One of the basic principles of the Western occult system are the elemental metaphors of air, fire, earth, and water.
Symbolically, air stands for your mental processes and communication, fire is creativity, earth is groundedness and stability, and water is your emotions.
These elemental traits apply to the four suits of the tarot and the 12 signs of astrology, with 3 different astrological signs grouped under each element.
So, what are the characteristics of air signs? What are the different air signs’ zodiac compatibility, air signs’ negative traits, and more? Read on to learn the answers!
What Are Air Signs in Astrology?
The 3 air signs in astrology are Aquarius, Libra, and Gemini [1]. Rounding out the zodiac signs’ elements, the 3 fire signs are Leo, Aries, and Sagittarius, the earth signs are Taurus, Capricorn, and Virgo, while the water signs are Scorpio, Cancer, and Pisces.
The air signs rule different houses in the zodiac, with Gemini ruling over the third, Libra the seventh, and Aquarius the eleventh.
Key Personality Traits of the Air Signs
What are air signs known for? Let’s talk about their typical qualities!
Intellectually Curious and Analytical
Because the air element symbolizes thoughts and ideas, air sign people tend to be very curious. What’s more, they’re likely to closely examine things for patterns and deeper meanings.
Communicative and Expressive
Air signs are associated with the ability to communicate. After all, the third house of the zodiac that governs communication is ruled by the air sign of Gemini.
Detached or Aloof at Times
Due to their natural intellectual nature, air signs can sometimes be seen as unemotional. However, if they also have water planets in their chart, this air of detachment may be softened a bit. You can also get a psychic reading to ask for advice on how to be less aloof to others.
Lovers of Freedom and Exploration
The term “free as the wind” may apply to those with air signs, as these free-spirited folks like to explore and be on the move for new experiences.
Idealistic and Forward Thinking
Ruled by the air sign of Aquarius, the 11th house of the zodiac is known as both the house of the general public and the house of fondest hopes and dreams. It is no accident that Aquarius rules this house; they love to network with others in search of realizing their next great idea.
The Air Signs Explained
Let’s take a closer look at the unique characteristics of those born during the air signs’ zodiac months!
Gemini
Are Geminis air signs? Yes! They are born during the period from May 21st to June 20th of each year.
The ruling planet of Gemini is Mercury. In turn, this planet is named after the Roman god associated with communication, intellectual systems, travel, business, and the marketplace.
As the mutable air sign, Gemini is also linked with the third house of communication, writing, short-distance travel, and siblings.
The Gemini personality is usually upbeat, social, talkative, quick-witted, and ready to pursue multiple interests at the same time.
On the other hand, the downside of Geminis is that while they are extremely versatile, they can spread themselves too thin and don’t always finish the things they start.
Libra
So, are libras air signs? It’s another yes! Libras are born between September 23rd to October 22nd of every year.
The ruling planet of Libra is Venus. This is named after the Roman goddess known for love, beauty, harmony, idealism, art, and money.
As the cardinal air sign, Libra is associated with the seventh house governing one-to-one relationships of all types… from business partnerships to romance and marriage.
The Libra personality is often charming, social, artistic, eloquent, idealistic, innovative, and surprisingly determined. Actually, some astrologers describe Libra as an Aries that went to charm school.
On the flip side, Libras can be too diplomatic and care too much about appearances.
Aquarius
Aquarius is the fixed air sign, and those who fall under it are born from January 20th to February 18th each year.
The ruling planets of Aquarius are both Saturn and Uranus. Saturn was the Roman god who focuses on structure, rules, and civilization, while Uranus was the Roman god of unfettered freedom, rebelliousness, and innovation.
The contradictory nature of these various characteristics give a good idea of the complex personality of Aquarius.
Represented by a water bearer, Aquarius is associated with the eleventh house of the collective, civilization, and one’s fondest hopes and dreams.
The Aquarius personality is not easily pigeon-holed. They can be the head of a corporation, or the radical who fights corporate control. They can be a staunch follower of rules and regulations or a non-conformist living off the grid.
All you can count on with Aquarius folks is that they will be uniquely themselves without apologies.
Air Sign Compatibility
Wondering how to find your soulmate based on your zodiac sign? Besides being highly compatible with each other, how well do air signs get along with other signs?
Air and Fire Signs Compatibility
As you might suspect, air and fire signs are usually quite compatible. After all, nothing gets a flame roaring like a nice gust of fresh air. Generally, these signs form dynamic couples whose complimentary personalities can both respect and understand each other’s idiosyncrasies.
