn by doing. You have already done a great many basic Astrologer's steps in your exams. Observation and comparison is the true test of credibility. Observe people you know with their corresponding elements and see if they do not possess the qualities embodied in their indicated element. Aside from the credibility factor you will, by doing this, start to acquire a facility for astrological analysis. Remember there will be apparent exceptions. These people are not really exceptions but have other conditions in their complete analysis which would explain the exceptions.) Remember that the more equally distributed the planets are among the elements the more balanced the native will be. In a later chapter you will learn the meaning of each planet in each sign and you will better understand the significance of this little diagram. For now it will be sufficient if you can understand the construction of the diagram and commit these principals concerning it to memory.
1. CARDINAL
Fire - Expression of zeal in enterprise, and a marked enthusiasm for new ideals or work
Earth - Earth - Expression of enterprise but maintaining the practical nature of the Earth element
Air - Expression of mental originality
Water - Expression of feeling and dramatic power
2. FIXED
Fire - expression of changeless zeal and driving power
Earth - expression of stability of purpose. Non-progressive unless the remainder of the chart indicates otherwise.
Air - expression of changeless ideals or purpose
Water - expression of changeless emotions
3. MUTABLE
Fire - indications of mental eagerness yet subject to change
Earth - expression of the mental power to direct work and to consider supply.
Air - the expression of the mind's ability to analyze the concepts of thought
Water - the expression of the mind's ability to analyze emotion and imagination.
The diagram is of extreme value in recognizing the behavioral pattern of the native in respect to his 'outer man' (the man he projects to the world) vs. his 'inner man' (the man he feels within himself). Any fire-air combination describes the 'outer man', whereas, earth and water designate the constitution of the 'inner man'. If the two complementing elements such as, fire/air and earth/water, are not in balance with each other, the atmosphere of the native and his behavior pattern will lack balance as well. It is relatively easy to discover a lack of one or another element. It is pure logic that, under normal conditions, you cannot mix fire and water, or fire and earth, or earth and air or air and water and still maintain normal or natural conditions.
Those people who demonstrate any type of imbalance in their diagrams are still afforded the chance to lead a full happy life if they are able to locate a friend, mate, associate, or partner who will bring the missing elements into their lives. If they fail to accomplish this then the burden of their success will hinge on their success in exercising a free will and overcome their shortcomings. Such success in this area demands a tremendous will-power and enormous self-discipline. You can immediately see that a marriage between two people of the same unbalanced diagrams would surely be disastrous.
It is important to realize that a lack of planets in a certain element does not determine any weakness or shortcoming, it merely points to a possible hindrance. The strength of character of a person will determine how he can adjust himself to a potential obstruction.
PLANETARY DIGNITIES, EXALTATIONS, AND FALLS
A planet is dignified when it is posited (located) in the sign it rules naturally. (see Illustration 8C) For instance when we find Mercury in Gemini we know that Mercury is dignified and hence it possesses more inherent power.
A planet is in its detriment when it is posited in the sign exactly opposite to the one which it rules. It forfeits some of its power because its nature is not in harmony with the nature of the opposite sign. This fact of dignification and detriment of a planet when it is in the sign it rules is the final conclusion of the thousands of observations recorded through the years by Astrologers. This same explanation is true for exaltations and falls as described below.
There is one particular sign for each planet, aside from the one it normally rules, in which it expresses its nature very harmoniously. This is the sign of its exaltation. Planets posited in the signs opposite their exaltations are in their fall and they cannot express their true nature.
EXALTATIONS AND FALLS (EXPLANATION)
Sun exalted in Aries - the qualities of the Sun and of Aries are compatible hence the Sun can very effectively express itself when in Aries. The Sun is the giver of life and motive power and the source of energy whereas Aries is active and quick.
Sun in Fall in Libra - Libra is extremely melancholy, never rushing, and possesses the ideal of poise. When the Sun would wish to rush forth, the very nature of Libra is to hold back and consider. We can see why the Sun is in constant limitation in Libra and why it is in its fall here.
Moon exalted in Taurus - the Moon rules fecundity and growth whereas Taurus is the sign of supply. In Taurus the Moon has an additional helper. Taurus is like a storehouse of beneficial goods for the Moon.
Moon in Fall in Scorpio - Scorpio signified change, destruction, and death and is in direct contrast to the dreamy watery Moon, the planet of growth. It is obvious then why the Moon is in its fall in Scorpio.
Mercury Exalted in Aquarius - the planet Mercury can best express its ability for thought and action when combined with the love and determination of Aquarius. Mercury lends finesse and exactness to the creative thought and action of Aquarius.
Mercury in Fall in Leo - When in Leo Mercury is operating in a sign which does not understand the practical intellect nor does it deal with concrete thought.
Venus Exalted in Pisces - Venus is the principle of attraction, coordination and harmony. Pisces is the sign of poetry. When Venus is in Pisces it confers rhythm so that poetry can emulate music. Visions of sheer beauty are captured and revealed.
Venus in Fall in Virgo - Virgo is the seeker of exactness in form and sometimes tends to overlook the soul of the beauty Venus portrays. For this reason Venus is in its fall here.
Mars Exalted in Capricorn - Mars affords creative energy, while Capricorn has the patience to organize and construct material things with this energy.
Mars in Fall in Cancer - the fire and enthusiasm of Mars are not welcome to watery Cancer which likes to dream and grow as it wishes.
Jupiter Exalted in Cancer - Jupiter represents the principle of expansion, hence it combines favorably with Cancer which is desirous of growth and increase.
Jupiter in Fall in Capricorn - The cautiousness and limiting nature of this sign hinders the expansive nature of Jupiter.
Saturn Exalted in Libra - the principles governing Saturn signal the scientific mind weighing and studying every statement. Libra, the sign of balance, makes a perfect home for Saturn.
Saturn in Fall in Aries - the patient Saturn has very little in common with the impetuous Arian.
Uranus Exalted in Scorpio - Uranus bestows the powers of insight and clarity and is at ease in the powerful sign Scorpio which is essentially that of new changes of consciousness and the ability to penetrate the secret of nature.
Uranus in Fall in Taurus - Uranus is much too disturbing for the placid Taurian who wants everything to stay where it is put.
Neptune Exalted in Cancer - Neptune exerts influence in the illusion of love and the delusion of power. In Cancer, Neptune finds it's most comfortable home of love.
Neptune in Fall in Capricorn - Neptune is very much out of place in Capricorn because Capricorn is not interested in what is cloudy or indefinite.
Pluto Exalted in Aries - Both Aries and Pluto love change and all that is new.
Pluto in Fall in Libra - the sign of the balance, seeks neither change nor anything new.
* Conclusion *
In a later chapter you will learn our exact method of determining the final depositor or ruling planet of a horoscope. We feel it is safe not to confuse you with too much material at once. We want you to very carefully let the knowledge you have gained up to this point saturate your mind and mesh with your senses. Your lesson booklets are vital reference materials which you should carefully save for the future. There is no other educational material so well organized anywhere in existence in the field of astrology. You will refer back to it many, many times.
