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Western (tropical) · Zodiac sign 11

♒︎ Aquarius

Water-bearer · Water-bearer

Aquarius ♒, the water-bearer: a fixed air sign ruled by Saturn (modern: Uranus), 20 January – 18 February.

Aquarius, the water-bearer, is a fixed air sign traditionally ruled by Saturn; modern astrologers assign it to Uranus. It is associated with independence, idealism and the collective — and gave its name to the 'Age of Aquarius'.

The dates are approximate because the sun's entry into each sign shifts by a day or so from year to year; the calculator on this site gives the exact sign for a birth date and time. In traditional astrology a sign is read together with its planetary ruler, the house it occupies and the aspects to it, not in isolation.

Personality

independent · original · humanitarian · inventive · friendly · detached · idealistic

In Western astrology Aquarius is described as the reformer and visionary of the zodiac: independent, original and concerned with the good of the many. A fixed air sign traditionally ruled by Saturn and assigned by modern astrologers to Uranus, it is given the image of the water-bearer pouring out knowledge and renewal for humanity.

Astrologers credit Aquarius with inventiveness, open-mindedness, loyalty to friends and causes, and the courage to think differently from the crowd. It is linked with science, technology, community and progressive ideals. The challenges traditionally named are emotional detachment, stubbornness behind a tolerant manner, contrariness for its own sake and a tendency to care more for humanity in general than for the person in front of it.

In love Aquarius is portrayed as a friend first, valuing intellectual companionship, honesty and freedom, and wary of possessiveness. At work it is linked with science, technology, research, social reform, community organisations and any field that looks to the future. Traditional astrologers stress the Saturnian side of the sign, its seriousness and structure, while modern writers emphasise Uranian unpredictability; popular lists give amethyst or garnet as its stone.

Stone: Amethyst

Sources and further reading