The nature of the four elements (earth, air, water, and fire) is endlessly fascinating when observed from the standpoint of a cycling process. Broken down into active/yang elements (fire and air) and passive/yin elements (water and earth), it becomes possible to view an elemental “breathing” pattern as energy moves in and out in a natural rhythm.

When considering the various states of matter (solid/earth, liquid/water, gas/air, plasma/fire), it’s also obvious that the elements exist along a spectrum of cool/stable/passive to hot/volatile/active (respective to the sequence just mentioned prior). Thus, matter changes from one state to another depending on how it’s conditioned. The cooler something is, the more the energy stays held in, composed to a set form. At the turning point though, the energy begins to move out and away, emitting forth. Again, the hierarchy from more active to least active would waterfall down as:

-Fire
-Air
-Water
-Earth

Besides this sequential level, there is also a patterning process among the elements that toggles back and forth from active to passive to active to passive and so on, as each swing of the pendulum shifts between an in-pulling and out-pushing of energy. This pattern is inherent to the flow of the zodiac signs around an astrological wheel, with regards to the element of each sign. This back and forth motion also cascades with respect to momentum and inertia, as a strongly active force wanes as it settles and balances itself in proportion to its prior state, before turning around the begin waxing and growing towards its oppositely passive complement. Let’s examine this dynamic in general before getting more specific by rating the elements as fire(very active), air (moderately active), water (moderately passive), and earth(very passive). Here’s an example of how the flow goes:

1. Fire (very active) makes a BIG swing (3 steps) to Earth (very passive)
2. Earth (very passive) makes a MEDIUM (2 steps) swing to Air (somewhat active)
3. Air (somewhat active) makes a SMALL (1 step) swing to Water (somewhat passive)
4. Water (somewhat passive) makes a MEDIUM (2 steps) swing to Fire (very active)
5. Fire (very active) makes a BIG swing (3 steps) to Earth (very passive)….

This pattern continues to repeat, building and descending like the tides, as each individual step is also a switch from an outer, elemental “exhale” to an inner, elemental “inhale.”
The general nature of each element is also important to consider. Think of each in the following context:

Fire-spark of inspiration, the energy and drive reaching forward into the future with purpose
Earth-solidly taking action to physically embody and enact an experience
Air-thinking intellectually and conceptually to refine perspective and progress possibilities
Water-absorbing, collecting, and assimilating impressions generated from activity to compose one’s internal makeup

It’s also interesting to note that earth and air pair as exoterically concerned, more objective energies, while water and fire share more esoteric concerns, and express more subjectively. With such an additional layer, we can see that the cycling pattern includes an objective in and out motion followed by a subjective in and out movement, and this also perpetually repeats. All these dynamics and aspects work together as a sense of progression and cycling both functioning to spiral out an evolving procession. Keeping the order of the general elemental process the same, let’s now examine how all this transitions occur, and what they can stand for and mean, in the bigger context of specific expressions through the twelve individual signs:

Aries-this expression of fire involves a passionate focus and attention on the unique identity and independence that’s evidenced by being a specific individual. This point, and idea, of individuation actively sparks instinctual desires which build-up as forward-moving energy in the direction of meeting the goals inherent to satisfying those desires. Therefore, this outward moving energy is what propels one forward in life in a specific direction of desire. Aries is moving away from the watery influence of Pisces, which merged it into the oneness of all, universally without individual distinction. That is why Aries turns around to exert such a protrusion of individual assertion from all the collective ideals that were dreamed up before. Eventually, the constant moving out of energy in personal action subsides for the approach of…

Taurus- this expression of earth involves a solidly established focus on the slow, steady growth of the traits, attributes, and resources that an individual possesses. This point favors passively allowing expended energy to settle down into forms that are more sensually appreciated. Therefore, this inward moving energy is what defines the key values held by an individual. Taurus is moving away from the fiery influence of Aries, which kept it continually busy, active, and on the go. That is why Taurus turns around to exert such a fixedity of groundedness and enjoyment of developed bounty from all that was energetically set in motion before. Eventually, the constant moving in of energy to develop resources and sustenance subsides for the approach of…

Gemini- this expression of air involves a shifting focus on the variety of different facts, ideas, opinions, and information this are expressed around one’s immediate surroundings. This point actively seeks out to learn new perspectives that serve to alter or change one’s knowledge-base and communicative fluency. Therefore, this outward moving energy is what refines the point of view of the individual. Gemini is moving away from the earthy influence of Taurus, which kept it bound to a stubborn, particular adherence to only a set, certain mode of preference. That is why Gemini turns around to exert such a curiosity about all the other possibilities that can be learned about by using all the resources and values developed before. Eventually, the constant moving out of energy to expose oneself to new information and perspectives subsides for the approach of…

Cancer- this expression of water involves the quiet containment and emotional nurturing of all deeply care about connections. This point passively works as a filter to allow in experiences that feel good, while also working to guard and protect against any experiences which might feel bad. Therefore, this inwardly directed energy is what determines the general level of what’s comfortable for an individual. Cancer is moving away from the airy influence of Gemini, which always kept it out and about, flitting from one idea and place to another. That is why Cancer turns around to exert such a core baseline of gravitation to certain experiences which were discovered through prior findings. Eventually, the constant moving in of energy to nourishing and build one’s foundation subsides for the approach of…

