Aquarius is the eleventh sign of the zodiac. It is also known as the sign of the water bearer. If Aquarius is your lunar sign, then this guide is for you.
The horoscope presented here is based on the ancient science of Vedic astrology, also known as the Sidereal or star-based system of astrology. It is a moon-based approach rather than the sun-based approach common to western astrology.
Basic Traits
Aquarius is known as कुम्भ (kumbha) in Sanskrit, or “waterpot.” Each sign of the zodiac is characterized by certain basic traits. This includes Symbol, Planetary Ruler, Element, Nature, and Gender. The general make-up of the Aquarius sign is below:
Sign of the water bearer. Aquarius natives are altruistic and lofty thinkers. However, they may be susceptible to frequent mood swings.
Ruled by Saturn. Saturn is the planet of karma, poverty, disease, austerity, and mysticism. Saturnine individuals are somber and mysterious.
An air sign. Those with an Aquarius moon are imaginative, logical, and curious.
A fixed sign. Persons born under this sign are steady, predictable, and slow to change.
A masculine sign. This makes the native aggressive, bold, and thick-skinned.
Aquarius Strengths
As Saturn’s second sign, Aquarians share many qualities with those born under Capricorn. They are intelligent, learned, and have a good memory. They are also philosophically-inclined, like their Capricorn peers. Aquarius-natives are perhaps the most humanitarian among all the zodiac. You have a universal focus and a deep concern for the welfare of all living beings. You are an idealist, and you are willing to go to great lengths to manifest your vision of a better world.
Aquarius is a fixed sign, and this shows in your practical, no-nonsense approach to life. You are goal-oriented, and you measure your success in tangible terms. You are thoughtful and contemplative, patient and persevering.
Unlike Capricorns, you have an interest in the esoteric and mystical dimension of existence. You may even have the ability to heal others, physically or emotionally. You are a simple and honest person, with a stoic self-confidence. Others will have a hard time dissuading you once you’ve fixed your mind on something.
Though you may struggle with occasional depression, you are not easily discouraged. Meditation can be a helpful tool for maintaining mental health, and a source of spiritual growth as well.
Aquarius Careers
Aquarians are humanitarians at heart, and they may be drawn to religious or mystical professions. Although you can make a good living, you have a habit of spending money somewhat carelessly.
Recommended careers: Anything that involves helping others or has a spiritual focus. Aquarians make talented philanthropists, social reformers, healers, doctors, philosophers, mystics, and religious workers. They may be seen in other areas as well, including the fields of law, radio, television, or maintenance.
Careers to avoid: Your contemplative attitude and inclination toward asceticism may interfere with careers that require a high degree of worldly ambition. For example, entrepreneurs, executives, politicians, actors, or competitive athletes.
Aquarius Weaknesses
As a fixed air sign, Aquarius is prone to powerful fluctuations in mental and emotional states. The same traits that make you a profound visionary also make you vulnerable to dangerous urges. You feel your feelings more strongly than others. You can be irritable, jealous, greedy, and even wicked-minded if circumstances really turn against you.
As with Capricorns, your immersion in your own mental world can cause you to seem distant from others, including friends and family members. You may become obsessive about a certain project without realizing the negative impact it’s having on other areas of your life.
Your tendency to renounce the world of comforts and material pleasures is a positive trait, but be sure to do so in a healthy and sustainable way. Otherwise you risk undergoing a kind of pendulum-like plunge in and out of various temptations. Be wary of addictive substances.
Growth Opportunities
You can balance your natural strengths and offset your weak tendencies by putting some effort into the following areas:
- Practice yoga. Regular physical activity will help keep you mentally and emotionally grounded. Yoga is also an excellent way to develop your familiarity with the psychic and metaphysical realms.
- Keep a journal. A journal offers a place to share intimate thoughts, feelings and reflections, work through doubts and tough questions, and document heartfelt desires and dreams. It is a useful tool for keeping track of your personal growth.
