The Four Elements and Jung

When making a comparison between Western astrology and C.G. Jung's brand of depth psychology - we naturally begin with the similarities between Western astrology's 4 elements (Fire, Earth, Air, and Water) and Jung's 4 psychological types or functions (Intuitive, Sensation, Thinking, and Feeling).

The 4 elements of astrology and the 4 psychological types are foundational cornerstones in each of the respective systems.

Oddly enough - in spite of being foundational cornerstones in both systems - neither tends to get much "press," treatment, and/or general attention. Perhaps, it's because these concepts are not as "sexy" or exciting as certain other more interesting concepts involved in Western astrology and Jungian psychology. I don't know…

Cornerstones of the Psyche
When making a comparison between Western astrology and C.G. Jung's brand of depth psychology - we naturally begin with the similarities between Western astrology's 4 elements and Jung's 4 psychological types or functions.

More on Jung's Types
To the 4 functions, Jung added 2 differing, and opposing "attitudes": Extraversion vs Introversion. These 2 attitudes have now become terms well integrated into popular vernacular and should be familiar to just about everyone.

Elements vs Types
The million dollar question still remains: Can a simple statistical correlation be shown between astrology's 4 elements and Jung's 4 types or functions?

Home > Astrology and Jung > Four Elements Index

"Ares is, however, the 'assigner,' who extends the particular nature to each species and gives individual form. Of this kind is Aries, so that when one thinks of a wolf, a wolf appears. This world is like the creatures composed of the four elements. From the elements arise things which are in no way like their origins, but none the less Ares bears them all in himself." CG Jung CW 13, p 40