Earth Signs, Explained: Here's What It Means to Be a Taurus, Virgo, or Capricorn
Channing Smith
In astrology there are four elements that correspond to the 12 zodiac signs: earth, fire, air, and water. Each element brings its own imprint on the signs that it covers. Our earth signs—Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn—are the doers, creators, and organizers of the zodiac. Their artistic and innovative capabilities are unmatched. They're rooted and grounded in their approach to life and encourage others to follow suit. They are the type that will work hard in order to play even harder.
Earth signs bring a practical approach to life, wanting the facts and answers before making any big decisions. They're forthcoming and expect the same from those around them, struggling to get along with people who are chaotic, disruptive, irresponsible, or unreliable. This doesn’t mean that they themselves are immune to these behaviors. You’ll be hard pressed to find a Virgo without a full calendar, a Capricorn without a detailed five-year plan, or a Taurus without a set of beliefs that they’ve held onto since their childhood. These folks know how to dedicate themselves to something, and they're not unfamiliar with holding onto a grudge.
Because earth signs are categorized as feminine, or “yin energy,” signs of the zodiac—in addition to water signs, while fire signs and air signs are categorized as masculine, “yang energy”—there is a propensity from earth signs to create, receive, make judgments to keep themselves safe. They are skilled at tending to themselves, their loved ones, and their homes in order to invest in long-term relationships with each. Although their way of loving, feeling, and tending may be perceived as cold by others, earth signs would go to war for the people, causes, and things they care most about. Even their belongings can sometimes fall under the umbrella of importance, as these tactile, material, and somewhat hedonistic people love to feel solid—especially financially.
Earth signs can be blunt, realistic, and unapologetic with their devotion to the practices they care about. Need a new nighttime routine? Ask an earth sign. Need someone to set you straight about the on-off relationship you keep going back to? Call an earth sign. Need someone to help you get your finances in check? Let an earth sign help. They're deeply devoted to helping other people see their worth, but seeing their own value is one of their most important karmic life lessons.
This guide delves into the characteristics, compatibility, struggles, and strengths of earth signs and provides tips on embracing their grounded nature.
What are the zodiac sign elements?
Astrology divides the zodiac into elemental groups:
Earth: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn
Fire: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
Air: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius
Water: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
Each element reflects a distinct set of traits and tendencies. Earth signs are grounded, practical, and reliable. They embody the energy of growth, structure, and connection to the material world. Their ability to nurture, build, and sustain makes them the zodiac’s foundation.
It’s Cosmic
They’re a little bit, well, fiery.
It’s Cosmic
They’re what we call a breath of fresh air.
It's Cosmic
Sensitive, sentimental, and a little bit psychic.
What are the earth signs, and what's the difference between them?
Earth signs—Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn—are the steady, practical builders of the zodiac. They're deeply connected to the physical world and excel in creating stability and prosperity. The earth zodiac signs are represented by practical and goal-oriented energy, often thriving in environments where they can plan, create, and build something lasting.
Taurus
Born: April 20 to May 20
Ruling Planet: Venus
Symbol: The Bull
Famous Tauruses: Adele, Gigi Hadid, Channing Tatum, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
Personality Traits: Loyal, dependable, artistic, and sensual
Least Compatible With: Leo, Gemini, Aquarius
Taurus has a fixed earth energy that makes them double-grounded in their thoughts, beliefs, opinions, and ways of being. They can be headstrong, but it’s hard to find someone more loyal than a Taurus.
Ruled by Venus (the planet of love, sex, beauty, and money), they're sensual creatures and know how to eat, drink, dress, and decorate with flawless execution…on their own timeline. Represented by the bull, Taurus is known for being typically stubborn, slow, intelligent, hard-working, and dependable.
Taurus is the natural ruler of the second house of possessions, value, and finances. They do best when they are able to live lavishly and have free will over their expenditures. Taurus is deeply connected to the pleasures of life, valuing comfort, beauty, and stability. This sign appreciates art, luxury, and nature. Their steady determination allows them to see projects through to completion, no matter how long it takes.
However, their steadfastness can lead to stubbornness. This makes it hard for them to adapt to change. While they thrive in stable environments, stepping outside their comfort zone can unlock new opportunities. Finding their confidence, speaking their mind, and being flexible are some of life’s biggest lessons for these earthly folks.
Virgo
Born: August 23 to September 22
Ruling Planet: Mercury
Symbol: The Virgin
Famous Virgos: Zendaya, Keanu Reeves, Beyoncé, Blake Lively, Keke Palmer
Personality Traits: Intelligent, detail-oriented, practical, nurturing, and analytical
Least Compatible With: Sagittarius, Aries
Mutable energy makes Virgo, the most flexible of the earth signs. They're most concerned with helping, healing, and nurturing. Virgo traits include being diligent and practical, and you'll find most are a bit tightly wound in making sure that they and their lives are as close to perfection as humanly possible.
Virgos are ruled by Mercury, the planet of communication, technology, and travel. Represented by the maiden, Virgos tend to live, eat, and portray purely. However, in their private time and with people they trust, they are usually very curious, even a bit freaky.
