Aquarius

When any planet is in Aquarius, or Aquarius is on the cusp of any House, the matters covered by the planet or House will be affected by Aquarian characteristics.

"I love humanity, it's people I can't stand!" Was the Peanuts character Charlie Brown an Aquarius, perhaps?

The Aquarian native is indeed the grand humanitarian of the zodiac. One would be mistaken, however, to equate Aquarius' concern with universal topics for the oversimplified "peace, love, and flowers" attitude that some in the New Age movement would ascribe to this sign. Fixed Air, Aquarians tend to be extremely intelligent -- they also tend to know it, and may stubbornly insist on being correct about everything. The fact that they frequently are correct may slightly mitigate the annoyance factor of those who have received Aquarius' wise (if unsolicited) advice.

There is no one, single "Aquarian personality;" however, there are a couple basic trends many such natives tend to fall into. Aquarians are attracted by crowds. You may well encounter many who fit the typical "Life of the Party" stereotype. There are also those Aquarian natives who appear to be quiet in the midst of jollity. What they're doing is observing. Yes, other human beings. In some cases, "studying" might be the more appropriate term -- almost as if the Aquarius is a visitor from another realm, studying human behavior in order to successfully duplicate it.

Aquarius finds his or her niche in groups, crowds, cooperative enterprises, subjects that concern society as a whole, and group dynamics. These natives find satisfaction in taking up causes, and working to bridge gaps in understanding. Generally a bit eccentric (and often quite proud of their unique quirks and rebellions), Aquarians are all about broad, sweeping, and lasting change. Ouranos rules rebellion, and his Airy children are equally good at fomenting -- or quelling -- revolutions.

With a natural distaste for hypocrisy, the Aquarian tends to be honest, blunt, and unafraid of speaking his or her mind. Because they see the world both as it is and as they believe it should be, there's a danger that their idealism can be trampled, leaving either a jaded cynic, or a wide-eyed naif reluctant to remove those rosy shades. The best solution for this potential problem is for the Aquarian native to uncover, discover, or create a means of using his considerable talent and intelligence to work to create a better world.

When it comes to friends, unlike Scorpio or Capricorn, for Aquarius, quantity generally trumps quality. These folks are at home in the crowd, while managing to stake their own claims to individuality. Sometimes seen as aloof, the Aquarian is actually processing constantly, running his or her emotions through the cool filter of logic before permitting him or herself to feel them. Original and creative, Aquarius -- similarly to Scorp or Capricorn in this instance -- is quite capable of deep feelings for other individuals, but said individuals must first pass the "worthiness" test! If you've passed the Aquarius test, then you'll know you are worthy indeed, as these children of Ouranos seem actually incapable of "ascribed" respect or love -- those are such immensely important concepts to the Aquarius, that they must be earned to have any value.

It's tough to be pragmatic and idealistic simultaneously. That Aquarians are so often able to pull the seeming dichotomy off with incredible aplomb is a testament to their strength of character, and commitment to improving things, not just for themselves or their immediate circle, but for everyone. Open-minded and tolerant, the Aquarius feels the pull of Utopia, while always remembering that the word U-topia literally means "No place." There is no place in existence that meets the exacting humanitarian standards of the Water Bearer -- but being the Aquarian he or she is, you betcha he or she will always be determined to create one.

For information regarding the physical traits and characteristics of the Aquarian native, please see our page on Physical Appearance and Astrology.

Artwork: Sculpture The Water Carrier; Iron Age water jug.