Elements of Love

With all the other madness in the world, we all know how hard it is to find a compatible love match. So why not use the elements in astrology (air, earth, water, fire) to attract a good one? Use these insightful tips from the elements to navigate the waters of finding (and keeping!) love.

Air Signs
Artistic, versatile and intellectual, air signs (Gemini, Libra and Aquarius) are happiest when fully engaged in the project at hand – right up until the moment their attention flitters to something else. Their daydreams, conversations, social consciousness and creative pursuits are endlessly vying for their concentration. The challenge is not getting attention of these whimsical minds, but keeping it!

Luckily, there’s no shortage of topics to lure the interest of these inquisitive souls. The Air Signs are avid and gifted communicators so approach them with a smile and a thought-provoking conversation topic. Critique a favorite film. Wax philosophical, or rehash current events. Libras especially are likely to perk up at the mention of justice or social consciousness. Not only do the air signs love to talk, they’re fascinated by (and usually knowledgeable about) people and ideas.

And don’t let their dreamy nature fool you. While Gemini, Libra and Aquarius may seem to have their heads in the clouds, their feet are solidly on the ground when it comes to a good debate. They have a surprising capacity for analytical thinking and objectivity. That means they’ll be open to your ideas and weigh your arguments carefully, but they also won’t hesitate to call your bluff if you turn out to be full of hot air.

When choosing dates, just remember to mix it up and keep it interesting. These signs are renowned for their restlessness. Coffee and stimulating conversation is likely to be a winning combination, but you can also stage your chats at beaches and parks (Air Signs are lovers of nature) or art openings. The arts are always a good bet, particularly for Aquarians, so be on the lookout for stimulating plays and concerts too.

Above all, Air Signs are lovers of freedom. They respect freedom of thought and of expression, but they also crave personal freedom to explore themselves, their many interests and others. Your Air Sign’s versatility and conversational talents are likely to result in many friends, and they won’t tolerate jealousy or possessiveness – at least not for long. Be on the lookout for a roving eye (especially with Gemini), but don’t attempt to restrict an Air Sign’s activities unless you’re willing to risk them taking flight. The best way to capture these free spirits is with wit, open-mindedness and a broad range of interests.

Earth Signs
Seekers of comfort and security, Earth Signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) are loyal to their earthy core. The challenge is not in keeping them but in winning one over. In love, as in all things, they make decisions cautiously and deliberately. They’re slow to fall in love, but once they fall, they fall deeply and are likely to want a commitment. If you’re looking to love ’em and leave ’em, this is not your partner. On the other hand, if you’re open to something sensual with more substance, you’ll never find a truer and more steadfast love.

The road to an Earth Sign’s heart is not a short one. Be patient, and give them time. When in pursuit, these signs are nothing if not persistent, but that’s after they make up their mind. You might even mistake caution for a lack of interest. If you really like them, stay the course. They have to be sure they really dig you before they let you in. The upside here is that you usually get to know an Earth Sign long before you start making dinner reservations, which makes for better first dates and a long courtship. If you’re looking at an earthy friend or co-worker, you’ll have plenty of time to build some steamy sexual tension before things get off the ground.

The Earth Signs gravitate toward honesty. Trust is a major selling point. They are unwaveringly straightforward and demand the same in return. An Earth Sign can smell a lie a mile away and if they catch you in a deception – even if it doesn’t involve them – their trust will be difficult, if not impossible to rebuild.

When you’re looking for a good time, you don’t have to look far. These signs are usually at home with comforts and a comfortable home. Plus, their career and goal-oriented natures don’t always leave a lot of time for elaborate dates. This is particularly true of Capricorn who place most of their self -worth in their careers. You can rarely go wrong snuggling up to a good movie. If you’re lucky, they’ll cook for you first. Earth Signs are natural caretakers and are usually good with details and recipes. That’s not to say you’ll be stuck on the couch. Virgos are excellent observers and planners – they’ll notice what you like and love creating a perfect evening for you. If you’re drawn to a Taurus, appeal to their love of luxury and good food. The quickest way to ones heart is through a favorite fine dining establishment.

Those born under the Earth Sign are not to be taken lightly. They are reliable, honest, slow to anger and deeply passionate if you can penetrate their many barriers. You’re not likely to change their mind, but you won’t catch them straying, either. Be yourself around them, and let them know they can trust you with their heart.

Fire Signs
It’s no wonder they caught your attention. The Fire Signs (Aries, Leo and Sagittarius)
are enthusiastic, passionate and larger than life. They crave adventure and spontaneity, so if you’re thinking of asking your flame out, make it memorable! The outdoors is ideal. Think rock climbing, water skiing and snowboarding. And this is one time when surprises pay off. Don’t bother giving them a lot of warning – be bold and strike fast. How does a dance club sound for Friday? Ever seen a sunset from a helicopter?

Whether explosive or smoldering, one thing is for sure, these dates are hot. Fire Signs are passionate and sexy. And they know it. Get ready to appreciate their sexual confidence along with sex appeal, and know that your own sensuality is highly enticing. By the same token, watch that things don’t heat up too quickly. You want a chance to get under their skin, and the fire that burns too fast dies early.

When it comes to the intellectual, know that Aries, Leo and Sagittarius carry the conviction of their fiercely held beliefs. It’s difficult to argue with a Fire Sign – they’re forceful by nature. If you ask them about their position on the political, spiritual or philosophical front, they may get fired up quickly. You won’t be lacking for conversation. But if you get a Fire sign going on a hot topic, it could be hard to get a word in edgewise.

While Fire Signs get a bad rap for their substantial egos, their confidence can inspire and excite you. If you can get caught up in the adrenaline (and steer clear of that temper), you’re in for a wild, passionate ride.

Water Signs
While the Fire Sign is uninhibited about expressing their feelings, the Water Sign (Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces) experience feelings to their fullest. Their hurt, inspiration, passion and compassion are very genuine and very deep. If you’re a sucker for the sensitive, brooding artist, chances are you could fall for a Water Sign.

If you’ve taken to one, you’ve chosen a naturally intuitive, compassionate and artistic partner. They are also drawn to beauty – both the emotionally and the aesthetically pleasing. They’re anything but shallow, but a well put together ensemble is still likely to catch their eye. You might try taking a Water Sign to a museum or an art show, but just about any kind of creatively stimulating date will satisfy. Moving movies, cathartic theatre and beautiful walks in gardens and parks won’t disappoint. If you haven’t yet garnered the courage to ask them on a formal date, these are great ways to get to know them better in group and platonic settings.

When fishing for conversation, remember that the Water Sign is ruled by their heart, not their head. As staggeringly intelligent as they may be, the riveting characters in that last film will always be more interesting than the inconsistencies in plot points. Listen to what they have to say. A Water Sign can spend a lot of time thinking and talking about their feelings, but only because they long to be loved and understood.

Their perceptive nature makes them surprisingly insightful when it comes to people and their needs. That makes them a good listener and a sensitive conversationalist. It also means they’re likely to penetrate any insincerity on your part. Be genuine and upfront with this one, your nerves will elicit their empathy, but posturing will only drive them away.

Water Signs have a weakness for romance. And since their feelings are often all-consuming, they can become needy, even obsessive, when they are truly taken with someone. If you do succeed in winning them over, remember not to take their heart lightly, because they can’t. While they have a tendency to be held hostage by the tides of their own emotions, this one’s depth and sincerity can make for a truly passionate connection.