Aquarius (Astrology)

Aquarius (in Somali sometimes translated as "water-pourer" or "bucket") is one of the twelve signs of the zodiac in Western astrology. The zodiac is a circular band divided into twelve equal sections, each spanning 30 degrees. Aquarius is the eleventh section, beginning at 300 degrees along the ecliptic (the apparent path of the sun).

Conventionally, astrology states that the sun occupies Aquarius between the end of January and the end of February. Exact dates vary from year to year and depend on the system used (tropical or sidereal). Astrology is a tradition and belief system; science does not verify that stars or planets influence a person's character or life.

Symbol and name

The Aquarius symbol consists of two wavy parallel lines representing water being poured. The name Aquarius is Latin, meaning "water-pourer" or "one who pours water." The traditional image is a man holding a jar or urn pouring water. The Arabic equivalent is "al-Dalw," meaning a bucket or well bucket.

Classification

In Western astrology, signs are classified by four elements (fire, earth, air, water) and three modes (cardinal, fixed, mutable). Aquarius is classified as an air sign and fixed, despite its symbol and name referring to water. It is also labeled "positive" or "masculine," according to the older division in astrological tradition.

Ruling planet

In earlier astrology, before the discovery of modern planets, Saturn was considered the ruling planet of Aquarius. After Uranus was discovered in the 18th century, modern astrologers generally associate Uranus with Aquarius, while Saturn is considered the ancient or co-ruling planet. This change reflects how astrology adapted to discoveries in astronomy.

Distinction between zodiacal sign and constellation

It is important to distinguish between the astrological sign Aquarius and the constellation Aquarius. Due to the phenomenon of precession of Earth's axis, the dates of the tropical zodiac no longer align with the actual positions of the stars. When astrology places the sun in Aquarius, astronomers observing the actual stars may see the sun in the constellation Capricornus or part of it.

Culture and modern use

Aquarius appears in the horoscope sections of newspapers, astrology books, and social media. The phrase "Age of Aquarius" was used by spiritual movements of the 20th century, particularly New Age culture, to describe a new historical era. The beginning of this age is not agreed upon, and estimates vary widely.