Understanding Aquarius
The Zodiac's rebel with a cause
This is the first post in a series of Aquarius-themed articles. I’m taking an in-depth approach to help apply astrology to everyday reality. I love teaching astrology, whether it’s to a stranger at a bar or giving a reading. However, I think people still have this idea that Astrology is intangible. Yes, it’s an observatory of our solar system which we can’t see with the naked eye, but the reflection of ‘as above, so below’ could not be more prevalent. I see Astrology everywhere in my life, and I want to bring this grounded view to others.
Aquarius is one of the most overlooked and underappreciated signs in the zodiac. Of course, they’re better understood in a broader context due to their innovative and futuristic thinking. Yet, they stand out the most among the crowd.
Most common keywords people use to describe Aquarius:
Humanitarian
Rebellious
Detached
Authentic
Intellectual
Unconventional
Underrated words to describe Aquarius:
Friendly
Idiosyncratic
Optimistic
Shy
Daredevil
Most people know Aquarius is a Fixed Air sign and have a very detached energy about them. One thing about the English language is that we like to attach an emotion to our words (I feel like other languages have phrases to invoke emotion, which is different from attaching emotion). These descriptors can be misinterpreted as what they really mean. For example, Rebellious and Daredevil are about their willingness to go against societal norms. And it’s not loud, nor a PSA they will shout from the rooftops. It’s internal, quiet, and they’re already 10 steps ahead of you. They’re not scared of diverting authority if they believe the rules or systems make them feel backed into a corner. Their decisive, unpredictable drive is inspiring for others to step into their individuality.
Although the air about them is ethereal (similar to Pisces), they are loyal and have more capacity than the average person to hold space for others’ flaws. They may have an innate distrust generally, but for different reasons. They’re not investigators like Scorpio; they want the space to be themselves, and they want you to do the same.
Where does Aquarius show up in our reality?
Keep in mind, this is going to be very general, and you have to familiarize yourself with Aquarian energy. More than the Sun sign, people can have an Aquarius Mercury, Mars, Venus, etc. Every planet has a place and also cycles through all of the zodiac signs (that will be a topic in a separate article going through the placements).
Aquarius is much easier to spot among the crowd than on a personal level. Aquarius is at home in the 11th House, which is our house of infrastructure, long-term goals, and community. It’s where you’re integrating into society and what your role is among the crowd. Although Aquarius is home there, they are harder to recognize 1:1. They may present as very well-rounded when it comes to understanding topics of conversation. Aquarius is the sign of the Intellectual. It’s comparable to Sagittarius as the Philosopher, in that they are prone to being dogmatic with their point of view. The difference is that Aquarius is looking at the bigger picture. Sagittarius goes through experiences for the sake of the plot and searches for truth. Aquarius isn’t worried about what’s true as much as what’s best for humanity. If your belief system isn’t impeding on theirs, then they’re unbothered. As accepting and helpful Aquarius is, they can still be obstinate in their own perspectives. It’s not that they’re not open, but it takes them a minute for the information to sink in. They are a fixed air sign after all.
Air is communication and information. When that air is fixed, they are cycling that information until new information is understood. They’re not doing mental gymnastics, but they’re processing it like a math equation. If the input information is not equal to the output, they’re going to follow their formula of processing to figure it out. When it comes to communicating that information, it can be very dry or blunt due to their aloofness.
It’s funny to think about because of their counterpart, Leo. Leo is silly, goofy, and expressive. It’s an interesting axis that really represents our inner child-like nature. While Leo is about our talents and our creative expression, Aquarius is where we find innovation in boredom. It’s how you’re going to think outside the box to achieve a goal. It comes from an inner child mindset because it’s about fresh, new ideas. If you have any experience with children, they are ripe with enthusiasm for creative restructuring. You can tell them what not to do, and they will find a way, or you can give them full creative reign, and they come up with masterpieces.
Aquarius wants to bring the do-it-yourself energy to a situation. They’re resourceful in using what’s available to them in their community. They’re involved in charity work and finding ways to benefit humanity. This does not just include non-profit organizations or participating in social justice; it’s how they can engage with their immediate network of people. They’re going to round up people who align with their values and goals.
In articles to come, I will be going over Aquarius through different planetary placements, houses, and chart points for paid subscribers. You may also book a reading with me for a detailed and personal description for you, going through personal aspects and transits.
On a side note, I do think people grow into their astrology sign. This belief comes from Evolutionary Astrology, meaning that as we age and gain experience, our sun sign evolves with us. Some Astrologers on the internet call this “evolved v. unevolved” or “conscious v. shadow”, but if the whole purpose is for us to evolve, then we never stop. We are always growing and expanding through our lived experiences. We all have unevolved or unconscious parts of ourselves, and we are not all living at the same pace. My experience is unique to me, and your experience is unique to you. Just because we view others as “ahead” in life doesn’t mean they have optimized every facet of their life. And that’s the beauty of our personal journeys, so that we may help others along the way.