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Partnership Compatibility via Astrology's Four Elements
by Ron Berger ©2010

When using astrology birth charts for the purpose of determining the compatibility of two people for partnership the Basic Nature of each person has to be taken into account to insure a harmonious match. Each of us is born with an inner psychological structure that is distinct from the karma, lessons, and destiny we have to confront in this life. There are many different components making up an individual’s psychological profile. In this article I will outline one of the fundamental techniques of astrology compatibility analysis that uses the Four Elements of the signs for determining one’s Elemental Nature.

The twelve signs of the zodiac are classified into four elements: Fire, Earth, Air, and Water. Each element has certain distinguishing characteristics. Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius are of the Fire element and are typically willful, independent, passionate, and self-centered. Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn are the Earth signs and are practical, structured, materialistic, and seek tangible rewards for their efforts. The Air element includes Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius, comprising the mental signs: curious, seeking knowledge, enjoying the exchange of ideas. Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces are the Water signs and are emotional, sensitive, intuitive, and adept at giving as well as needing support through the exchange of feelings.

Although most charts will have the planets somewhat distributed amongst the signs and elements, each astrology chart will also have a special strength in one element. The method is to tally up the number of planets and primary factors (such as the Rising sign) in the signs of each element and then see which predominates. For example: a chart with a Cancer ascendant and the Moon in Pisces, with the other planets more or less evenly distributed in the other signs, would have the basic nature of Water. A chart showing three planets in Aries, with Mars (a fiery planet) in the ascendant would be a Fire person. In some cases there appears to be an equal representation of two or more elements. The issue gets resolved by giving added weight to the primary factors of the chart, i.e., the rising sign, Moon sign, sign of the planetary ruler of the rising sign, and strong planets in the 7^th or 10^th house signs.

In chart compatibility analysis, ideally we want to see the dominant element being the same in both charts. A water sign person wants a partner with whom to share feelings – ideally another water sign person. An air sign person loves discussing ideas and concepts with someone who is similarly interested. If an air sign person is with a water sign person the air person’s intellectual theories fall on deaf ears; the water person wants to discuss feelings.

The Earth element person likes getting things done and reaping the material rewards. Earth sign people work hard and then indulge themselves in sensory satisfactions. Two earth people together can achieve much wealth and status, but can seem too traditional and pragmatic to interest the other types.

Fire sign dominant people have the biggest problem in Astrology Compatibility due to their outsized egos and need for independence. Therefore it is best if a fire sign person has a good dose of at least one other element in their chart to compensate for this element’s self-centered quality.

What of the theory of two people being complementary to each other? It sounds like it should work, but the problem with this approach is that neither will find the other’s priorities fulfilling. They may still stay with each other if there are other types of “astrological glue” helping to hold them together, but each will seek to satisfy their elemental nature outside of the primary relationship. Typical outlets would be involvement in the career, having a separate set of friends, the relationship with the child or other family member.

In order for a relationship to last there needs to be psychological alignment between the two charts; they must be dwelling “on the same planet.” Even if two people do not have the same dominant element in both of their charts, there still needs to be at least some planets, rising sign, or Moon sign, in an element identical to both in order to help insure harmony and compatibility. Otherwise the partners will be constantly drawn to other people with whom they feel they have more in common, and will start to drift apart. Recognizing what your Elemental Nature is goes a long way towards picking a compatible partner in your life.