Fire, earth, water, and air: The best careers for the elemental signs

Astrology and zodiac signs — whether you scoff at them, feel indifferent, are entertained, or take every word to heart, you’re bound to hear bits and pieces every once in a while.

As many as 70 million Americans read their horoscopes daily, reports the American Federation of Astrologers. And almost 30% of Americans believe in astrology, a 2017 Pew Research Centre poll reveals.

However, in 2021, a trio of psychologists at Lund University conducted a study and found that people who believe in astrology tend to be less intelligent than the norm and more narcissistic.

Their findings indicated that people who have faith in astrology tend to be more self-focused than average, see themselves as special people with natural leadership skills, and are less intelligent than the average person. The psychologists also noted that the higher a volunteer scored on the IQ portion of the questionnaire, the lower their chances were of being a believer in astrology.

Yet, “criticising astrology by focusing on disproven scientific claims very much misses the point. What matters is that people find meaning in the system of thought,” writes Olivia Goldhill in a Quartz article titled “Skepticism of astrology isn’t particularly smart.”

It’s the same case with people who identify themselves with the Hogwarts houses in “Harry Potter”, the personality associated with your blood type, and even the scientifically disproven Myers-Briggs personality test.

“None of us fits neatly into boxes, and no personality test can fully capture the complexities of our character. That doesn’t mean the assessments, even the silly ones, aren’t valuable,” writes Leah Fessler in another Quartz article.

It’s something for people to be introspective about, and can even be a source of guidance for others.

Plus, it’s an easy conversation starter to get to know someone else. Once you’ve gathered their name, where they stay, what they do, and how many siblings or kids they have, some people default to personality quizzes, like asking about one’s zodiac sign or MBTI.

And if you or the person you’re speaking to wants to take it a step further, you start diving into the zodiac elements. 

For the uninitiated, the 12 zodiac signs (Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces) are categorised into four elements: fire, earth, water, and air.

• Fire signs (Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius) are known for their enthusiasm, energy, and passion.
• Earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn) are known for their practicality, reliability, and grounded nature.
• Water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces) are known for being emotional, intuitive, and nurturing.
• Air signs (Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius) are intellectual, communicative, and social. 

The four signs provide a framework for understanding the different personalities of each zodiac.

You may have heard people say, “She is such a Pisces” or “He is definitely a Sagittarius.” This is because people often relate these elements to specific personality traits and tendencies.

For example, if you are an earth sign, you might enjoy routines and seeing results. As a fire sign, you aren’t put off by spontaneity.

Water signs are known for their emotional depth, so if you are one, you might be drawn to careers or hobbies that involve caring for others. As an air sign, you might excel in analytical thinking and social interactions.

Do the fire, earth, water, and air signs define you?

While generalising people through their fire, earth, water, and air signs can actually be accurate to an extent, many argue that everyone is different and other factors, such as upbringing and personal experiences, also affect one’s personality.

That being said, using these signs to explore career paths based on your personality traits can be helpful. You might even find the best career possible.

However, it is important to consider your personal interests and goals when making career decisions rather than solely relying on your zodiac’s elemental signs.

For example, if you are a fire sign, you might want to explore creative or leadership roles, but you should remember to consider your qualifications, experiences, and interests. Just because you have the supposed “leadership” qualities doesn’t guarantee you a C-suite role without the technical and soft skills, just like how you wouldn’t end up a neurosurgeon without any form of formal training. 

If you are looking for the right job based on your zodiac element, here are the best careers for earth, fire, water, and air signs:

Best careers for Earth signs

Earth signs: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn 

Earth signs are practical and realistic but at the same time, can be very emotional. However, when it comes to their loved ones, they are incredibly loyal and stick with you through the hardest times. 

In a work setting, they consistently deliver high-quality results and can remain calm under pressure.

Taurus 

Taurus are known to be steadfast and reliable. They value stability and cannot run away from hard work if it means achieving security. 

Their practicality, patience, and attention to detail make them well-suited for careers in finance and banking. Jobs such as financial advisor, accountant, or banker will allow them to use their meticulous traits and help others manage their resources wisely. 

They would also thrive in a career in beauty, fashion design, music, or visual arts as they have an eye for beauty. 

Virgo

Virgos are analytical, meticulous, and organised. Their eye for detail makes them well-suited for careers that require precision and critical thinking. 

