Aquarius is the eleventh astrological sign in the zodiac, originating from the constellation Aquarius. It spans from January 20 to February 18. The ruling planet of Aquarius is Uranus. When looking at mythology and gods associated with Aquarius, there are a few key figures that stand out.
The Water Bearer
The most commonly associated mythological figure for Aquarius is Ganymede, the Greek god who served as cup-bearer to the gods. He is often depicted in ancient art as a beautiful youth pouring water from an urn, representing Aquarius as ‘The Water Bearer.’
The myth goes that Ganymede was a handsome young prince who caught the eye of Zeus. Zeus transformed into an eagle and abducted Ganymede to serve as cup-bearer to the gods on Mount Olympus. As the water bearer, he became immortal and eternally youthful.
So while Ganymede was not born in Aquarius, he represents the constellation and zodiac sign as the bearer of water and drinker to the gods in Ancient Greek mythology.
Aquarius Symbolism
Beyond Ganymede, Aquarius has strong symbolic ties to water, knowledge, intellect, science, and innovation. The water carrier signifies nurturing life with the precious resource of water. The pouring of water represents disseminating knowledge and wisdom.
Some key facts on the symbolism and mythology behind Aquarius:
- Water bearer representing nourishment of land and people
- Seeking knowledge and intellectual pursuits
- Humanitarianism and helping society
- Progressivism and zeal for reform
- Idealism and fighting for just causes
- Innovation and going against the norm
These symbolic meanings shape the astrological interpretations of the sun sign Aquarius. Aquarians are often viewed as intellectual, original, independent, humanitarian, and activist-oriented by nature.
Greek Gods
When looking at Greek mythology specifically, there are several gods that connect strongly to the themes and symbols of Aquarius:
Prometheus
Prometheus was the Greek titan who stole fire from the gods on Mount Olympus and gave it to mankind. As a champion for human enlightenment and intellect, he aligns with the knowledge-seeking aspect of Aquarius.
Uranus
Uranus was the primordial god of the sky and heavens in Ancient Greek mythology. As the ruling planet of Aquarius, Uranus relates to the universal, progressive, ingenious qualities of the sign.
Apollo
Apollo was the Greek god of many things – music, poetry, healing, reason, and science. His association with learning, reason, and pushing intellectual boundaries connects strongly to Aquarius themes.
Poseidon
Poseidon was god of the sea, earthquakes, and water in mythology. His domain over water sources relates to the water carrier symbolism of Aquarius.
While none of these were explicitly born in Aquarius, they encapsulate many of the core symbols and meanings of the sign through their mythological roles and purpose.
Egyptian Mythology
When looking at Egyptian mythology, there are also gods and figures that relate strongly to Aquarius symbolism:
Hapi
Hapi was the god of the Nile River and a personification of the annual floods. As a bearer and distributor of water much like Ganymede, he connects to the water bearing meaning of Aquarius.
Thoth
Thoth was the Egyptian god of wisdom, magic, writing, science, and measurement. As a scribe and patron of knowledge, his attributes align with the intellectualism associated with Aquarius.
Satis
Satis was a goddess who personified the floods of the Nile River. She was seen as bringing nourishment and life to the land. Her role mirrors Aquarius as nurturing water bearer.
These Egyptian deities reflect the Aquarius values of humanitarianism, innovation, reason, and fighting for ideals through their mythological purposes.
Hindu Mythology
Moving to Hindu mythology, these gods connect meaningfully to Aquarius:
Varuna
Varuna was the Hindu god of water and the celestial ocean, inhabiting the sky rather than earth. Similar to Poseidon, his reign over water sources relates to the Aquarius water carrier.
Vishnu
Vishnu is one of the principal deities in Hinduism, known as the preserver and protector of creation. His role fits with the humanitarianism and nurturing side of Aquarius.
While not explicitly born into Aquarius, these Hindu gods carry out symbolic roles that relate strongly to the core energies of the zodiac sign.
Aquarian Figures in History
When looking at more modern times, there are a number of famous innovators, intellectuals, and humanitarians born under the Aquarius sun sign:
| Name | Birthday | Occupation | Aquarian Traits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charles Darwin | February 12, 1809 | Naturalist | Intellectual, scientific, innovative |
| Thomas Edison | February 11, 1847 | Inventor | Progressive, ingenious |
| Abraham Lincoln | February 12, 1809 | U.S. President | Activist, humanitarian |
| Oprah Winfrey | January 29, 1954 | Entertainer | Visionary, philanthropist |
While not mythological gods, these iconic Aquarian figures showcase the innovative and humanitarian spirit associated with the sign through their life’s work and actions.
Conclusion
In summary, while no major gods were explicitly born into in the zodiac sign of Aquarius, many mythological deities and historic figures represent Aquarian traits and align with the sign’s symbolic meanings. Ganymede served as the immortal water bearer, bearing liquid sustenance to the gods. Other Greek, Egyptian, and Hindu gods ruled over water sources, knowledge, and humanistic causes – connecting with Aquarius themes of intellectualism, science, innovation, and championing humanitarian ideals.