A Guide to Fire Signs: Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius

Looking to learn more about astrology? A great place to start is understanding the four elements: air, fire, water, and earth. While each of the 12 zodiac signs has its own M.O., signs that fall under the same element share similar perspectives and mirror one another in terms of what they value and how they move through the world. Knowing which element rules your sign can give you insight into your own personality and desires — and help you figure out which signs you'll be most compatible with.

So let's dive into the fire signs. From your go-getter career mentor to your friend with big dreams and travel plans, the fire signs in your life inspire you to, well, get fired up and take bold steps to fulfill your desires. People who have fire sign placements tend to be among the most dynamic, charismatic, and passionate in the zodiac.

Here, a primer on what it means to be a fire sign and what you need to know about each.

What You Need to Know About the Elements

The 12 zodiac signs are broken down into four elements: air, fire, water, and earth. There are three signs per element. In the fire bunch, those three are:

• Aries, symbolized by the Ram
• Leo, symbolized by the Lion
• Sagittarius, symbolized by the Archer

Another layer to consider: Within each element, there's one of each quality, or quadruplicity: cardinal, fixed, and mutable. The quality that a sign falls under speaks to the sign's basic energy. Cardinal signs are the initiators of the zodiac (but can struggle with follow-through), fixed signs tend to be the most resolute (but also stubborn), and mutable signs are the most adaptable (but also wishy-washy).

Fire Sign Traits

While earth signs are generally pragmatic, water signs are very much in their feelings, and air signs tend to be focused on interpersonal and intellectual pursuits. When it comes to fire signs, it's all about being action-oriented. At times hotheaded and impetuous, a fire sign's inner light glows brightly, fueling their desire to move quickly and decisively toward achieving their goals. Passionate, assertive, and competitive, they tend to embrace the philosophy that bigger, brighter, louder, and more of just about anything is preferable. And each in their own way, the fire signs seek out and revel in the spotlight.