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The theory asserts that the world is composed of four elements. According to the prevailing view of the time, the elements were ranked in four levels from bottom to top. At the bottom was earth, above it water, above that air, and above all, fire. Each element was assigned unique qualities, characteristics, and images.
While the element of earth was considered heavy and motionless, representing the physical world and human needs, the element of water was seen as flowing and represented the ability of a person to change and adapt to new situations, reflecting emotions. The element of air was regarded as light, embodying logic, while the element of fire was energetic and dynamic, representing desires and new beginnings. In the Middle Ages, Aristotle’s views were established as scientific truth, and the Theory of the Four Elements became a crucial principle in medieval alchemy, particularly in attempts to transform lead into gold.
In Judaism, there are also references to this theory. The four elements are known as the "four natural substances" from which God created the world. This theory was accepted in medieval Jewish thought. In Kabbalistic literature, the Theory of the Four Elements was extensively used. The Zohar mentions the four elements in the context of human creation, the four cardinal directions, and associates them with the four archangels: Raphael (water), Uriel (earth), Michael (air), and Gabriel (fire).
The beginning, the primal, the explosive power. The first spark of action, representing desire and passion that drive the initiation of actions, such as falling in love, starting studies, or beginning a new job. Fire is the vital force, the driving power of human activity.
In Tarot, the Wands suit is characterized by the element of fire. The wand ignites, creates action, and then burns out. Love cannot survive without manifestation, excitement at the start of studies will not endure without success and realization, and a new job will become tedious without fueling the flame. Fire is the intangible and indescribable. Legend has it that fire is a gift from the gods, and indeed, one can see in the flame the constant yearning upwards to its higher source.
When a card from the Wands suit appears, it indicates that the person wants something here and now. Fire represents raw energy, thus the person acts impulsively, selfishly, and focuses on their desires. Desire is the essence of the Wands suit. It is the way to begin all new beginnings in life. When the element is balanced, it allows for enthusiasm and energy to commence. It represents life force, passion, driving energy, and fervor. It embodies belief and aspiration. Fire can invigorate and excite us, or it can burn us if left uncontrolled, leading to anger or indifference. The Wands suit reaches its peak with the Eight of Wands, followed by the remaining two cards that represent the wand that has burned out.
In astrology, the fire signs are Sagittarius, Leo, and Aries.
Fire signs embody the traits of fire: the explosive, uncontrollable nature that moves swiftly from place to place, unpredictable in its progression and destructive. Controlled fire warms, but uncontrolled fire burns. To gain the attention of someone with a fire sign, one must approach them with enthusiasm and excitement. They are people full of enthusiasm, initiators, boundary-breakers, and forward-thinkers.
The Page of Wands is associated with Sagittarius, characterized by abundant energy, symbolizing the freedom and lack of restraint of fire, and its unpredictability.
The Queen of Wands is associated with Leo, the most stable of the fire signs. Her energy is focused on a goal. People of this sign are in key positions and leadership roles.
The King of Wands is associated with Aries, the youngest of the fire signs. He is energetic, passionate, and full of life. He enjoys helping and giving, but unlike Leo, he lacks a clear goal, leading to dispersion. It is important for Aries individuals to stick to one goal over time; the way to achieve this is by breaking it down into smaller projects on the way to the larger goal.
The second element – Earth. After the excitement of fire, it is time to establish and mature the actions. The element of the physical world. While in the fire element, a person desires, in the Earth element, a person needs. The Earth element is the solid and physical aspect among the four elements. Here we find what is tangible and touchable. The Earth element pertains to things we perceive through our five senses.
In Tarot, the suit of Pentacles represents the Earth element, depicted by a coin engraved with a pentagram. There is a significant difference between wants and needs: desiring a big house with a yard, a pool, and a garden is not a need, nor is the desire to win the lottery. A home filled with love, companionship, and children represents a need. The coin does not represent money but rather the material reward for a person's efforts. It deals with simplicity.
When a card from the Pentacles suit appears, the person is applying the enthusiasm from the Wands suit. Love matures into cohabitation, studies turn into work, and a new job becomes a fulfilling occupation. Every action gains depth and roots. When this element is balanced, it encourages understanding what is right. When it is unbalanced, it manifests as materialism, the pursuit of money, workaholism, stinginess, and stubbornness.