Earth and Air Signs Compatibility
Earth signs tend to be grounded and practical, while air signs are sociable and full of ideas. Yet, love horoscopes may show they can get along well. After all, Venus rules both Libra and Taurus, so a shared vision of beauty, art, and sophistication can be a strong uniting factor for these two.
Water and Air Signs Compatibility
Are water and air signs compatible? When water evaporates, it becomes air; and when air condenses, it becomes rain. As a result, these two signs can sometimes have a powerful symbiotic connection that can forge a solid union.
Strengths of Air Signs
In Western astrology, air signs are generally seen as great communicators, innovative thinkers, and socially adept. They excel at disseminating ideas, professional networking, adaptability, gaining deep insights, and being extremely versatile. Air signs are also known for being quite entertaining and charming.
Challenges for Air Signs
Air signs can sometimes be criticized for focusing too much on ideas rather than realities. Additionally, those who are more emotional often accuse air element signs of being detached.
How Air Signs Influence Your Birth Chart
What if you think you’re not an air sign because you’re not born during the periods of Aquarius, Gemini, or Libra? Well, that only relates to the position of your sun on that day.
Some of the houses in your birth chart will be ruled by air signs because everyone’s birth chart contains all 12 zodiac signs. It is also possible that some of the other planets in the solar system may be passing through air signs on the day of your birth.
That would mean that some houses in your birth chart are not only ruled by air signs, but ruling air sign planets like Mercury, Venus, Saturn, and Uranus will also be exerting their influences on you.
For example, while your birthday may not be during an air sign period, if Mercury is passing through Gemini or Venus through Libra on the day you’re born, then those air sign qualities will make their presence deeply felt in your chart.
Tips for Air Signs To Thrive
Because air signs thrive on intellectual stimulation, it is vital for them to follow their curiosity and explore whatever subjects may interest them
Do you have an air sign? Pursue your education wherever and whenever you can. That doesn’t always have to mean going to college or seeking a higher academic degree.
It can also mean attending a trade school, learning a marketable skill, learning to play a musical instrument, or even taking a cooking class.
If you’re an air sign, keep yourself intellectually stimulated and make sure your mind is always working. Of course, don’t forget to practice self-care to keep your body and mind strong.
Expert Insights
According to the Astrodienst Astrological Website, the air signs of Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius also exhibit different air qualities known as mutable, cardinal, or fixed.
Gemini is a mutable air sign. These people seek change and renewal. So, such folks can easily exchange one thing for another and align themselves accordingly.
Next, Libra is a cardinal air sign. They are initiators who seek to shape new things to their ideas and goals.
Finally, Aquarius is a fixed air sign. These individuals tend to stick to the status quo, preferring to build on and improve something that is already existing [2].
What’s more, Keen psychics believe that people with air signs thrive on mental stimulation and social interaction. Additionally, they think that air signs are often compatible with each other, while they are least compatible with Virgo, Cancer, and Taurus [3].
To explore the different views of the community about signs, you may read or join discussions on subreddits such as r/psychics.
Air Signs Zodiac FAQs
Got more questions about the air signs meaning? Read our answers to better understand your horoscope!
What Signs Are Air Signs?
The three air signs in the Western Astrological Tropical Placidus system are Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius. These three signs rule the third house, seventh house, and eleventh house, respectively.
Who Should Air Signs Marry?
People born with air signs can ideally marry other folks with air signs, as well as those who are born with fire signs. A pair of air sign soulmates will stimulate one another by sharing ideas and conversations, while fire signs will bring passion and excitement to a partner with an air sign.
How Do Air Signs Fall in Love?
Air signs usually fall in love with those that they can share their ideas with through conversation, adventures, mutual projects, and more. There is probably no greater aphrodisiac for an air sign than to discuss an idea and then explore it far into the night. It might even be more effective than easy love spells!
Are Air Signs Mentally Skilled?
Yes. Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius typically have air sign traits like quick minds and deep intellects. They are known for their sharp wit, creative intelligence, and the willingness to experiment with new concepts.
Air Signs in Astrology: Conclusion
Now that we’ve reached the end of this air signs article, what do you think?
If you’re an air sign (Gemini, Libra, or Aquarius), did you recognize yourself in any of the descriptions we provided? Do you know someone else who is an air sign that these portrayals paint an accurate picture of? Or, maybe you know other air sign individuals who are a bit different from what was explained?
Astrology is an immense subject, so there may be a lot of air sign individuals out there who don’t perfectly exhibit the characteristics we outlined. That’s because you can be an air sign by birth, yet also have planets in your chart in other zodiac elements like fire, water, or earth that will alter your air personality.
Let’s put it this way: if you’re really curious to find out more, you’re likely an air sign, so go for it!
Namaste.