Understanding the zodiac fire signs: Aries, Leo and Sagittarius

Light it up and let it burn, my babies; we’re talking fire signs.

The Zodiac Wheel, like the Earth itself, is composed of four distinct elements: fire, earth, air, and water. Within the element of fire, we find the signs Aries, Leo and Sagittarius.

While all fire signs possess their own individual strengths and challenges, their ruling element lends a common infernal energy. 

In his seminal play “A Streetcar Named Desire,” Aries author Tennessee Williams writes: “The opposite of death is desire.”

Within that simple truth lies the impetus for action and expression among fire signs. Wanting is what makes them feel most alive, and winning is what urges them forward at an impassioned and, at times, reckless pace.

Unsurprisingly, patience is their least-marked virtue. The accelerated approach of fire signs makes them equal parts exciting and brash. Yet what they lack in reason, they more than makeup for in enthusiasm. These folks get fired up for a cause and are fiercely — and often aggressively — protective of those they hold dear.

There is no element more prone to destruction or formation than fire. If the energy of this element is considered, conducted, and thoughtfully applied — a controlled burn, if you will — there is nothing more powerful. Fire can forge metal, cook meat, keep you warm in winter or burn your goddamn house down.

Meditation and the practice of counting to 10 can be especially beneficial for fire signs, as it helps them keep their emotions and emotional outbursts in check. 

Fire signs in love

In love, the bold nature of fire finds a lovely place to burn. As their element implies, these folks have zero chill and loathe nothing more than wasting time. Fittingly, they’re not the type to play coy or cool or wait three days to text back.

If a fire sign is into you, you’ll know it, as they won’t shy away from making the first move — and every move thereafter.

Naturally autonomous, fire signs do not require constant validation from their partners (save for Leo) and prefer to have interests and activities apart from their primary relationship. There is less danger of codependent tendencies developing when fire signs are in the mix, and potential partners will be drawn to the warmth, confidence, and spontaneity these folks bring to the table, or love pyre. 

There is a restless, childlike energy to fire signs. In a relationship, that can translate at its best and brightest expression as a state of constant play in which love seems like a grand adventure. On a bad day, it’s akin to dating a petulant child who makes you feel like a stodgy bore for not wanting to stay up until dawn or drive across three states to buy contraband fireworks.  

You won’t have to guess what a direct and honest fire sign is thinking, and they don’t expect you to sense it like, ahem, water signs psychically.

Ever the enthusiast, fire signs — and Aries in particular — tend to fall in love at an alarming speed but risk falling out of it just as quickly. In conflict, fire signs are quick to temper but also quick to temperance; they forgive easily and avoid the emotional investment that holding a grudge (the preferred cardio of Earth signs) requires.

The frankness of fire energy easily and beautifully translates into sexuality. Fire signs are able to give their partners honest feedback and inspire them to be more open about their own wants. Consequently, Lil Nas X and Madonna — two artists who push the boundaries of, and incite conversation around, sexuality — are both fire signs. 

Fire signs at work 

Fire signs thrive in a varied and fast-paced work environment. They require constant challenge and are more than capable of working independently and diligently. Fire signs are built for careers where adrenaline runs high, including — but not limited to — fire rescue. They resist routine, static work environments and authoritative regimes that make no room for their often-inspired suggestions. 

Fire signs are ever-seeking avenues for expression and active exchange. They need a clear and present goal or directive to apply their formidable energy toward.

At their highest capacity, fire signs energize their work environments, galvanizing others to accelerate and achieve through their positive attitude and direct approach to challenges. On the shadow side, fire signs are guilty of showboating, impatience and unbecoming outbursts. 

Ideal careers for fire signs: professional gambler, animal trainer, storm chaser, reporter, ER doctor, flight attendant, sports announcer 

COMPATIBILITY

Fire and fire signs 

Guaranteed to generate heat, fire-fire combos have legendary chemistry that can turn caustic when conflict arises.

