Aquarius

Aquarius, the Water Bearer, is the 11th sign of the zodiac and represents those born between about Jan. 20 and Feb. 18.

Aquarius in Mythology

Aquarius is one of the twelve constellations of the zodiac, a figure pouring water from a jar. The ancient sources do not agree about who he is. In the Astronomica ascribed to Hyginus, many say that he is Ganymede, whom Jupiter (Zeus) carried off for his beauty and made the servant of the gods, which is why he is shown pouring out water. Hegesianax, however, says that he is Deucalion, because in Deucalion’s reign so much water poured down from the sky that a flood occurred; and Eubulus makes him Cecrops (Hyginus, Astronomica 2.29).

The constellation is therefore not a god or a son of Zeus named “Aquarius”; the Latin name simply means “water-carrier”.

The Tale of Ganymede

The commonest identification is with Ganymede, the son of Tros and a prince of Troy. In the Iliad, Ganymede was the most beautiful of mortal men, and the gods snatched him up to pour wine for Zeus and to live among the immortals because of his beauty (Homer, Iliad 20.231–235). The Homeric Hymn to Aphrodite says that Zeus himself seized him and that he now draws red nectar from a golden bowl for the gods. His father Tros mourned, until Zeus took pity and gave him swift horses in exchange for his son, and sent Hermes to tell him that Ganymede would be immortal and ageless like the gods (Homeric Hymn to Aphrodite 202–217). Apollodorus adds that Zeus caught Ganymede up on an eagle and made him cupbearer of the gods in heaven (Apollodorus, Library 3.12.2).

The Great Flood

The alternative identification is with Deucalion, the son of Prometheus. When Zeus resolved to destroy the men of the Bronze Age, Deucalion, on the advice of Prometheus, built a chest and embarked in it with his wife Pyrrha. Zeus poured heavy rain from the sky and flooded the greater part of Greece. After floating nine days and nights, Deucalion landed on Parnassus, sacrificed to Zeus, and at the bidding of Zeus threw stones over his head; the stones he threw became men and those Pyrrha threw became women (Apollodorus, Library 1.7.2). The connection with Aquarius comes from the rain: Hegesianax links the constellation to the reign of Deucalion for that reason (Hyginus, Astronomica 2.29).

Aquarius in Astrology

Although its name suggests water, Aquarius is an air sign in astrology, one of the three air signs with Gemini and Libra, and as such it represents the qualities of cleverness, humanism and originality. Those born under this sign are often described as independent thinkers who follow their own path. Aquarians are also known for their humanitarian tendencies and their desire to make the world a better place. In the workplace they are often characterized as progressive and forward-thinking, and they are usually busy with some new project.

Aquarius Planetary rulers: Uranus and Saturn

Aquarius is ruled by two planets: in traditional astrology by Saturn, and in modern astrology by Uranus as well. Each brings its own side to the sign’s personality. Uranus lends a sense of independence, while Saturn brings structure and organization. Aquarians are said to make good team leaders, since they are good at organizing people, but they can also be stubborn about changing their approach or accepting other people’s ideas, because they want to stay true to themselves.

Aquarius Personality and Character traits

Aquarians are also known for their creativity and originality. The sign is associated with experimenting with new ideas, from art projects to software, and with a love of learning about new things. Those born under it are said to have a natural talent for expressing themselves, whether they paint, sing or write, and for turning their inner thoughts and feelings into something others can share.

Aquarius Friends and Family

In astrology, the Aquarius among your friends and family is the one who is always thinking outside the box: perhaps working on a new invention or starting a business, and certainly doing something of their own. Aquarians are described as ready for adventure and keen to try new things and explore the world around them, which makes them good company on a journey or a hike.

See Also: Ganymede, Zeus, Deucalion, Pyrrha, Zodiac, Astrology, Pisces, Capricorn