Elemental Wisdom, Part 2—Air

The study of the four elements—Water, Air, Earth and Fire—can help you harvest astrology’s powerful ancient wisdom without needing to know the positions of each of your ten planets or the configuration of your unique natal chart. Air is Part II of our four-part series, in which you are guided to do an eye-opening internal inventory of the characteristics of each element within you and given tools to bring them into balance so you can experience more ease, peace, and joy in your life. We encourage you to read An Introduction to Elemental Wisdom and Elemental Wisdom, Part 1—Water to get the most out of this series.

When teaching about elemental wisdom, renowned astrologer and psychotherapist Debra Silverman starts with Water and then moves to Air—the element associated with Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius. This progression is based on the fact that after spending nine months in the quiet safety of our mother’s womb, we emerge into this world and take our first breath.

“Air is everywhere. It has the ability to cross boundaries, and has always been shared by everyone,” explains Silverman. “People with Air personalities live in the realm of thoughts and ideas. They have curious minds and a powerful desire to understand the world and figure things out. They love to talk, write, read, and research.”

Where the Air Is Clear

Social butterflies who are great at meeting new people, Air personalities are loquacious and love to make connections. “The essence of Air urges you to investigate, ask the most important questions, and then find someone to talk to so you can share your ideas,” Silverman observes.

“They have the gift of being interested in pretty much anything that’s innovative, and they hold the ability to process a lot of information quickly and then to be the one to articulate it. They are teachers, writers, and gifted networkers.”

Enter the Smog

Unfortunately, Air is not always fresh and clean—sometimes our words are not well thought out or sourced from wisdom. The low road of Air manifests in gossip, superficiality, and becoming easily distracted.

[Read: “5 Core Practices for More Meaningful Conversations.”]

Air personalities don’t always know when to stop talking and can often interrupt, filling in other people’s sentences. They can be impatient, get bored easily, and need constant stimulation. “At worst, Air people are scattered, confused, and struggle when making decisions. They don’t know what they’re doing with their life, and can dabble in many things while never mastering one. At worst, they can’t stop thinking. Air people get stuck in their heads and their inner dialogue rarely gives them a moment of rest.”

Change is the Constant

Another characteristic of Air personalities is how easily they can change their course. Their minds go in many directions at the very same time. “Just like the wind, Air can be hard to contain or predict. Sometimes the wind can be as gentle as a summer breeze, while at other times the wind carries the force of a tornado.”

The energy of this element is that of fascination, curiosity, and spontaneity. “Change is Air’s constant, and variations on a theme its specialty,” says Silverman, noting the etymology of the term “airhead.” “Sometimes Air personalities may feel self-conscious about their fickle minds. Being codependent and seeking the approval of the other can be another one of their greatest challenges.”