Earth signs represent stability. They stand with both feet on the ground and are persistent. The Earth changes slowly, and volcanic eruptions shaking the land stem from the Fire element. To gain the attention of an Earth sign, one must present positions clearly, with facts and attention to detail.
The Page of Pentacles is associated with Virgo. They pay attention to the smallest details, nothing escapes their notice, and they are critical and judgmental. They are organized, meticulous in their appearance, and have a well-developed sense of aesthetics.
The Queen of Pentacles is associated with Taurus. She is physical, enjoys the pleasures of life and the body. She will work hard and diligently, as long as she can enjoy the fruits of her labor.
The King of Pentacles is associated with Capricorn. This sign represents the ability to persevere. People of this sign seek stable and permanent employment. They will build a home and family and are career-oriented by nature.
The third element – Water. It symbolizes the energy that enables progress, renewal, and transformation. It is the flowing part of our lives and the world. It does not have its own shape but takes the form of the container it is in. The Water element is associated with emotions, trust, and belief.
In Tarot, the suit of Cups represents the Water element. The energy of water is characterized by its flow, allowing it to break through blockages, letting go of anger, ego, and pain. This element removes barriers and restores a person's self-trust. When a card from the Cups suit appears, it indicates that the person is stuck, with challenges blocking the flow in their life. When this element is balanced, there is flow, joy, excitement, and the ability to move forward without looking back. When it is unbalanced, the person may experience fears, insecurity, lack of faith, being stuck in the past, and dryness. To gain the attention of a Water sign, one must appeal to their emotions.
Water signs represent the realm of emotions. Adaptability to the environment and emotional response are inherent to Water signs. They are sensitive, intuitive, and introspective. Their rich inner world is not visible to the eye as it is directed inward.
The Page of Cups is associated with Pisces, representing emotions in their balanced form, like flowing water in rivers, waterfalls, and nature. Pisces represents the tumultuous waters. People of this sign are intuitive.
The Queen of Cups is associated with Scorpio, symbolized by deep waters. Emotional experiences are intense, and Scorpios are adventurous but tend to repress feelings until they explode. Scorpios have a long memory, hold grudges, and seek revenge.
The King of Cups is associated with Cancer. He represents calm emotions, like still, sweet water pools. People of this sign are sensitive, introverted, and deeply connected to their home and family.
The fourth element – Air. It embodies reason, clear thought, and logic. This element is present everywhere and at all times. The Air element represents our thinking, which knows no bounds and can be in any place – past, present, or future, here or abroad – in an instant. It is invisible, imperceptible, and yet essential for life; it is everywhere.
In Tarot, the suit of Swords represents the Air element. This element is symbolized by the sword, the instrument of logic that allows a person or the universe to cut through difficulties even when it is painful, to cut because it is the right thing to do. Significant development throughout life often comes from pain that propels one forward.
When a card from the Swords suit appears, the person should act from a place of logic, putting aside emotions and moving forward despite fears and pain. When this element is balanced, the person analyzes situations thoughtfully and acts despite challenges. When unbalanced, the person may experience cold thinking, a lack of emotional connection, and pain or suffering.
In astrology, the Air signs are Gemini, Aquarius, and Libra.
Air signs represent the spirit of people; they are quick thinkers, communicative, conversational, and impatient. In conversations with them, summaries are more important than details.
The Page of Swords is associated with Gemini, representing the typical Air sign traits. They love learning as a goal, enjoy discussing everything, and have a quick grasp of information. They seek intellectual challenges. However, because they touch on many subjects, they may tend toward superficiality.
The Queen of Swords is associated with Aquarius, representing the spiritual, imaginative individual. They are humanitarian, peace-loving, and have a desire to help.
The King of Swords is associated with Libra, representing the repetitive thoughts that can lead to exhaustion. They struggle with decision-making due to their desire to create balance, which can result in indecision.
In a Tarot reading, if the question is "Does he love me?" and the Ace of Cups appears, the answer is yes; he loves and feels trust and flow. However, if the King of Pentacles appears, it may suggest that he sees her more as a colleague than a partner, indicating emotional detachment and escape into work and career. Similarly, the King of Pentacles in a question about career success suggests that as long as the person separates their emotions and acts with logical thinking and goal achievement, they will find success in their job.
All four elements exist simultaneously within every person, and at different stages and situations in life, one element may become more prominent. The key is maintaining balance among the elements.
Orit Raphael, Tarot Reader for Personal Guidance, Insights, and Messages
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