The Element of Air

Think of the clouds, the vast sky, the soaring realm of ideas, the heights of civilisation. These ideas give a flavour of the element of air, which is associated with the mind, thought, human activity and social relationships. Air is about communication, interaction, style, and aesthetics. It has a lightness, a grace, and an abstract feel. Air is the element of humanity.

The Air signs, Gemini, Libra and Aquarius are all great thinkers, wonderfully measured and calm (with the exception of Gemini when it's in a flit from here to there mood), and all capable of great style, grace and charm. These are the signs that might characterise an intellectual, a thinker, a philosopher, a communicator, someone good with people.

The ruling planets of these signs, Mercury, Venus and Saturn have varying associations with Air. Mercury can be very pure in its airy expression: ideas, communications, connections. Venus is more the aesthetic side of air, loving form, grace and style and the courtly interaction of well-mannered relationships. Saturn as ruler of Aquarius may be the most intellectual form of air, in the sense of a very serious thinker, able to scale the heights of abstract thinking and keep going at an arduous mental discipline.

With the Sun in air, our life purpose has to express our ideas. We may find writing, teaching, learning or communication central to our path and highly fulfilling.

The Moon in air must have room to breathe, to detach from feelings for a while so it can analyse. The Moon in air must have an aesthetically pleasing environment in which to live, and freedom from too many cloying ties so that it may think and reflect in peace.

With Mercury in air we may be masters of abstract thinking, able to weigh up an argument or wax lyrical on some idea or topic.

Venus in air suggests that relationships that stimulate us on the mental level are essential. We will be easily bored by a partner who does not give us something to think about.

With Mars in air we may fight for what we want using wit and intelligence. We may plan our strategy before moving into action and use logical and well-thought out arguments to back up our behaviour.

An emphasis on air suggests someone who loves to think and communicate, and who must have plenty of room to breathe. This is a person who may be a talented speaker, writer or teacher, and who may have a great sense of style or ability for aesthetic appreciation.

With a lack of air it may be difficult for us to entertain abstract concepts. We may be much more comfortable with knowledge that can be applied. We may not easily engage with others or in communication. With conscious effort we can develop these areas of life however and enjoy this most interesting of elements.