Aquarius

Aquarius (Khumba—Water Bearer)

Aquarius is the eleventh sign of the zodiac relating to prosperity, and the fulfillment of dreams. It reflects the concept that if we ask we shall receive. It is associated with gains, but relative to how these gains are perceived: physical, material, emotional, or spiritual. Aquarius reflects what we have earned or gained as a result of the hard work of Capricorn. Once we have taken care of our responsibilities, we then have the freedom to pursue our dreams.

Aquarius is represented by the symbol of the water bearer, who brings prosperity to the world. The energy of Aquarius focuses on revitalizing and renewing whatever we want to flourish in our lives. Aquarius is associated with the ankles—the joint that connects the leg to the foot. It connects the hard work of Capricorn with the freedom of Aquarius to move forward. Its keyword is “I help”. Aquarius focuses energy on groups that have a humanitarian dimension - for example, unions that strive for equal rights for all workers in terms of salary and working conditions - and other organizations relating to social justice and political reform.

Saturn, the planet of responsibility and seriousness, co-rules this sign with Uranus, an impersonal planet that is the higher octave of Mercury. Both Mercury and Uranus are associated with communication and the dissemination of ideas. Whereas, Mercury energy includes communication on a personal level, Uranus focuses on developing ideas that extend to finding a better way for mass humanity. With these influences, the ideas of Aquarius are original, humanitarian, and idiosyncratic. These ideas may be seen as revolutionary, but are often based on knowledge from antiquity, such as the sciences of astrology and palmistry which Aquarius rules. People with a strong Aquarius influence are often considered eccentric because they are ahead of their time. They live by their own ideas—usually visionary and provocative – and, consequently, do not follow the norm. They are often perceived as aloof, and appear to have no time for a personal life.

Aquarius is a masculine, yang, air sign, suggesting intense ideas and opinions that need to be expressed and shared in order to help humanity. Since Aquarius is a fixed sign, these views tend to be definitive. These ideas are the result of forever trying to find innovative ways of improving upon the old. However, they can result in rigidity, inflexibility and an opinionated approach that causes resistance in others. This sign indicates that we may be so certain of our own views that members of the group we create to help further our cause feel unable to raise questions, or express a contradictory opinion. Ironically, this results in conformity and restriction in the very group that is opposing conformity.

We need to learn how to use our Aquarius energy in such a way that we guard against rigidly imposing views on people in a desire to reform, improve and overthrow old ways. These changes, although well intentioned, might prove disruptive for others if they are not carried out with sensitivity and empathy. Aquarius’s far-reaching vision to help the world, to support humanity and to fight for a cause should also include an awareness of the needs of those to whom we are close. Otherwise, they may feel ignored.

Each of us has Aquarius energy in our astrological chart. However, Aquarius assumes greater significance when it is found in one of the following three positions: when Aquarius is the ascendant, when the Sun is in Aquarius, or when the Moon is in Aquarius. For example, Elisabeth Kubler-Ross has an Aquarius ascendant; Ralph Nader has the Sun in Aquarius; and Diana Princess of Wales has the Moon in Aquarius.