January 20 – February 18
Technically, Aquarius is considered the 11th Astrological Sign. However, I’m writing this blog post now during the beginning of 2022, so I thought I would start here. Please forgive me if it annoys you that I’m doing things “out of order” chronologically-speaking. At least it will be relevant in the month that I post for the corresponding Zodiac Sign.
Constellation
Aquarius is found in the zodiacal constellation of, well, Aquarius, which is one of the oldest of the Zodiac constellations. It takes the image of the most handsome of mortals, Ganymede, who filled the ancient Greek gods’ cups with water. Many times, we can see the image of Aquarius as being a woman carrying a container of water, but sometimes the image is just the jar of water with no person carrying it. The constellation is located in a region of the sky called “the Sea”, because it’s close to other water-themed constellations such as Eridanus the River, Cetus the Whale, and Pisces the Fish.
Element
Aquarius has the element of Air. This element is special in that while it is invisible or seems to be less directly impactful, it actually connects all the other elements. As we know, Fire can’t burn unless it has access to Air. This element gives us the space to breathe, literally and figuratively speaking. Air Signs have a strong need to open their soul in personal freedom and liberation. That’s because they tend to have a problem fitting in to the regular rules and standards in society. Sometimes they can feel stifled into constantly pleasing others and worrying about others’ opinions, so they may have a drive to no longer care about that and just follow their strongest and free ideas. It’s interesting to note that two of the Air Signs collaborate with the Sun. Aquarius is detriment to the Sun and Libra is taking the Sun to fall. The Sun, as we can imagine, keeps things in check and regulate the others orbiting it. The Air Element needs to be free from this restriction and instead have the freedom to circle the Universe.
To balance Air, we would have to look at keeping these Signs “grounded.” While the mind is important, their body is important as well. Air Zodiac Signs have knowledge, intelligence, and big ideas. They feel anything is possible and everything is “lighter,” like the element itself. However, it’s difficult to put these thoughts into practice and make them reality. As a result, Air Signs could benefit from a few Earth Signs as friends. These Earth Signs know how to stop the talking and do the walking. They can provide Air Signs with the concrete tools to help them succeed in overall development and personal growth. Also, Earth Signs can remind Air Signs of their physical existence by providing a healthy daily routine. Examples can be having meals at a particular time every day, so an Air Sign’s empty stomach doesn’t reflect in having a hole appear in their rational plan.
Quality
There are 3 different Qualities of Expression (also known as Modes or Modalities): Cardinal, Fixed, and Mutable. Aquarius is the Air Sign among the four Fixed Quality Zodiac Signs. While Cardinal Signs kick off the start of a season, the Fixed Quality Zodiac Signs are the embodiment of the season. For Aquarius, it represents the embrace of Winter. Like the seasons, it is fixed, meaning that it is stable, resolute, purposeful, and relentless. They are trustworthy and loyal with steadfast devotion and beliefs. They are the best friends that you can rely on to help you through the hard times. They are powerhouses with the stamina and endurance to follow things through. They are by nature able to focus and take their ideas into completion. This is a blessing in that Fixed Signs are determined, don’t give up easily, and are reliable.
That being said, they can be so stuck in not wanting to change that they may miss out on chances or good opportunities. Fixed signs are also very stubborn, which the other Zodiac Signs notice. Fixed Signs do not like change and may have a hard time with transitions of various kinds. They like things as they know them because they know when they put their soul and heart into something they believe in, they know that they can achieve anything. Failure isn’t considered an option and they do possess the gifts of endeavor, work integrity, and patience. Aquarius has fixed opinions and ideas that are shaped by their intelligence. As a result, if someone tries to give them directions, this sign may have a hard time because they feel they already know it all. These Water-Bearers is considered the community organizer of the Fixed Quality Zodiac Signs. They focus on solving every problem that sometimes they can come across as aloof or distant. While they spread their universal truth that they formed as an ideal, they are not taking center stage (Looking at you, Leo!).
Planet
Aquarius is special in that there are two different Planets that can govern this Zodiac Sign: Uranus and/or Saturn. I would recommend picking either the Modern or Classical route and stick with that. I personally do the Modern interpretations for the Zodiac Signs, but it is ultimately up to you, and I completely support you if you choose the Traditional meanings! For your convenience, I’ll describe both planets below.
In Modern Astrology, Uranus governs Aquarius. This Planet represents your first step past what was normal or obvious. Uranus is the first in this boundary beyond and among the 3 transcendental, or most outer, Planets (the other two being Neptune and Pluto, of course). Uranus is one step past the restrictions of Saturn and provides us with personal freedom. Uranus feels a lot of pressure being right next to Saturn, and it is seen in its meanings and representations. Because there is a lot of tension with Saturn, Uranus channels this through possessing both a strong body and mind. This Planet allows us to express our thoughts/expressions and, at the same time, experience the truth of humanity, even if it’s not always good. Uranus creates opportunities to get unstuck from routine and exchanging old things to new things. It also shows us to turn towards innovation and progress in all forms. Interestingly, Uranus rotates in the opposite direction than the other Planets. We can use this reminder to understand the concepts of eccentricity, separation, spite (which can result from experiencing conflict), and general antagonism…We sometimes need to think about feelings, emotions, and expressions that show opposition. Uranus presents such notions of oppositions such as rebellion, anarchy, and liberation. Uranus reminds us to find our personal freedom or radiant selves and get ready for all the imperative steps we need to take to achieve our aspirations and endeavors. There is no excuse. You can discover the manifesting personal light within you.
In Classical/Traditional Astrology, Aquarius is ruled by the planet Saturn. It is a mysterious, yet the most beautiful planet, Saturn with many meanings and symbolism. It can represent personal and external boundaries. Saturn shows that when a person is in a difficult situation, they may be unable to defend themselves or will have to build an emotional/mental wall separating them from the outside world. It’s a planet of restrictions while Saturn clearly shows us the right path, even if we deny it. Only when Saturn supports us will we finally be free from the boundary between our true self and society. Saturn also represents time, such as planning, scheduling, and hard work. Saturn reminds us of regulations and obligations, and while we cannot turn away from it, we can hope for the best, accept it, embrace it, and dive right in.
House
Aquarius is in the 11th House, which is of friendships and networking. Of course, it represents more than just that. It encompasses many, if not most, things involving your social life. It involves groups/teams, community, and society as a whole. But it also goes deeper into governing social areas of our life involving social justice, rebellion, collaboration, and humanitarian causes. The 11th House reflects our hopes and desired future for humanity, as well as how we view ourselves as actors in that reflection. As an illustration, Angelina Jolie is a famous American actress who has Mercury (the Planet of Expression and Communication) in her 11th House. From her high-profile platform, she discusses humanitarian work that is important to her, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, conservation and community development in Cambodia and Namibia, lobbied for the “Unaccompanied Alien Child Protection Act of 2005,” and campaigns for women’s rights. Not only that, but the 11th House goes even deeper by representing technology, invention, astronomy, science, sudden/surprising events, eccentricity, originality, and more! What do all these things have in common? It all involves our connections to others (such as how we connect to them) and our positions within our various social circles.
Personality
An Aquarius is special, for sure! They are energetic, eccentric, and have a drive for freedom. At the same time, they can come across as quiet or shy out of fear of receiving negative judgment for expressing their true personality. Nevertheless, they are philosophers at heart and their mind is intelligent. They can view others without judgment and love to support idealistic causes. They are visionaries who are prepared for upcoming changes, and while they strive to be a part of a particular community, they may struggle finding their place and fitting in. An Aquarius sometimes needs some alone time so they can “reboot” away from everything draining them. However, when need be, they are flexible to match their surrounding energy. This Zodiac Sign relies on their words and their intelligence when making their way through relationships and challenging situations. It’s important that they maintain mental stimulation in order to keep up on their interests. After all, the world is full of opportunities and possibilities. The Water-Bearer can’t waste any time and must be spontaneous, firmly clutch on the moment, and live life to the fullest.
Compatibility
Overall, the compatibility of Aquarius to the other Zodiac Signs can be described as complex because an Aquarius itself represents opposition and highly value personal freedom. Aquarius men, in particular, are committed to those they love while maintaining independence and open-mindedness. They want to view things from different perspectives and are progressive. An Aquarius man enjoys things that stimulates him intellectually and, as a result, values intelligence more than appearance. Be warned, regardless of gender, an Aquarius will not be amused if they feel their freedom is in any way at risk. However, the best aphrodisiac for these Water-Bearers is intellectual stimulation.
Fellow Air Signs, Gemini and Libra, may be among the greatest compatibility Zodiac Signs. After all, who doesn’t enjoy an interesting, engaging conversation and open communication? Also, Fire Signs, Leo, Aries, and Sagittarius may do quite well being friends with an Aquarius. They may provide the openness, imagination, and willingness to take risks that will be beneficial to a Water-Bearer.
An Aquarius may struggle with relationships involving Earth Signs, such as Taurus and Capricorn. The Earth Signs are very practical, serious, and set in their ways. This goes against an Air Sign’s innate personality of needing freedom and may feel “tied down” or “stuck” as a result. Also, the Water-Bearer is symbolic of both solitude and liberation. Earth Signs may cause a conflict of interest if they are too passive or too undeviating. An Aquarius strongly values honesty/integrity, and anyone wanting a relationship of any kind with them will need to maintain that. As a result, an Aquarius will give their partner independence and freedom, as they are their equal in the relationship. But even with all this freedom, daily interactions can be difficult at times, even with those they truly love.
Wow! That was a lot of information, huh? I’ve made a chart below for your convivence and enjoyment if you wish to review what we learned today.
Do you know anyone that is an Aquarius? How much does this reflect them, if at all? Of course, it’s ok if you or someone you know is an Aquarius and you feel it’s not quite a right fit, if at all. This is simply a general overview of a typical Aquarius. In theory, a lot of other things come into play when exploring someone’s personality. For example, a person can be an Aquarius but have a Moon Sign or a Rising Sun sign that greatly impacts their personality or how they act around others or behave in their private life. There are many potential reasons that can be considered. I had fun learning more about this Zodiac Sign and I sincerely hope you did, as well! I look forward to learning more soon!
“We cannot solve problems with the kind of thinking we employed when we came up with them.”
– Albert Einstein
- Image Captions (in order of appearance):
- Aquarius. Image courtesy of Shutterstock user Natalia Mikhalchuk; not for commercial use. Signed property release on file with Shutterstock, Inc.
- Time Lapse of Foggy Sunset. Image courtesy of Unsplash user Ales Krivec; not for commercial use. Signed property release on file with Unsplash Inc.
- Uranus as seen by Voyager 2. Image courtesy of Unsplash user NASA; not for commercial use. Signed property release on file with Unsplash Inc.
- Modern Neon Purple Glowing Heart Banner on Dark Empty Grunge Brick Background. Image courtesy of Shutterstock user Kumer Oksana; not for commercial use. Signed property release on file with Shutterstock, Inc.
- References (in alphabetical order)
- Van de Car, Nikki. Practical Magic: A Beginner’s Guide to Crystals, Horoscopes, Psychics, and Spells. Running Press, 2017.
- Woolfolk, J. M. (2013). The only astrology book you’ll ever need (Twenty-First-Century Edition). Taylor Trade Publishing.