Leo- this expression of fire involves the dramatic expression of one’s talent and creativity. This point actively seeks to showcase its specialness for some audience to enjoy, while seeking to receive positive feedback. Therefore, this outward bound energy acts to reveal the essential nature of how a person wants to shine and be appreciated. Leo is moving away from the watery influence of Cancer, which kept it shyly reserved and quietly withheld. That is why Leo turns around to exert such a drive to put themselves on center stage for all to notice, presenting some of their intimate attributes nurtured previously. Eventually, the constant moving out of energy to attract attention subsides for the approach of…

Virgo- this expression of earth involves the humble devotion to improving one’s craft and enhancing one’s skills. This point passively observes to analyze areas where adjustment would be beneficial, while organizing practical routines to streamline one’s efficiency. Therefore, this inwardly directed energy stays tuned to correcting any mistakes and perfecting what one is able to offer. Virgo is moving away from the fiery influence of Leo, which kept it selfishly fixed on being loved and adored. That is why Virgo turns around to exert such an impersonal focus on systematically practicing their operations for the sake of maintaining their own integrity, piggy-backing off the talents they showcased before. Eventually, the constant moving in of energy to make things better subsides for the approach of…

Libra- this expression of air involves the social interaction with some other(s) with whom one must balance their own perspective. This point actively seeks partnerships to weigh contrasting differences while finding solutions of compromise. Therefore, this outwardly directed energy focuses on coming to intellectual conclusions about fairness, justice, and relating harmoniously. Libra is moving away from the earthly influence of Virgo, which kept it concerned only with their objective tasks and details. That is why Libra turns around to exert such a thoughtful interest in the world of others outside themselves, encountered through their various services, which were previously primed. Eventually, the constant moving out of energy to relate to others subsides for the approach of…

Scorpio- this expression of water involves the fusion of power sources to generate a transformed version that demonstrates greater shared power. This point passively seeks to allow obsessively/compulsively out of balance material to intensify until it becomes eliminated through profound internal conflict. Therefore, this inwardly moving energy focuses on evolving by collecting together essentially empowering components and purging any others that might be bloated with pent-up stagnation. Scorpio is moving away from the airy influence of Libra, which kept it most concerned with only the superficial aspects of social pleasantries and cooperation. That is why Scorpio turns around to exert such a penetrating investigation into psychological motivations and interpersonal connections, which might be destructively thwarting further progress and empowerment, catalyzed by the partnerships and relationships previously entered into. Eventually, the constant moving in of energy to process needed transmutations subsides for the approach of…

Sagittarius- this expression of fire involves the expanded search for meaning and truth through an exploration of life’s patterns and collective connections. This point actively seeks to philosophically understand how the role and nature of an individual is interwoven to the role and nature of the universe, aiming to further integrate the two together. Therefore, this outwardly moving energy focuses on reaching further out with regards to the extent to which it can see life operating gracefully among ever larger wholes. Sagittarius is moving away from the watery influence of Scorpio, which kept it bound to the depths of power struggles and interpersonal adversities. That is why Sagittarius turns around to exert such an optimistic flight into spiritual heights of freedom to recognize the wealth of life’s extended abundance and opportunities to grow, facilitated by the previously discovered extent to how complex and ensnared things can get. Eventually, the constant moving out of energy to enjoy the spontaneous adventures offered by life subsides for the approach of…

Capricorn- this expression of earth involves the restricted focus of action to accomplish an achievement of prominence. This point passively works to stay disciplined with regards to consistently chipping away at a project to see its completion. Therefore, this inward moving energy focuses on continuing forward through time with the endurance needed to surpass hindrances and obstacles in the way of attainment. Capricorn is moving away from the fiery influence of Sagittarius, which kept its aspirations spread out and idealized through plans and abstractions. That is why Capricorn turns around to exert such a determined immersion in practical applications that will serve to physically manifest a specifically desired result, which was previously envisioned. Eventually, the constant moving in of energy to progress one’s goal subsides for the approach of…

Aquarius- this expression of air involves the sudden breakthrough beyond barriers and collaboration needed to elevate one’s efforts. This point actively focuses to ensure that an idea is conceptually logical and progressively beneficial for the community it impacts. Therefore, this outward moving energy will inventively come up with unique changes that disrupt what was already established in favor of generating a more inclusively functioning model. Aquarius is moving away from the earthy influence of Capricorn, which kept it traditionally anchored to a set, acceptable method for achievement. That is why Aquarius turns around to exert such a radical surge of innovative energy to push beyond a rigidly crystalized outcome, while keeping intact the integrity of necessary, structural solidarity realized before. Eventually, the constant moving out of energy to drastically upgrade one’s contribution for collective upliftment subsides for the approach of…

Pisces- this expression of water involves the fluid dreaming of beautiful ideals that tranquilly excite one’s compassion. This point passively allows for the reflection over all efforts to peacefully embrace life with more unconditional love, while letting go of all personal connections to successes and shortcomings. Therefore, this inward moving energy will imaginatively entice one to overcome their personal, ego-based, orientation by orienting to the pulse of the collective, which draws them away from the reference of their personal experiences and satisfaction and into the tides of what feels like a more complete experience of ultimate, even spiritual, transcendence. Pisces is moving away from the airy influence of Aquarius, which kept it focused on collaborating with the connected whole in order to realize a dream of important impact for humanity and/or the larger collective. That is why Pisces turns around to exert such a soft and carefree attitude of melting all boundaries in order to experience a state of total oneness, which both contains and permeates all life, generated from the approximation reached before by many individuals coming together. Eventually, the constant moving in of energy to dissolve differences and unify all beings subsides for the approach of…

ARIES!...and the pattern of the elemental process continues around again…

Swim around through the elemental symbolism and see if you can’t relate better to the processes taking place in your own life ;)