- Keep an open mind. As a thoughtful and caring person, you will find great happiness in learning to appreciate the diverse perspectives and life experiences of others. Practice seeing value in opinions that differ from your own.
Aquarius Relationships
Aquarians have a large social network, but may not feel strong ties toward their family.
Friends
You make many friends through cultural and social welfare activities. Your friends share your ideals and general vision for the world. You may have a hard time making friends with people outside of your ideological group—religious, political, economic, etc.
Family
You may desire to leave behind family traditions in favor of alternative ways of living. This may cause conflict with your parents, particularly your mother, who may suffer from a chronic illness. You want your children to be socially active. They will benefit from having extended family or other close family friends nearby.
Romance
Your life-partner is attractive, ambitious, and intelligent. S/he is a charismatic person whose life may be quite public. You may butt heads from time to time, and you will need to earn their genuine love and respect in order to keep the relationship from falling apart. However, they will be attracted by your altruistic and sacrificing spirit.
Compatibility
In Vedic astrology, compatibility in relationships is a complex science that takes many different factors into account. It’s always helpful to consult with an experienced astrologer who can carefully consider yours and your partner’s individual charts.
Nonetheless, there are general patterns of compatibility across signs. These signs are usually a good match for Aquarius:
- Libra
- Sagittarius
- Aquarius
The Sexes at a Glance
The Aquarius Man
- Very organized
- Methodical
- Brave
- Peaceful
- Not dogmatic
The Aquarius Woman
- Quiet
- Charming
- Wise
- Attractive
- Unusual and mysterious
Saturn’s Grind
Each planet oversees different areas of life. Saturn is the slowest-moving of the planets, and his influence is often accompanied by hard lessons.
When Saturn passes through the native’s moon sign, as well as the one before and after it, this is known as sade sati, or “Saturn’s Grind.” During this period, one experiences heavy karmic reactions. However, by adopting the right attitude, this can be a period of tremendous personal growth.
For Aquarians, the periods of sade sati are as follows:
- February 7, 1958 — April 8, 1966
- December 16, 1987 — June 1, 1995
- June 23, 2020 — June 2, 2027
- March 6, 2049 — May 14, 2054
- June 16, 2076 — March 19, 2084
Famous Aquarians
Politicians
Benjamin Franklin
Hillary Clinton
J. Edgar Hoover
Michelle Obama
Dennis Kucinich
Actors / Actresses
Woody Allen
Robin Williams
Christina Applegate
Bernie Mac
Audrey Hepburn
Harvey Keitel
Alex Trebek
Ben Stiller
Steve Carell
Winona Ryder
Macaulay Culkin
Sarah Michelle Gellar
Maura Tierney
Paul Dano
Musicians
Elvis Presley
Laura Pausini
Axl Rose
Kanye West
Spiritualists
Aleister Crowely
Writers / Directors
Allen Ginsberg
Edgar Allen Poe
Dr. Seuss
J.R.R. Tolkien
Rainer Maria Rilke
Louisa May Alcott
Toni Morrison
Margaret Atwood
Christopher Isherwood
Alexandr Solzhenitsyn
Robert Louis Stevenson
Charlie Kaufman
Philosophers / Scientists
Albert Camus
Ken Wilber
Michio Kaku
Milton Friedman
Entrepreneurs
Rex Tillerson
Elizabeth Holmes
Athletes
Monica Puig
Sloane Stephens
The 12 Signs of the Zodiac
Learn about each of the twelve signs of the zodiac.
| Aries | Taurus | Gemini |
| Cancer | Leo | Virgo |
| Libra | Scorpio | Sagittarius |
| Capricorn | Aquarius | Pisces |
The 27 Nakshatras
Learn about the 27 Nakshatras or “Lunar Mansions” of Vedic astrology.
Sources
Barbara Pijan Lama’s Vedic Astrology
What is Your Rashi? — Miles Davis
Saturn Transit Dates
Astro-Charts