Fire and earth signs

Fire inspires Earth to pick up the pace and appreciate a quickie in a gas station bathroom. Earth reminds fire to slow down long enough to appreciate a long walk and a well-laid plan. 

Fire and air signs

Fire is fed by air, and this pair can go for miles with their well-matched intellect. Fire will never tire of the quick wit and curiosity of air, while fire teaches air to bring ideas into action. 

Fire and water signs 

Water invites fire to chill their tits long enough to respond rather than react. Fire teaches Water that feelings can be fuel. 

Ruler: Mars

Quality: Cardinal

Symbol: Ram 

Aries is the zodiac’s first sign — the proverbial id. This firstborn rabble-rouser arrives on the scene ready to be seen. Aries is ruled by Mars, the jock planet of sex, aggression, ambition, scoreboards and high-fives. These folks love a physical challenge and a carnal conquest. They are naturally impatient and at times their communication style can border on tactless. They are rarely trying to be offensive — only efficient.

Cue “Cherry Bomb” by The Runaways. 

The temper of the Aries ilk is notable for both its intensity and its short life span, exemplified by Kourtney ‘not afraid to use a water bottle as a weapon’ Kardashian.

As a Cardinal sign, Aries heralds the start of a new season. Fittingly, Aries energy is fiercely proactive: fast as they can and forward at all costs. That trailblazing spirit easily extends to the realm of fashion, where there is no fear of being extra.

Case in point: monogrammed couture robe-rocking Elton John, Ms. separate-closet-for-my-lingerie Mariah Carey, and Lady Gaga every time she leaves the house. 

Ruler: Sun

Quality: Fixed

Symbol: Lion 

Ruled by the brightest star — the sun itself — Leo is the most regal and decidedly shiniest of the fire signs. These natives live for luxury and are easily swayed by romance and good lighting. They get a bad rap for being self-centered and — while they do love the spotlight — they are more than willing to share the stage so long as they play lead, a fact exhibited by apex lion Mick Jagger.

When it comes to interpersonal relationships, Leos make for extremely loving, impossibly loyal and endlessly generous allies, at their best when in defense or support of others. 

Creative, confident and unafraid to stand apart from the crowd, Leo’s energy is made manifest in scrunchie-wearing, pretty in pink Lion King Jason Momoa.

As a fixed fire sign, Leos can be obstinate and controlling, often struggling to accept blame or responsibility. When you recognize yourself as the supreme ruler of all things, shame is easy to shrug off. Yet

Symbolized by the brave and noble lion, these folks make for protective parents and affectionate partners. Physical touch is the uncontested love language of the Leo ilk, and natives are always game for a public makeout — looking at you, Sean Mendes. 

Ruler: Jupiter

Quality: Mutable 

Symbol: the Archer 

Ruled by Jupiter, planet of luck and expansion, there is a swashbuckling, dice-throwing, let-the-good-times-roll energy to Sagittarius. The eternal optimist of the zodiac, these folks don’t subscribe to limits, often pushing beyond their own to varying degrees of success.

Cue Chumbawamba’s “Tubthumping.” 

As a mutable sign, Sagittarius is a touch more go-with-the-flow and open to collaboration than Aries and Leo, but no less active or empowered. Ever on the move and moving toward the new, Sagittarians are quick to start but often struggle to sustain the focus and momentum necessary to complete their myriad passion projects.

Constructively channeled, Sagittarius energy has the capacity not just to fulfill dreams but to build empires, as exemplified by archer/mogul Jay-Z.

The most difficult choice a Sagittarius faces is “truth or dare.” These folks live for the thrill of the hunt and the metallic sound of brutal honesty landing on unsuspecting ears. Yet their indomitable, sunny-side-up perspective makes them invaluable leaders of the hype squad.

We keep them around because they’re always ready to go and rarely say, “No” — preferring to ask, “Why not?”

Astrology 101: Your guide to the star

Astrologer Reda Wigle researches and irreverently reports back on planetary configurations and their effect on each zodiac sign. Her horoscopes integrate history, poetry, pop culture, and personal experience. To book a reading, visit her website.