Careers in healthcare, such as medical research, nursing, or pharmacy, are perfect for Virgos as they can work in a structured environment while making an impact on people’s lives. 

Aside, they tend to do well in administrative and editorial roles such as assistant, office manager, or editor, where they can showcase their organisational skills and attention to detail.

Capricorn 

Capricorns are ambitious, disciplined, and driven. They have a strong work ethic and a natural ability to lead, making them well-suited for careers in management and leadership. 

Capricorns excel in roles such as business executive, entrepreneur, or project manager. 

Roles in finance, such as investment banking or financial planning, are also great as they get to use their strategic planning skills. 

Best careers for fire signs

Fire signs: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius 

As the element suggests, fire signs are fiery. They are passionate, creative, adventurous, and have immense energy. These people are born leaders who inspire others to become the best version of themselves.

For all fire signs, a common trait is the need for excitement and challenge in your career. You thrive in environments where you can be creative and make an impact. 

Aries

If you are an Aries, you are likely a natural leader. Your courage, determination, and confidence make you well-suited for roles where you can take charge. 

Careers in entrepreneurship, military service, sports, and emergency services are ideal for you. 

Your ability to handle high-pressure situations with ease and competitive nature allows you to succeed in these roles. 

Sagittarius 

If you are a Sagittarius, your adventurous and optimistic traits help you succeed in roles such as travel writing, teaching, and research.

Your love for freedom and dislike for routine make you well-suited for freelance work or jobs that offer flexibility and the opportunity to experience new cultures and places.

Leo

As a Leo, your charismatic and creative nature makes you thrive in arts, entertainment, and leadership roles. 

Leos are the life of the party and have the ability to captivate an audience. This makes them a great fit for acting, public speaking, and event planning. Anything that’s got to do with working a crowd — a Leo’s your go-to person.

Best careers for water signs 

Water signs: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces 

Water signs are intuitive and emotional. People like to talk to them, as they are known for their peaceful and gentle energy. 

They have the ability to sense what others are feeling and understand where they are coming from. This makes them the perfect fit for careers that require empathy and emotional intelligence. Whether they work in healthcare, counselling, or any role that involves helping others, their intuitive nature allows them to connect with those around them.

Cancer 

Cancers do well in situations where they can provide care and support. Careers in nursing, social work, and counselling are great options because it allow them to connect with others. 

They excel as human resources or as a personal assistant as they can create supportive environments for others.

If this is your sign, you’re likely very family-oriented and non-confrontational unless someone you love is threatened. 

Scorpio 

Scorpios are known for their determination and passion. They are curious and not afraid to uncover the truth. Their analytical thinking makes them a great fit for careers in research, psychology, and investigative journalism. 

As someone with strong will and leadership skills, you will also succeed in business and finance, where your strategic thinking and ability to manage resources are needed.

Pisces

Pisces are known for their imaginative, compassionate, and creative traits. Their empathetic nature and ability to connect with others make them well-suited for careers in the arts, such as music, writing, and acting. 

They do well in roles where they can help others, such as healthcare or social services, too.

Best careers for air signs 

Air signs: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius 

Air signs are known to be are known for their intellect, communication skills, and adaptability. They are easy to spot as they are usually the life of the party. 

For all air signs, a common theme is the need for mental stimulation and the ability to communicate effectively. Careers that involve problem-solving, creative thinking, and interaction with others are great choices. 

Gemini 

As a Gemini, you are known for your curiosity and excellent communication skills. You thrive in situations where you can learn and interact with others. 

Careers in journalism, marketing, public relations, language teaching, translating or any role that involves writing and speaking are best suited for you. 

Your quick wit and ability to multitask will make you a great fit for careers in sales or event planning. 

Libra 

Libras are known for their diplomatic nature and sense of fairness. This means that you will excel in roles that involve negotiation, mediation, and forming relationships. 

Careers in law, human resources, and international relations are great for you because they align with your ability to see all sides of a situation. The best jobs for you allow you to use your social skills and sense of justice. 

Aquarius 

Aquarius is a sign that makes people think of innovativeness and independence. 

Careers in engineering, information technology, and research are great choices, as they allow you to use your analytical and innovative thinking. 

Your strong sense of social justice will make you a great fit for careers in non-profits, social work, and activism too. Your ideal career is one that challenges you intellectually and allows you to make a positive impact on society.