Aquarius (astrology)

Aquarius (♒) (Greek: Ύδροχόος, "Hudrokhoös", Latin: "Aquārius") is the eleventh astrological sign in the Zodiac, originating from the constellation Aquarius. 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 co-ruler of this sign. "Exalting" planets are either Mars and/or Neptune, while the "fall" planets are Mercury and/or Venus.^{[citation needed]}

In Western conceptions of astrology an individual born under this Sun sign is known as an Aquarian. Although the astrological sign of Aquarius may begin as early as January 19 in some years, the Sun typically leaves Capricorn and enters Aquarius on the cusp day January 20th. The Sun is in Aquarius under the tropical zodiac from approximately then to February 18. Under the Sidereal Zodiac, the Sun is in the astrological sign of Aquarius from February 12th to 14th and leaves between March 8th and 10th, depending on leap year. According to Hindu Astrology, which uses the Sidereal Zodiac, one can be an Aquarius at any time of year, as the defining factor of personality is interpreted from the Zodiac sign rising on the Eastern Horizon at the specific time of birth, rather than the astronomical transit of the Sun.

Mythology

Aquarius is sometimes identified with Ganymede, a beautiful youth in Greek mythology with whom Zeus fell in love and, in the disguise of an eagle (represented by the constellation Aquila), carried off to Olympus to be "cup-bearer" to the gods. Aquarius has also been identified as the pourer of the waters that flooded the Earth in the ancient Greek version of the Great Flood myth. As such, the constellation Eridanus the river is sometimes identified as a river being poured by Aquarius.

References

• ^ Liz Greene.

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