The Elements: Air

What Does Air Symbolize?

Communication, breathing, intellect, our rational mind, logic, thoughts, speaking, charm, manipulation, being clever, lying, tactics, analytics, Prana, language, listening, perception, knowledge, intelligence, learning, mental energy, movement, what goes unseen or what is hidden, passivity, anxiety, nervousness, thoughtfulness, and speed/quickness.

Masculine and Active

Like fire, air is dominate among the four elements: Air, Water, Earth, and Fire. Water and Earth are feminine. Fire and Air are the doers. The difference in the two, however, is that air is much more likely to look (think) before leaping, while fire will dive right in without much, or any, thought.

The negative quality to air is that it can sometimes miss it’s opportunity by overthinking. Or, it may hold too much nervous or anxious energy to move at all. Air can sometimes hold itself back by being passive-aggressive in situations; by feeling the need to please others rather than speaking their truth.

Air Sign Qualities

Someone who is dominant air will be intellectual, with a vast array of knowledge. They are quick learners, wordsmiths, good at languages or comical with word use, fast-moving, highly perceptive, rational, indecisive, physically active, and will have long limbs and make quick strides or short in stature and precise with their movements. They are unusually charming, can manipulate for good or for selfishness, and enjoys puzzles, strategy games, and/or fast-moving sports.

Tornadoes, Twisters, Hurricanes, and Dust Storms

Symbolically, water is our emotions. Air is our thoughts. An air sign, or someone who has a lot of air in their chart, will usually rationalize their emotions. This is the reason that passivity happens among air signs. While it is great to be considerate of others people’s feelings, we must also feel our own feelings and allow them room for expression; otherwise, instead of feeling them, we only think about them. This can cause a buildup of unsaid words left inside of us.

Like a tornado, those little water droplets (emotions) are swept up in our thoughts. With mental stress and emotional strain, the lack balance of our minds and hearts and instead become conflicted. We then begin spinning with frustration. When we let out all of those words we never said, we are as volatile as a hurricane, using our emotions and words as weapons- crashing over the heads of those we love and causing quite a shock. Like a twister, they never saw it coming! We could even become cold and dry -like a desert storm– once we empty ourselves of all that we had kept inside for far too long.

Air Correspondents

In the Tarot Deck, Air is is the Suit of Swords.

Gemini is ruled by the planet Mercury, which is the fleet-footed messenger of the gods.

Libra is ruled by the planet Venus, which is the goddess of prosperity and victory.

Aquarius is ruled by the planet Uranus, which is the planet of rebellion, technology, and inventiveness.

In Astrology, Mercury and Gemini are associated with the third house, Venus and Libra the seventh house, and Aquarius and Uranus the eleventh house.

Air and The Astrological Houses

The Third House, or the Gemini House, in Astrology is all about communication, intellect, and our strengths and weaknesses within speaking and learning.

The Seventh House, or the Libra House, is about our relationships, marriage(s), business partnerships, and other types of commitments to others.

The Eleventh House, or the Aquarius House, is the house groups (specifically large groups), friends, organizations, clubs, as well as our hopes.

“Air is the Element of FREEDOM.”

-Uncle Iroh, Avatar: The Last Airbender

Nirvana

Like the other 3 elements, air is only one piece of the puzzle of life. If one ever wants to reach a state of nirvana, one must understand the great balancing act of all four puzzle pieces.

Emotions. Thoughts. Body. Spirit.