Virgo is the natural ruler of the sixth house of health and routines. These folks use their earth sign energy to get into the minutia of day-to-day life and make magic out of the mundane. Virgos are the type to channel spiritual healing through earthly dealings.
Virgo is the zodiac’s perfectionist, bringing order to chaos with meticulous care. Virgos have sharp minds and excel at communication, and they thrive on improving systems. They excel in roles that require attention to detail.
Despite their strengths, Virgos may struggle with self-criticism and overthinking. Embracing imperfections and practicing self-compassion can help them find greater balance. They also get incredible “gut instincts” about people and will usually be able to sniff out a snake from a mile away in social settings.
Capricorn
Born: December 22 to January 19
Ruling Planet: Saturn
Symbol: The Mountain Goat
Famous People: Michelle Obama, Dolly Parton, Timothée Chalamet, Zayn
Personality Traits: Ambitious, disciplined, strategic, and responsible
Least Compatible With: Aries, Libra
As a cardinal sign, Capricorns are self-motivated leaders that like to have titles and accolades to back them up. Their reputations are very important to them, and they make great progress in anything they feel responsible for. Their ambition is palpable to those around them, but they do well when they can learn how to let go of their need for control.
Ruled by Saturn, our task-master planet of routine and long-term planning, Capricorns do best in situations they know they can be taken care of for many years to come. That includes living situations, relationships, jobs, and friendships. They're not averse to contracts so long as they have the upper hand.
Capricorn is the natural ruler of the tenth house of public image, career, reputation, and aspirations. Capricorn traits include being eager to make a mark on the world and wanting others to understand why they have arrived at their esteemed social status.
Capricorn embodies the ambition and discipline of earth energy. This sign values structure and perseverance, often achieving great success through hard work. Their practical approach makes them exceptional leaders and strategists.
However, their focus on goals can sometimes overshadow their personal lives. Learning to enjoy life’s lighter moments and prioritizing relationships can lead to a more fulfilling existence.
Who are earth signs compatible with?
Earth signs will naturally gravitate toward one another, but their complementary element is water. Water is the element that hydrates the earth’s fertile ground, therefore water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) are a great match for earth signs. It is not uncommon to see earth and water signs together.
Earth signs thrive in relationships that offer stability and mutual support, and earth signs and water signs provide emotional depth and balance. Although they're not naturally emotional and can struggle to tap into their intuition when they're bogged down with the material world, there’s no stopping them from being their best selves when they are liberated through love.
Taurus
Virgo: Taurus and Virgo go together like two peas in a pod. Because Taurus folks love the sensual pleasures in life and Virgo enjoys perfection, they will be drawn to how well they want the other person to feel. These two earth signs will enjoy all of the natural, lovely elements of life and are a pair that marks their relationship’s health on the simple things. They're both experiential creatures and will typically enjoy eating, drinking, walking about, and exploring together. Virgo’s practicality and attention to detail align beautifully with Taurus’s steady nature. Both value stability, loyalty, and creating a harmonious home life. Virgo’s ability to analyze and plan pairs well with Taurus’s determination to follow through, making them a power couple when it comes to shared goals.
Scorpio: Opposites truly can attract, and Taurus and Scorpio are proof. These two show up with the level of depth, devotion, and loyalty that the other craves. Without a solid foundation and essentially proving themselves to each other, this could be a tumultuous pairing. But if they can put their pride aside and explore the intensity that they both desire, this can turn into a match made in heaven.
Cancer: Taurus and Cancer are the balanced, grounded duo that they both desire in partnership. These two can take their lives to new heights by choosing to be together. There's no better feeling for them than allowing each other to rest and receive all of the pleasures and comforts that life has to offer. They do especially well once they’ve reached the stage in their relationship when they can cohabitate. These two like to cuddle, nurture, and care for each other without ever feeling like they need to play tit for tat within the relationship. On the contrary, they will both feel fueled by giving back to each other.
Capricorn: Capricorn’s ambition and strategic thinking complement Taurus’s dependable and nurturing energy. Together, they form a team that excels in building a life of security and prosperity. Capricorn’s disciplined approach balances Taurus’s love for comfort and indulgence.
Pisces: Taurus finds emotional depth and creativity in Pisces, while Pisces benefits from Taurus’s grounding presence. This pairing thrives on mutual admiration—Taurus appreciates Pisces’s empathy, and Pisces is drawn to Taurus’s stability and reliability.
Virgo
Taurus: Taurus provides Virgo with the stability and reliability they crave, while Virgo’s detail-oriented nature helps Taurus stay organized and focused. Together, they share a love for routine, beauty, and meaningful connection, which makes this pairing strong and enduring.
Cancer: These two make each other feel right at home within their matchup. Their physical, emotional, and mental compatibility is all there—which makes this pairing seem too good to be true at the beginning. These two have the potential to last a lifetime with each other, so long as they are both open and honest with each other as trust is a nonnegotiable for both. Cancer’s nurturing qualities complement Virgo’s desire to serve and care for others. Both signs are deeply empathetic and committed to their loved ones, forming a supportive and emotionally fulfilling partnership.
