Aquarius is the eleventh astrological sign in the Zodiac, originating from the constellation Aquarius. In western astrology, the sign is no longer aligned with the constellation as a result of the precession of the equinoxes. In astrology, Aquarius is considered a "masculine", positive (extrovert) sign. It is also considered an air sign and is one of four fixed signs. Aquarius has been traditionally ruled by the planet Saturn, and, since its discovery, Uranus has been considered a modern ruler of this sign. Being the eleventh sign of the zodiac, Aquarius is associated with the astrological 11th house.

Individuals born when the Sun was in this sign are considered Aquarius individuals. Under the tropical zodiac, the Sun is in Aquarius roughly from January 20 to about February 18-19. Under the sidereal zodiac, it is currently there roughly from February 13 to March 14.

Origins

The corresponding month in the Babylonian calendar is Arax Sabau, "the destroying month", also called arax arrat zunne, "month of the curse of rains", associated with the Great Flood. It is dedicated to Ramman, the storm god. The zodiacal sign of this month was called GU = Assyrian qâ, the name of a dry-measure. This was associated with Hebrew kad, "pitcher, jar", presumably in reference to the urn of Aquarius. The name Aquarius of this sign is of occidental origin, while Babylonian astrology symbolizes it with a simple amphora, in reference to the apsû (diluvial) region of the sky.

Mythology

According to the Greek mythology, Aquarius was 'cup-bearer to the Gods', Ganymede. Ganymede was the son of Tros, king of Troy. While tending his father's flocks on Mount Ida, Ganymede was spotted by Zeus. The king of gods became so enamored of the boy that he disguised into an eagle (represented by the constellation Aquila) whisking Ganymede off to Olympus, "home of the gods" to be cup-bearer to the gods. Ever since, the boy has served as the cupbearer of the Greek gods.

The astrological symbol for Aquarius is said to represent waves, sharing the dual expression of vibrational waves of electricity or parallel lines of force of open-ended spiritual energy.

Compatibilities

Aquarius is widely thought to be compatible with same element signs - Libra, Gemini and Aquarius itself.

There are many variables that determine compatibility in astrology, such as birth dates, birth months, birth years, position of a sign within the Sun, the Moon, Stars, etc. The signs listed as compatible with Aquarius do not reflect an individual profile or individual reading as interpreted within astrology, but rather reflect a general guideline and reference to compatibility as dictated by variables such as Qualities and Elements within the Zodiac. Professional astrologers rarely boil compatibility down to just the sun-sign. The branch in astrology dealing with interpersonal compatibilities is called Synastry.