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The elemental balance goes way back in the history of astrology and refers to the elements associated with the 12 signs of the zodiac: Fire, Water, Earth and Air. There are three Fire signs, three Water signs, three Earth signs and three Air signs. The lights (Sun and Moon) and the eight planets naturally are placed in the 12 signs, each of which is an element. When you tally up the total of the planets in the various signs (and elements), you have the elemental balance.

In most cases, a person will have more of one element and less of another and this balance (or lack thereof) is traditionally interpreted. Here is how it works.

In a word, there are the “haves” and the “have-nots.” That element you have the most of represents what you have to do or have to use in your life, and the quality of that element says something about gifts or talents you have.

By the same token, those elements you lack or want in your chart are areas where you may need more experience. These are the elements you want, and you probably have a natural thirst for these qualities.

So, we can say:

We do what we have to do
and
We become what we want.

Those qualities we are strong in are what we have to do, and those we are weaker in may interest us very much, and we turn toward that, or we become what we want. We all want to become what we want.