Capricorn Element
Capricorn represented by the lower earth, Capricorn is the earth in it’s most basic and purest form. Just like the pure earth is made up of various elements, Capricorn has many sides and takes interest in everything from materialistic possessions to solid to being a powerful status symbol. Sort of like the depths of the earth, Capricorn is mysterious and deep. They can be dark, not in a malicious sense, but in a depressed sort of way since they are very conservative and have a difficult time with pleasure since they are so concerned and involved in their work and the more serious aspects of life.
The element of earth is embodied in the physical substance of the mountains, the soil, and the life that springs from the soil. In mountains we see the stability and solidity of earth. Soil provides nourishment and vegetation sustains life. Earth is the cradle of all the other elements. From the earth we draw the materials on which our society is based. Our food and shelter is reliant on the earth, as is our ability to carry water, to contain fire and to move with air. Our monetary system is a symbolic representation of gold and the material possessions we can buy. The cycles of earth are dependable and predictable, which allow us to live structured, ordered lives.
Earth creates and nurtures life, much like our bodies are able to do. The creativity of earth is very productive and useful. The materially creative are able to see the potential of an object and craft it according to their design. In doing this they use the five senses that allow us to experience the physical world. "Sensing" is the Jungian term inspired by earth.
Earth Element in Astrology
Those with Earth signs often seem to inhabit their physical bodies which can be described in new-age terms as "grounded." Whatever their ground is - whether it is a high-rise office building or rural cottage - they’re sending out feelers through the senses. The physical is the densest plane, and they’re masters at assessing and organizing tangible things. One expression of Earth sign qualities, and I’m envisioning a hippie chick here, might be someone who is easy-going and languid, aware of the local flora and fauna, often have leaves in their hair or dirt on their hands. They’re intimately attuned to the dance of nature, and love to spend time outdoors.
But Earth signs can just as easily work their magic in urban places, since they’re often centers of a certain kind of high-level productivity. The focus on the tasks at hand make them vulnerable to the "all work and no play" cul de sac of life. They’re more apt to base their reality on what is around them in form, instead of creating personal myths or assigning symbolic meanings to everything. That’s why too much of a good thing - Earth - can be stifling to things like inspiration, going on faith, a sense of purpose.
Earth signs are here to shape, manifest, cultivate and revel in Earthly delights. Their gift to others is bringing form to ideas, making them a balancing partner for an idle dreamer with potential. They tend their own garden, and inspire others to make the most of theirs.