Aquarius is one of the 12 zodiac signs that make up the horoscope and is represented by the Water Bearer. So when considering the elements, Aquarius is characterized as an Air sign. This means that Aquarius shares the element of Air with Gemini and Libra. The Air signs are intellectual, social, and love communication and relationships. So to directly answer the question, Aquarius is an Air sign, not an Earth sign.
The Elements of the Zodiac
There are four elements that categorize the 12 signs of the zodiac: Fire, Earth, Air and Water. Each of the 12 zodiac signs falls into one of these four element groups:
- Fire signs: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
- Earth signs: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn
- Air signs: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius
- Water signs: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
The elements describe the essential nature of each sign. For example, Air signs like Aquarius are intellectual, social, and favor communication. In contrast, Earth signs like Taurus are practical, grounded and prefer a steady approach. Water signs like Pisces are emotional, compassionate and intuitive. And finally, Fire signs like Aries are passionate, motivated and enthusiastic.
Aquarius Zodiac Traits
As an Air sign, Aquarius energy is intellectual, curious, social, and progressive. Some key traits of the Aquarius zodiac sign include:
- Forward-thinking
- Unconventional
- Humanitarian
- Friendly
- Independent
- Innovative
Aquarians have a mental, airy nature rather than a grounded, practical earthy one. They think about the future and how to innovate to improve humanity. Home and routine are less important to them than being involved in intellectual pursuits, groups, and humanitarian causes.
Compatibility with Other Signs
In astrology, the Air and Fire signs tend to get along best with each other relationship-wise. Air feeds Fire and keeps it going. The Air signs are also quite compatible with the social, romantic Water signs who can tap into their emotional side. Aquarius often has a harder time relating to the Earth signs, like Taurus, who can seem too conventional and status quo for their tastes.
Some of Aquarius’ best compatibility matches include:
- Aries
- Gemini
- Libra
- Sagittarius
The Air signs share a strong mental connection. Aries and Sagittarius fuel Aquarius’ visionary side. Libra finds common ground in intellectual pursuits and social justice.
Aquarius Dates
The dates for the Aquarius sun sign are between January 20th and February 18th. Anyone born during these dates is an Aquarius. The exact date range shifts slightly each year in astrology, but it stays close to January 20th to February 18th.
Key Dates:
- Start Date: January 20th
- End Date: February 18th
- Shared Ruling Planet: Saturn & Uranus
- Symbol: The Water Bearer
- Mode: Fixed
- Element: Air
- House: Eleventh
- Colors: Blue & Purple
People born close to the start or end of the Aquarius date range may have some characteristics of the neighboring signs Capricorn and Pisces. A person’s natal chart and the location of their planets will give a fuller picture of their astrological identity.
Aquarius Planet Rulers
Aquarius has two ruling planets, which influence the traits of the sign. Before Uranus’ discovery, Saturn was considered the sole ruler of Aquarius. After Uranus was found, it became co-ruler with a big influence on Aquarius’ eccentricity.
Saturn
As the old ruler of Aquarius, Saturn represents structure, hard work, maturity, and wisdom. It makes Aquarians determined, focused, and responsible. Under Saturn’s influence, Aquarians are deep thinkers who stand by their principles. On the downside, Saturn can make some Aquarians pessimistic, stubborn, or aloof.
Uranus
Uranus is the modern co-ruler and major influence on Aquarius. It represents revolution, innovation, technology, and humanitarianism. Uranus makes Aquarians original, inventive, and humanitarians who embrace social change. But sometimes Uranus can make Aquarians too unpredictable, rebellious, or emotionally detached.
Aquarius Element: Air
The element associated with Aquarius is Air. The Air element represents the intellectual, social aspect of life. Air signs like Aquarius use their minds to make connections and spread ideas. They take an objective, logical approach to life.
Aquarius and the Air signs share these qualities:
- Curious
- Intellectual
- Sociable
- Objective
- Idealistic
- Deep thinkers
This Airy, social energy motivates Aquarians to think about making the world a better place through innovation and social reform.
Aquarius Symbol: The Water Bearer
In astrological symbolism, Aquarius is represented by a figure known as the Water Bearer. Some key points about the symbolism:
- Shows a person (the Water Bearer) pouring water from an urn.
- Represents the “pouring out” of knowledge and wisdom.
- The water symbolizes spiritual energy that quenches the thirst of others.
- The Water Bearer is usually depicted as androgynous or asexual, symbolizing equality.
So the Water Bearer captures Aquarius’ enlightened, humanitarian, and progressive spirit. Often the water is shown pouring onto the earth, symbolizing Aquarians using their knowledge to benefit humanity.
Aquarius Constellation
In astronomy, Aquarius is a large constellation located in the southern hemisphere near Capricornus and Pisces. Some key facts about the Aquarius constellation:
- One of the oldest constellations, dating back to Babylonian times
- Depicts a figure pouring water from a vessel
- Located near the celestial equator
- Declared one of the 88 constellations by the IAU in 1930
- Contains the planetary nebula NGC 7293, known as the Helix Nebula
So when astrologers say the “sun is in Aquarius,” that refers to the sun’s position in front of this constellation as viewed from Earth. The constellation is connected to the astrological sign’s symbolism.
Famous Aquarians
As visionary, intellectual Air signs, Aquarians are found in science, innovation, civil rights, the arts, and other areas. Some famous figures born under the sign of Aquarius include:
| Person | Birthday | Occupation |
|---|---|---|
| Charles Darwin | Feb. 12 | Naturalist |
| Abraham Lincoln | Feb. 12 | U.S. President |
| Thomas Edison | Feb. 11 | Inventor |
| Oprah Winfrey | Jan. 29 | Media Mogul |
| Paris Hilton | Feb. 17 | Socialite |
| Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. | Jan. 15 | Civil Rights Leader |
| Aquarian icons |
This diverse mix reflects Aquarius’ innovative nature, interest in culture, and drive for social justice.
Key Aquarius Traits and Profile
Now that we’ve covered the meaning and background of the Aquarius sign, here is a summary profile of the typical Aquarius’ key traits and characteristics:
- Dates: January 20 – February 18
- Planetary Rulers: Saturn & Uranus
- Element: Air
- Key Traits: Intellectual, Humanitarian, Unconventional, Independent, Social
- Motivated By: Connection, Ideas, Innovation, Friendship, Social Causes
- Challenged By: Limitations, Broken Promises, Monotony
- Strengths: Progressive, Imaginative, Friendly, Inventive
- Weaknesses: Unpredictable, Detached, Stubborn, Aloof
- Likes: Technology, Science, Innovation, Creativity, Friends
- Dislikes: Dull Routines, Conformity, Rudeness, Inequality
Conclusion
So in summary – Aquarius is definitely an Air sign, not an Earth sign. As an Air sign, Aquarians are intellectual, social, and future-oriented. They think about collective ideas and solutions more than practical matters like finances and status. Their symbol of the Water Bearer reflects their visionary spirit and desire to make the world better through technology and social change.