Aquarius: Traits and Personality

Aquarius is the zodiac's innovator. The Sun moves through Aquarius from about January 20 to February 18, in the middle of winter in the Northern Hemisphere. A fixed air sign, Aquarius is ruled by Uranus in modern astrology and by Saturn in the older tradition, and it combines original thinking with firm principles.

The symbol of Aquarius is the water bearer, pouring out water for everyone, which is why Aquarius is often mistaken for a water sign. Astrology describes Aquarius as friendly, independent and future-minded, more interested in how things could be than in how they have always been.

Strengths

• Originality. Aquarius comes up with ideas nobody else has thought of, and is not afraid to share them.
• Open-mindedness. Aquarius accepts people as they are and enjoys differences.
• Idealism. Aquarius cares about fairness, communities and the world beyond its own circle.
• Friendship. Aquarius is a loyal, non-judgmental friend to a wide circle of people.
• Independence. Aquarius thinks for itself and rarely follows the crowd.

Weaknesses

• Detachment. Aquarius can seem distant when emotions run high.
• Stubbornness. As a fixed sign, Aquarius holds on to its views, however unconventional.
• Contrarian streak. Aquarius may resist an idea simply because everyone else accepts it.
• Unpredictability. Sudden changes of plan can unsettle the people who rely on Aquarius.

Aquarius in love

Aquarius falls for minds first. It wants a partner who is also its best friend, someone who respects its independence and shares its interests and ideals. Aquarius shows love through loyalty, honesty and support for a partner's growth rather than through traditional romance. Space and trust keep the relationship alive.

The lesson for Aquarius in relationships is emotional presence. Staying in a difficult conversation, instead of analysing it from a distance, is what builds real closeness.

Aquarius at work

Aquarius thrives in work that is new, technical or socially meaningful: technology, science, research, design, activism, non-profits, media and any team that is trying to change how things are done. It works well in groups and brings fresh solutions to old problems.

Rigid hierarchies and "we have always done it this way" frustrate Aquarius. It does its best work with freedom to experiment and a purpose larger than itself.

Aquarius compatibility

Astrological compatibility starts with the elements and the distance between two signs. These are the traditional pairings for Aquarius; any real relationship depends on the two people in it.

• Aquarius and Aries: friends first, both freedom-loving and drawn to new ideas.
• Aquarius and Taurus: a square of fixed signs: reinvention meets tradition. Respect for difference is essential.
• Aquarius and Gemini: an easy air match, curious, playful and full of conversation.
• Aquarius and Cancer: detachment meets emotion; patience and clear communication help it grow.
• Aquarius and Leo: opposite signs, the group and the individual. Strong attraction and a lot to learn.
• Aquarius and Virgo: two thoughtful signs, ideal and practical. Good friends, and more with effort.
• Aquarius and Libra: two air signs with shared ideals and a respectful, sociable bond.
• Aquarius and Scorpio: a square of fixed signs: detachment meets intensity. Fascinating and challenging.
• Aquarius and Sagittarius: two independent spirits who share ideals and a sense of adventure.
• Aquarius and Capricorn: neighbors, both traditionally ruled by Saturn: innovation and tradition can work well together.
• Aquarius and Pisces: neighbors with different kinds of idealism, rational and emotional; gentle and imaginative together.

Read the Aquarius horoscope for today or learn more about the air signs.

Questions about Aquarius

What are the Aquarius dates?

The Sun is in Aquarius from about January 20 to February 18. The exact start and end shift by up to a day from year to year; the zodiac sign calculator checks them for your birth year.

What is the ruling planet of Aquarius?

Uranus in modern astrology, linked with change, originality and freedom; Saturn in traditional astrology.

Is Aquarius a water sign?

No. Despite its symbol, the water bearer, Aquarius is an air sign. The water signs are Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces.