An Everything Guide to Aquarius in Astrology

Aquarius doesn’t follow the trends but sets them. Progressive, eccentric, and effortlessly cool, the 11th sign in the zodiac (there are 12 in total), Aquarius is all about breaking the norm. You can usually spot an Aquarius by their asymmetrical haircut, mix-matched socks, or hand-crocheted crop tops — these visionaries are the innovators, intellects, and revolutionaries of the zodiac. One-part futurist, one-part Luddite, these visionaries live to question norms and upend traditions, always striving to create a better tomorrow.

Born between January 20 and February 18? That makes you an Aquarius sun, which means you’re naturally inclined to think outside the box, resist convention, and explore the cutting edge of what’s possible. (Of course, if you want to discover where Aquarius energy plays out in the rest of your natal chart, use your birth time, date, and location to calculate and interpret your full birth chart.)

But what’s the deal with this air sign? What fuels their ideas? What makes them tick? And who complements their eccentric, forward-thinking nature? Let’s explore the personality, strengths, and relationships of this “water bearer.” (I’ll explain.)

So when does Aquarius season start and end again?

Aquarius season kicks off around January 20 and wraps up around February 18 (depending on the calendar), inspiring us to dream big and think expansively as we step into the New Year.

And what are Aquarius’s typical personality traits?

Symbolized by the “water bearer” — the mystical healer who infuses water (life) upon the land — Aquarius is known for its eccentric, off-beat, and humanitarian spirit. Aquarius pours streams of inspiration, offering renewal and hope. But Aquarius observes it all from a distance. This is an emotional separation that reflects Aquarius’s role as a visionary, contributing to the collective while maintaining independence and clarity of thought. Aquarians are intellectual and inventive, constantly thinking about how to reshape the world in radical, progressive ways. They don’t shy away from challenging the status quo and love to stand out, whether through unconventional fashion choices, groundbreaking ideas, or a very offbeat sense of humor. While they can seem distant or aloof at times, this is because Aquarius is always thinking several steps ahead, focused on the bigger picture and how to make a meaningful impact on society.

What element is Aquarius? And what does that mean?

Despite the “aqua” prefix, Aquarius is not a water sign. Aquarius is an air sign through and through: intelligent, socially minded, head in the clouds. But unlike Gemini and Libra, which are more focused on personal connections, Aquarius takes these air qualities and expands them to a global scale. Aquarians aren’t just interested in one-on-one connections; they’re driven to understand societal dynamics, systems of power, and how to transform the world for the better. Again, the water bearer symbolizes Aquarius’s role as a visionary, pouring out new ideas and revolutionary thinking to nourish collective progress.

What is Aquarius’s ruling planet?

Aquarius is traditionally ruled by Saturn, the planet of structure, responsibility, and discipline, but modern astrology (introduced after the advent of the telescope) links Aquarius with Uranus. Uranus, the off-kilter planet (it spins at a 98-degree tilt), governs rebellion, innovation, sudden breakthroughs, and shocking, unexpected happenings. Likewise, contemporary astrologers recognize the natural harmony between the planet and sign: Aquarians don’t just follow trends; they set them… and it often takes quite a few years for others to catch up with Aquarius’s vision for the future.

About Aquarius’s compatibility: What zodiac signs are the best and worst matches for Aquarius?

Aquarians vibe with signs that have a like-minded appreciation for freedom, intellectual stimulation, and independence. Fellow air signs Gemini and Libra are great matches, offering stimulating conversation and endless curiosity. Fire signs Aries and Sagittarius — with their vibrant energy — also complement Aquarius’s adventurous and forward-thinking nature. However, more traditional earth signs, like Taurus and Virgo, may find Aquarius’s unpredictability unsettling, while emotional water signs like Cancer and Scorpio might struggle with Aquarius’s detached demeanor.

What are Aquarius’s strengths?

Aquarius has strengths that lie in originality, intellect, and an earnestly humanitarian drive. Aquarians genuinely want to make the world a better place, and their independent spirit allows them to pursue bold ideas without worrying about societal approval. In other words, they don’t care what you think — they’re going to do it anyway! As natural visionaries with an unbreakable moral compass, Aquarians are great at connecting seemingly unrelated ideas and bringing new perspectives to light, which makes them powerful change-makers.

And what are Aquarius’s weaknesses?

Aquarians need for independence knows no bounds — so much so it can lead them to distance themselves from others, especially in relationships where they feel confined or restricted. Aquarius also has a stubborn streak — Aquarians can be so convinced of the rightness of their vision that they struggle to see other perspectives or compromise. Additionally, their tendency to value intellect over emotion may cause friction with those who crave deeper emotional connections. Aquarians should work on finding balance, ensuring that they don’t overlook the importance of close personal relationships while pursuing their larger goals — keeping an open mind, even when others’ ideas don’t quite mesh with their own.

Famous Aquarius celebrities?

Celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, Alicia Keys, Kerry Washington, Harry Styles, Shakira, and Yara Shahidi embody the essence of Aquarius with their bold individuality, innovative thinking, and humanitarian efforts. These trailblazers are known for pushing boundaries, challenging norms, and using their platforms to make a positive impact on the world. Their ability to inspire change, embrace originality, and remain unapologetically themselves is a perfect reflection of the Aquarian way.

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