The symbol for Aquarius is the Water Bearer, a figure carrying an urn containing the waters of cosmic consciousness. From this urn flow rational thought and insight, universal love, and equality for all humankind. Aquarius celebrates the uniqueness of people. It is individualistic, original, even different and unusual. It is tolerant and inclusive, and even celebrates “fringe elements”, minorities and the disenfranchised.
“Question authority” is an Aquarian catchphrase. It does not accept a hierarchical separation of people, where individuals at the top have more rights and advantages than those below. Instead, Aquarius promotes a society built on a horizontal network of individuals, all being equal members and participants. Aquarius rules groups of like minded people coming together in this way to advance a common cause.
Although Aquarius loves humanity, it has difficulty in one-to-one relationships because of its emotional detachment. It can appear cold and distant, disconnected, cerebral, awkward and unfeeling. Aquarius can often feel like an outsider, not fitting in and even feeling rejected by traditional, established society and conventions.
Being a futuristic, idealistic, reform-minded visionary, Aquarius can shock by taking action in socially unacceptable ways and shaking up conventional standards. It can be rebellious, erratic in its behavior, and inflexible. Archetypes for Aquarius include the Anarchist, the Revolutionary or Rebel, and the Liberator. Aquarius rules uprisings, riots, revolution, demagogues and dictators.
At its best, intellectual Aquarius is open minded, philosophic and scientific. It bestows reason, clarity, insight and invention. A key phrase for Aquarius is “I know”, descriptive of its lightening fast intuitive insight. Its brilliant mind quickly grasps abstract concepts, makes connections and recognizes patterns in information and data.
Aquarius “thinks outside the box.” It breaks new ground in science and technology. Aquarius rules advances in computer technology, electronics, new sources of power, air travel and space exploration. Additional archetypes for Aquarius include the computer geek, the “mad scientist”, and the inventor.
Examples of Aquarian visionaries and inventors include Thomas Alva Edison, a pioneer in electric power generation and distribution, and the creator of the light bulb. Edison’s natal Mercury, Sun and Neptune in Aquarius contributed to him becoming the fourth most prolific inventor in history. Albert Einstein had Jupiter and his North Node in Aquarius. A revolutionary in the field of physics, his work lead to the development of quantum physics. Steve Jobs was an Aquarian innovator viewed by many as one of the greatest minds of the last century. Having Mercury and Chiron in Aquarius, Jobs had unique insight how computer technology could be used in the future.
The color for Aquarius is bold electric blue. Its gem is aquamarine. Its metals are uranium and aluminum. Large birds such as the emu are Aquarian animals. Fruit trees and orchids are plants symbolic of Aquarius. Parts of the body ruled by Aquarius are the ankles and lower legs, the circulatory system and blood pressure.
“Remember always that you have not only the right to be an individual; you have the obligation to be one.”
– Eleanor Roosevelt