Capricorn: Capricorns and Virgos make a near perfect pairing. Both are grounded, focused, meticulous, and calculated in their endeavors. Love is no exception. They have a deep and unspoken understanding of how the other operates, and it allows both of them to feel grounded and safe. When these two commit to each other, there's very little that can get in the way of their choice. Neither are the type to get swept away by passion and shiny new toys, so it would take an unstoppable force to break up a Capricorn and a Virgo. These two do well with helping the other achieve their goals, get into the right routines, and pave the way for a bright and happy future. Virgo and Capricorn are a natural match, both valuing hard work, practicality, and long-term planning. They inspire each other to achieve their goals, and their mutual respect creates a relationship rooted in trust and shared aspirations.
Capricorn
Virgo: Virgo and Capricorn share a love for structure, discipline, and self-improvement. This pairing is a dynamic duo, combining Virgo’s meticulous planning with Capricorn’s determination to succeed. Together, they excel in achieving shared goals and creating a stable life.
Scorpio: These two have an instant and unspoken gravitational attraction to each other. Scorpio will feel compelled to understand the drive and motivation of their chosen Capricorn, and the Cap will like the undying and reliable focus they receive from their Scorpio counterpart. It does these two well to express their passions to each other, and it seems almost effortless for both of these guarded folks once one of them decides to lead the way for the other. Scorpio’s intensity and Capricorn’s ambition create a magnetic bond. Both signs value loyalty and are willing to work hard for what they want. Their shared focus on building a secure future strengthens their connection over time.
Capricorn: With this sign being so concerned with one-upping themselves, they would do well to end up with someone who understands their hustle culture firsthand. These two together can become the most heightened and fulfilled versions of themselves together. They will enjoy spending time in solitude together, allowing their affection to come out over time without either rushing the other.
Taurus: Taurus provides Capricorn with a sense of emotional security and warmth, while Capricorn inspires Taurus to aim higher and work harder. Their shared values of loyalty, responsibility, and practicality make this a deeply compatible pairing.
What do earth signs struggle with?
Despite their many strengths, Earth signs face their own set of unique challenges. Being so tied to the physical world can be draining on anyone. Try instead to acknowledge your struggles so you can compassionately lead them into strengths.
Resistance to change: Their preference for stability can make adaptation difficult. Working on flexibility of the mind and body will help you tremendously over time. Stretch classes, massages, brain games, sudoku, reading, and more are great options.
Overworking: They often prioritize responsibilities over relaxation, leading to burnout. It’s key to find work-life balance, self-prioritization, and the ability to shut off from responsibilities. Creating a life with balance is key for your zodiac sign's overall well-being.
Perfectionism: Especially in Virgo, the desire for flawlessness can hinder progress.
Physical ailments: Capricorns with their headaches, Virgos with their tummy issues, and Tauruses with their runny bull noses. Earth signs often feel bogged down by their physical bodies when they aren’t connected to them. Try to lean into holistic health practices, your favorite forms of movement, and healthy practices with your body as often as possible.
How to embrace being an earth sign
Earth signs are the zodiac’s architects, bringing stability, structure, and growth to their lives and relationships. Their grounded energy is a gift, offering support and perseverance to those around them. By embracing their natural strengths and addressing their challenges, Earth signs can create lives that are as fulfilling as they are stable.
Prioritize self-care: Balance work with rest and relaxation. Taking long baths, spa days, buying a red light mask, wearing cozy clothes, and getting comfortable bedding and home decor will improve your existence in your very tangible and visceral reality.
Connect with nature: Spending time outdoors can recharge your energy. You are, of course, the most direct beings of the Earth.
Set boundaries: Learn when to say no to avoid overcommitting yourself. Earth signs have a habit of bending over backwards for others, and boundaries have to be a main priority for you to not only survive, but thrive.
Indulge: Everything in moderation! It’s best for you to mix in hobbies, foods, and habits that make you feel good in your body. Total restriction or over-indulgence aren’t the answer, but having a healthy relationship with your favorite indulgences is!
Work on flexibility: Cultivate adaptability to enhance your stability. Although you're not naturally flexible in body or mind, it’s important to lend time into going with the flow. Breathing exercises, patience, and laughing things off are all very important to your overall well-being.
Let go of perfectionism: Let go of perfectionism and celebrate small wins. Journaling each day (or week) to look back on what you accomplished and inviting others in to celebrate with you is key.
Work-life balance: Balance ambition with enjoyment to avoid burnout. Having hobbies, spending time with friends, and blocking off time each day to step away from work is important for these motivated beings.
Somatic work and body work: it’s important for earth signs to tend to their physical bodies through somatic work to help them get out of their heads and back into their powerful vessels. Walking meditations, spending time in nature, massages, and somatic therapy are all great options depending on your budget.
Want more guidance? Don’t forget to check your monthly tarotscope and weekly horoscope on Glamour.
Originally Appeared on Glamour
