Aquarius Element
Aquarius is the last and the highest air element. Aquarius is the powerful force that makes the world go around, like the jet stream. It has the power to change areas and it does, Aquarius is the sign of change and originality. Aquarius seeks understanding and knocking down of barriers, like the jet stream that circulates air from one corner of the world to the other essentially uniting everyone and everything. Aquarius is very unpredictable and erratic, seeking the truth from way up above the rest of the world, Aquarius is the most advanced thinker of the zodiac, like the jet stream is the highest above. Aquarius is concerned with advancing civilization and the future of mankind.
Air symbolizes thought. Thought is a continually present force in our lives, as inescapable as the air we breathe. In order to think clearly, it is necessary to be calm and focused. Deep breathing is a common method in meditation because of its ability to induce peace. The manner in which we breathe is so influential over our mental state that the yogis of India have developed different styles of breathing to induce varying levels of energy and relaxation.
Humanity has found a use for air in many of our greatest inventions. Electricity was discovered following a lightning storm; for transport we use air to propel a sailboat and to keep a plane aloft. This ability to use something for a new purpose is one of the defining acts of intellectual genius. In Jungian psychology, the element of air was transformed into the concept "Thinking". Air is linked to the suit of Swords in the tarot deck.
Air Element in Astrology
Those with planets in Air signs lead with the head, and those wheels are always turning to analyze and interpret their world. These are the "idea people", who breeze in and offer a fresh perspective on the situation at hand. As observers, they’re often seeing from a loftier position, and able to offer clarity that others don’t have. The air signs are social creatures, since their currency is ideas, and they’ll find more stimulation when out mingling. Some are drawn to words and become professional communicators, while others - especially Aquarius - have a more conceptual way of thinking. Air signs are masters at navigating through the collective waters, and therefore are astute commentators of the cultural trends, attitudes, consciousness of the times.
When Air is out of balance, you can encounter a talking head, someone cut off from his own physical self. Air signs are more vulnerable to the excesses of our mind-body split, and could benefit from yoga and other somatic practices. A meditation practice helps Air signs calm the static. In relationships, the distance of Air to their emotions can be refreshing. They’re great conversationalists because they’re the keepers of so much knowledge, gossip, strange factoids, etc. Talking with an inspired Air sign can be like skipping through a kind of virtual reality full of detail, specificity and local color.