On January 20th, the Sun moves into the eleventh sign of the zodiac called Aquarius, and stays until around February 18th. Traditionally associated with the planet Uranus, Aquarius is symbolised by a male or female figure carrying a vessel filled with water. This has led to the popular belief that Aquarius is a water sign. It is, however, an air sign, along with Gemini and Libra.
Aquarius is the final fixed sign. This means that it is resistant to change, and so is the person born under that sign. However, Aquarians are the least resistant to change of all the fixed signs, provided that they see the change coming and have time to adjust themselves accordingly. Unexpected change can cause Aquarians to either become outstanding leaders, or gibbering wrecks in a corner.
Aquarius is a masculine sign, although individuals born under this sign have capabilities in fields considered to be traditionally both masculine and feminine. If there were an astrological sign least interested in their own gender it would have to be Aquarius. The eleventh sign of the zodiac relates roughly to the age range 70 - 77 (Aquarians are as hung up on age as they are on gender roles). The eleventh astrological House governed by Aquarius is that of universality, society and social consciousness. Those with Aquarius as an ascending sign are likely to be heavily involved with charitable activites and organisations.
The Aquarian child is unlike anyone you will have met before, including any other Aquarian children you may know. Reverse psychology is a key to living with an Aquarian child. If you want them to do something, tell them not to, and if you don't want them to do something make it as easily accessible and as normal as possible. Having alcohol at the dinner table for example, and allowing an Aquarian child a small glass with meals is the perfect way to avoid the unhappy prospect of overindulgence later.
Aquarians are fascinated by the unusual, the under-dog, the disadvantaged, the outcast and the vibrant - normal is, well, simply too boring. To nurture your young Aquarian, you have to expect the unexpected, as Aquarians are a bundle of contradictions that even they have difficulty understanding sometimes.
Aquarian children can be independent yet shy, intelligent yet plagued with a mental disorder such as dyslexia or dyscalculia, loving yet aloof, impulsive yet cautious, all before breakfast time! As an air sign, Aquarians ask their fair share of "why?" questions. Every parent of an Aquarian soon learns that to answer "Because I say so," is not going to win the argument.
Toys that channel an Aquarian child's creativity and have lasting appeal such as intricate colouring books, musical instruments, or kite making kits are perfect, although Aquarian children will be just as happy growing things outside or talking to a passing butterfly. They usually have a wide circle of friends, particularly as teenagers. Their parent may arrive home to find that someone else is staying for a few days because they have been thrown out of their home, or to an impromptu jam session happening in the garage because the band has nowhere else to practice. Equally, there may suddenly appear a new pet that just "followed" your Aquarian child home. It could be a stray dog, or just as easily an armadillo.
As they get older, Aquarians develop a sense of their own selves that is matched only perhaps by Scorpio's in its depth. But unlike the Scorpio habit of holding everything inside, Aquarians are out there sharing everything they have with anyone who wants, or needs, them.
Their unpredictability is often mistaken for a complicated personality, but by the time the Aquarian is an adult they are one of the least complicated signs there is. Much like a comic book superhero, wherever there is someone in trouble, someone in need or someone in danger, Aquarius flies into action. This is often literally, as they hastily arrange leave from their job and jump on the next available plane to help with an aid mission after a natural or man made disaster. It is highly likely that they will already be working for a charity of some kind.
You can identify an Aquarian from 30 paces because their clothes will be a little (or a lot) unusual. Odd socks, bright scarves, purple hair, body piercings and a tweed suit, or simply the fact that they are looking up and around at everyone else is a big give away. If an Aquarian asks you out on a date, go with no expectations at all but check what footwear you might need. You could be indoor rock climbing, or moshing at a heavy metal gig.
Many signs shy away from Aquarians, worried that their chaotic lifestyle may lead to disaster. On the contrary, Aquarians rarely make unconsidered choices, they simply have the ability to see 360 degrees around a subject in less time than it takes a Taurean to say "cake" and to conclude that on the whole, "yes" is an appropriate response. Aquarians make great travel partners for Sagittarius, and complement Capricorn's practical nature wonderfully.
Aquarians also have a reputation for being aloof, cold or stand-offish. Compared to Leo's knack of putting everyone at their ease, or the smouldering sensualness of Scorpio, this assessment of Aquarius is true, up to a point. What other people decide is aloof or cold, is simply the Aquarian way of being a universalist. They will be mentally considering the situation from all sides while keeping one ear on the conversation and one eye on the rest of the room. When an Aquarian loves you, you will know it.
A healthy Aquarian is an accidental side effect of a sign that loves to try complementary therapies and yet forgets to take regular traditional medication. Aquarians are either completely in tune with their own health or never give it a passing thought.
Rare visits to the doctor may show unusual conditions for their age, particularly related to the lower legs, calves, and circulation. They may also have problems with their sight and/or breathing. Treatments should be all-in-one applications wherever possible as Aquarius will not remember to take pills at mealtimes when their meals may be erratic or forgotten altogether if they are absorbed in something more important.
The world needs Aquarius and their limitless compassion, but a little tender loving care in return goes a long way.