Understanding what makes two people astrologically compatible can be easier than it might seem. One of the key factors of compatibility in astrology is the use of elements to determine how well you are likely to get along with a person, either in love, friendship or business.

There are four elements that correspond to the zodiac signs. These four elements are Fire, Air, Water and Earth. Simply put, you are more likely to have a harmonious relationship with a person of the same element. The next best match would be the element that naturally goes with your own — Fire with Air and Earth with Water.

The Fire signs are Aries, Leo and Sagittarius. This element desires freedom. Fire represents strong wills and enthusiasm. The Air signs are Gemini, Libra and Aquarius. This element desires freedom also, with a different emphasis. Air represents abstract thought. The Earth signs are Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn. This element needs security. Earth represents material and practical matters. The Water signs are Scorpio, Pisces and Cancer. This element needs security also, but with a different emphasis. Water represents feeling and emotions.

The signs in opposition to your own will be where you will experience the most variance. This will be an intense relationship, but it could be either positive or negative. Each sign has two other signs they are most incompatible with. An easy way to figure your least compatible signs is to start at your own sign and count to the third sign on either side of you. Because of all factors involved these will be the most difficult for you to mesh with in love or in business.

It’s possible to get along with less-compatible signs — there may simply be more pitfalls and difficulties in your way. This can be less important in the workplace, depending on the dynamics. Equal coworkers will do better with these awkward mixes than will two people on different power levels. You will do better with work relationships that include your compatible or complementary element.

Romance is one thing; sexual chemistry is another. It is very possible to have an intense sexual relationship with a person of an opposing sign. But once the sparks die down, these relationships don’t usually have what it takes to go the distance. Fire and Water is a powerful mix in bed. Out of bed, these two strong-willed people will most likely not find lasting happiness together.

Another way to gauge compatibility is by assessing quadruplicities. The three quadruplicities can be defined as ways of being creative. They are called Cardinal, Fixed and Mutable. Cardinal signs include Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn — these prefer to initiate and create. Fixed signs are Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius. These signs prefer to stabilize or sustain what has been created or to resist and endure. Mutable signs are Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces. These signs attempt to alter or adapt what has already been created.

Knowing another person’s sun sign, element and quadruplicity can go a long way toward understanding what to expect from a relationship. It can give you the tools you need to make a relationship work, whether in the workplace, in the family or in the dating world.