Fire, water, earth, air and ether are the five elements that comprise the world as per the Vedic texts. The signs or Rashis in Vedic astrology in four element categories; Agni (fire), Jal (water), Prithvi (earth) and Vayu (air). Each element has its own characteristics. These are easily understood by observing the way the elements behave in the natural world that is around us.
The Earth Element In Vedic Astrology: Signs And Planets
Vrishabha (Taurus), Kanya (Virgo) and Makara (Capricorn) are the earth signs. The planet Mercury rules the element of Earth. Additionally, Saturn and Venus are also earth planets.
Vedic astrology has nine planets and twelve houses. The planets are placed in the houses. The various combinations make up the unique birth chart of each individual. The predominance of an element or deficiency of an element has an influence of the life, nature, personality and health of a person amongst other things. An ideal horoscope would have a balance between the four elements. In most horoscopes, there is some imbalance usually with a predominance of two elements over the other two. Even the science of Ayurveda aims to treat problems and achieve good health by keeping the elements of a person’s body in balance.
The Nature Of The Earth Element In Vedic Astrology
Earth, as we can see in the world around us, is stable and what keeps us grounded. Earth is the building block of structures. It is stable and strong while also being able to nurture and grow. One can also say that the earth element represents two traits; the strength of a man and the fertility and nurturing nature of a woman. The earth element is pragmatic, firm, stable, enduring, practical, cautious, ambitious, wise, sensual, simple and independent.
The earth people are not impulsive, their reactions are slow. They have a more hands-on approach to things in life. An advantage that they have is that they are very good at enduring with patience. Earth people have very steady and have deep-rooted emotions that are also slow to change. Earth people prefer the outdoors to the indoors. The earth element also governs the sense of smell.
Imbalanced Earth Element
Earth gives the ability to bring an idea or dream into reality or physical form. Earth element people are those who can manifest an idea into the practical physical world. If there is an overemphasised earth element in the horoscope it can then lead to greed, fear, stagnation and materialism. They get so caught up in the external physical world that they neglect to realise the inner world.
When the earth element is lacking in a horoscope there is a great difficulty in bringing ideas to fruition in a physical form and with managing and dealing with the practical routine of everyday life tasks. Earth element deficient people are also unable to deal with the real world and have impractical and unreal expectations.
The Earth Element Rashis
The expression of the earth element nature in each earth sign or Rashi is different. As similar as the earth influence is, each Rashi is also different.
Taurus or Vrishabha
The Rashi of Vrishabha or Taurus has a lot of patience and endurance. They are very happy in a domestic situation and seek material security and stability for themselves and their loved ones. Taureans prefer to be slow and steady and thus pursue careers that are regular and have job stability. Hence, at work, they are valued for being dependable and not impulsive. They are also reliable and good team players. Additionally, they are generous and willing to be kind and helpful as long as one does not irritate them. They have a natural flair for earning and maintaining wealth.
Virgo or Kanya
The Rashi of Kanya or Virgo is classified as an earth sign. These natives are practical and very sensible. They are soft-spoken, studious, shrewd, patient, observant and logical. Virgo people are also well-organised and systematic. Virgos do not lose their temper very easily. They are also very methodical and are good at research and analysis. They are creatures of habit.
Capricorn or Makara
Makara or Capricorn Rashi is an earth element Rashi that is very stable and serious. Capricorn people are ambitious and workaholics. Capricorns are goal-oriented and have high standards. Capricorns are very dependable and loyal while being very confident and poised even when faced with adversity. They have a great ambition to make it to the top and do so with great efforts and time. When negative they can be over critical, procrastinators and workaholics. They need to realise that material success is not more valuable than emotions and relationships.
