Triplicity

Triplicity is a term used in astrology to describe the four groups of three zodiac signs that share the same element. The twelve signs are divided into fire (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius), earth (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn), air (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius), and water (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces). This grouping is rooted in classical astrology and is used to understand broad character traits, timing, and the flow of events in a chart.

Each triplicity has traditional planetary rulers assigned to the signs within it. Fire signs are associated with Mars for Aries, the Sun for Leo, and Jupiter for Sagittarius. Earth signs correspond to Venus for Taurus, Mercury for Virgo, and Saturn for Capricorn. Air signs align with Mercury for Gemini, Venus for Libra, and Saturn for Aquarius. Water signs are linked to the Moon for Cancer, Mars for Scorpio, and Jupiter for Pisces. These rulerships are part of the traditional framework and are used to interpret a chart in terms of the elemental domain each triplicity represents.

In practice, triplicity rulerships are often considered alongside other factors such as planetary aspects, houses, and essential dignities. The concept provides a macroscopic view of how elements influence temperament, behavior, and life events, and it remains a foundational concept in many traditional and modern astrological methods. Some modern approaches adjust or supplement these rulerships with contemporary planetary rulerships, but the four-triplicity structure continues to be a common organizing principle in astrology.