The air may be as clear as crystal; but when the clouds do appear, the air, the very sky itself, may grow turbulent. It may howl and blow, or simply brood in shades of gray. And though the air may be warmed now and then by the sun, it was classified by Aristotle as an essentially cold element.
The Air is in the mind, the thinking function. As we have seen, intuition (fire) and sensation (earth) represent modes of perception. Thinking (air) and feeling (water) represent modes of judgement. Most of us lean heavily on two functions; one which enables us to perceive, and another which helps us to judge our perceptions.
The extraverted air sign type is likely to make such judgements according to traditional rules. These people are the scientists, the objective thinkers who give form and structure to our society. The introverted thinkers or air sign types, tend to be more original. They may, in fact, be gifted theorists and philosophers, thought their philosophy will tend to be at odds with the prevailing world view. Both types are likely to be teachers.
Our civilization has become too dependent on the thinking function, which has set us at odds with our instincts and our feelings. Because we are alienated from our feelings, we have allowed our civilization to develop in an unbalanced manner, with too great an emphasis on logic and technology.
Athene, the Greek goddess of wisdom and knowledge, is always depicted with a helmet and sword. While many interpret the sword as part of her battle dress, of she had powerful dominion in that field, it more probably refers to the sword of the mind and correlates to the sharpness and strategy which was her principle gift. The "brainchild" of her father Zeus, Athene's wisdom and intellect, along with her armored dress, kept her distinctly separated from the world of feeling and emotion. Air, the element of the mind and water, the element of feelings, have an extremely difficult time integrating with one another, as do fire and earth.
Those whose horoscopes contain a powerful emphasis on air sign are likely to have difficulty contacting their feelings. They may appear cold and ruthless, incapable of touching others through the heart. They think they have an answer for everything, and that logic can supply the answer. Air, more than any other element, is often "up in it", or, metaphorically speaking, in their heads, and distinctly not in their bodies.
Air signs types , of course, have just as much heart and soul as anybody else. It's just that they have more difficulty reaching that level.
The entire circle of the zodiac is represented by animals, except for one set: the air signs, which have more "human" symbols. Man has a mind and intellect, and therefore can reason. The animal world outside of man relies predominantly upon instinct.
When planets occupy air signs conscious purpose and directed willpower are aimed at the "airy" pursuits, the world of ideas, concepts, and problem-solving. Relationships with people who can act as receivers through which to "air" these concepts and ideas become the goal for the air sign type. When air is poorly represented in the chart, circulation will be poor. When air is overly emphasized, dryness of skin, hair, and temperament will be apparent. All air types, and especially Gemini, which rules the lungs, could benefit from routine breathing exercises and often need to live in places where the air is clean and pure. They often need to be elevated as well, in high altitudes. While a dry climate goes well with their temperaments, it will also exacerbate the dry conditions which may result in their bodies if the air element is excessive.
