What Are Air Signs? All About Gemini, Libra and Aquarius

While many are familiar with the 12 signs of the zodiac wheel, some may not know that those signs also correlate to the elements of Earth, Fire, Water and, of course, Air.

Three astrological signs fall in the category of Air: Gemini, Libra and Aquarius. Although these three signs don't sit next to each other on the zodiac wheel, they share plenty of characteristics. According to Aliza Kelly, a practicing astrologer of more than a decade and the personality behind The Curiosity Report with Aliza Kelly, Air signs are generally caring, thoughtful and socially aware.

What else is there to know about Air signs? Ahead, Kelly explains the characteristics of Air signs, which signs they are most — and least — compatible with, and more.

What are Air signs?

The astrological constellations of Gemini (May 20 to June 20), Libra (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22), and Aquarius (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18) are the three Air signs in the zodiac. While these signs are not next to each other on the zodiac wheel, they share many commonalities.

“Air, as an element ... is invisible,” Kelly tells PEOPLE. “It is everywhere, it is sort of this pervasive, ubiquitous energy that can really amplify the other elements [of Earth, Fire and Water]. The energy of Air is inherently very social.”

That’s not to say that all Air signs are social butterflies, however. As Kelly points out, “When we talk about a social energy, it’s not really about being introverted or extroverted, it’s about being aware." She adds, "You can be introverted and still be aware of social dynamics or still care about what’s going on in the world. ... [It’s how you think about] networks of connection.”

Kelly also says Air signs are a pensive bunch, explaining, “It’s about the mind, it’s about our cognition, our intellectualism, it’s about thoughts.”

What are the characteristics of Air signs?

All three Air signs share characteristics of their overarching element, including “being social, caring about others, caring about dynamics, caring about intellectualism, caring about thoughts, words [and] concepts,” Kelly tells PEOPLE.

However, each Air sign is unique in the way they think about their connections to people and the connections of others. Kelly explains, “As we go through the signs in any elemental group, they sort of build on the energy of the one before."

Gemini

As the first of the Air signs, Kelly says Gemini has the most youthful energy surrounding the Air concepts. “[Gemini is] very playful, it’s very curious,” she says. “It loves to be ... stimulated by things, [it] loves to be entertained [and it] loves to entertain.”

“It definitely has a very ... youthful spirit to it,” Kelly concludes of the sign.

Libra

Building on the momentum of the constellation before it, Libra evolves from Gemini, which is more concerned with social groups, by centering on partnership. “Libra is very focused on committed relationships, on contracts, on alliances,” Kelly states. “It’s about balance and harmony and trying to create equilibrium. It is the diplomat of the zodiac.”

Aquarius

As the last of the Air signs, Kelly calls Aquarius “fully matured.” She explains, “It’s not so much thinking about individuals as much as it’s thinking about society at large, so it’s very sort of macro scale. [It’s] thinking about systems, [it’s] thinking about government, [it’s] thinking about culture.”

Beyond that, Kelly says members of this sign are focused on how they can “revolutionize or change or transform the status quo.”

What signs are Air signs most compatible with?

While Kelly says all Air signs are compatible with each other due to their shared belief systems, they’re also compatible with the Fire elements of Aries and Leo. Each Air sign also has a sign or two they’re most compatible with individually.

• Gemini: According to Kelly, the light-hearted Gemini is most compatible with Aries and Leo — two Fire signs characterized by passion and warmth.
• Libra: When it comes to the romantic Libra, Kelly says it’s a different set of Fire signs — Leo and Sagittarius — that will make their heart skip a beat. Though Kelly calls both signs “brave and adventurous,” Sagittarius (the more mature Fire sign), is more muted and reflective than its Lion counterpart.
• Aquarius: Kelly says the high-minded Aquarius will find its match in an Aries or Sagittarius.

What signs are Air signs least compatible with?

As a whole, Kelly says Air signs are least compatible with signs that fall under the element of Earth, which include Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn. “Earth signs are very much about what is real and what is concrete,” she says. “Air is very much about ... what can be imagined.”

• Gemini: Per Kelly, Geminis can be least compatible with Virgos, as members of this sign may be too serious and stubborn for Geminis' ever-curious nature.
• Libra: Harmony-loving Libras could easily bump heads with the direct and sometimes stern nature of the Capricorn, warns Kelly.
• Aquarius: Kelly says the art-loving, idealistic nature of an Aquarius can clash with a Taurus’ practical, business-minded ways.

What celebrities are Air signs?

There are plenty of celebrities who can call themselves Air signs. Well-known Geminis include Angelina Jolie (June 4), Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen (June 13), Kendrick Lamar (June 17) and Paul McCartney (June 18).

Kim Kardashian (Oct. 21) is a Libra, sharing her sign with fellow famous faces Gwyneth Paltrow (Sept. 27,), Gwen Stefani (Oct. 3,) and Doja Cat (Oct. 21).

A-list Aquariuses included Oprah Winfrey (Jan. 29), Alicia Keys (Jan. 25) and Shakira (Feb. 2).