The Water Bearer 
(20 January - 19 February) 

Masculine, Fixed Sign
Element: Air
Keywords associated with Aquarius: Reforming, Humanitarian, Liberating, Researching, and Knowing

Polar or opposite sign: Leo
Fixed star: Sadalmelik
Colour: Violet, electric blue, pale turquoise
Anatomy: Ankles and circulation
Celebrity Aquarius: Birju Maharaj, Bhimsen Joshi, BK Birla, Khushwant Singh, M Azharuddin, Namrata Shirodkar, Oprah Winfrey, Paul Newman, Waheeda Rehman.

Aquarius is the eleventh Sign of the Zodiac, and Aquarians are the perfect representatives for the Age of Aquarius. Those born under this Sign have the social conscience needed to carry us into the new millennium. These folks are humanitarian, philanthropic and keenly interested in making the world a better place. Along those lines, they'd like to make the world work better, which is why they focus much of their energy on our social institutions and how they work (or don't work). Aquarians are visionaries, progressive souls who love to spend time thinking about how things can be better. They are also quick to engage others in this process, which is why they have so many friends and acquaintances. Making the world a better place is a collaborative effort for Aquarians.

The Sign of Aquarius is symbolized by the Water Bearer. In much the same way that the Water Bearer brings that precious liquid as a gift, Aquarians shower the world with their thoughts and new ideas. Luckily for Aquarians (and the rest of us), they are at a near-genius level, so their minds churn out some amazing things. Their thought process is also inventive and original. While Aquarians are happy to bestow these ideas as a gift with no strings attached, they are much happier when the rest of the world agrees with them. Naysayers will quickly find out that Aquarians can be impatient, even temperamental, with those who disagree. Yes, these folks can be quite fixed in their opinions, in keeping with the Fixed Quality assigned to this Sign. Even though Aquarians are happy to give, and they do, it's often on their terms and within their comfort level. Generally, that means ample space, since these folks are freedom-loving and individualistic and need to roam (and yes, they do enjoy travel). While Aquarians are generally sympathetic and compassionate, they like it when things go their own quirky way. Some might call their behavior eccentric (and they would be right), but when you consider that the Aquarian's heart is truly in the right place, a few oddities should be overlooked. In their own way, Aquarians treasure their many friends and acquaintances and want to give back as much as they can. 

Aquarius is ruled by the Planets Saturn and Uranus. Powerful Saturn was considered the father of many gods in ancient Roman times, and was the original ruler of Aquarius. Uranus is the oldest of the gods in Roman mythology; this Planet was discovered much later than Saturn and was only more recently assigned to this Sign. The combination of these planetary energies is strong and vibrant. Saturn's force field is that of the stern taskmaster, which is one reason why Aquarians love to think and put their ideas out to the world. They also love to think they're right! It's Uranus which instills Aquarians with their visionary spirit. If it's new, radical and rebellious, Aquarians are all over it. The fact that these folks can think so creatively and inventively is one of their greatest assets. Water Bearers are all about progress and technology -- they love the latest gadgets, gewgaws, computers and next-generation technologies. Thanks to a genius which borders on insanity (!), those born under this Sign have the unique ability to present ideas which will revolutionize the world. Their approach in doing so may be unpredictable, impersonal and at times cold, but that's a mad scientist for you!

The Element associated with Aquarius is Air, and that means the rarefied air of the intellectual. Aquarians will accomplish much with their broad and logical minds, entertaining complex and scientific ideas for the betterment of all. That said, they are also artistic and inventive. It's all in the spirit of creating a better world, hopefully one in keeping with their broad-minded beliefs. Aquarians believe that their offbeat, original approach will win the day, and that new thought is what is needed to change the world. Those born under this Sign are altruistic, humane people who are determined to make a difference. 

Aquarius is an individualist first, then inventor and social reformer in that order. This most friendly and charitable of signs is not easy to understand primarily because of their unpredictable and sometimes eccentric behaviour. Altruistic Aquarius is usually in search of a larger good, beyond the home, family and community. They enthusiastically espouse humanitarian causes and direct their energies towards alleviating mankind's ills through innovation and change. They view the world through the lenses of reason, logic and analysis. Being an air sign, communication is their forte, and their ideas are truly original, far beyond their time. Aquarius excels in the role of progressive thinker, idealist, innovator and researcher. In thought and action, they lean towards the unusual and unconventional. If you plan to take Aquarius out for dinner, make sure the places does macrobiotic food or is, at the very least, vegetarian. In personal relationships they exude an aloof, distant mien for Aquarius may be kind and friendly, but never emotional and sensitive. They value their independence far too much to be fettered by the demands of any relationship, no matter how dear. The Water Bearer's home is the world. They may have a large social circle for their individualistic life style is much appreciated, but have few close friends. The Aquarius personality is friendly but in a detached kind of way that is impossible to understand. 

Aquarius is fascinated by science, technology, broadcast media, flying, space travel and astronomy. Careers in these fields showcase their creativity and innovation. Their originality and desire for change comes in good use especially in pushing the frontiers of these fields. Aquarius can be freewheeling, eccentric and slightly switched off with nears and dears and simply alien in their thinking.