Aquarius

20 January - 18 February

Positive - Fixed - Air

Aquarius is one of the most difficult signs to understand, and although its symbol is the Water-bearer, Aquarius is an Air sign concerned with universal ideals. This isn't an emotional sign - especially on a personal level. Aquarians will not reveal their innermost feelings no matter how hard others may try to persuade them, simply because they are unable to do so. People involved with Aquarians expect them to show their feelings and are confused when this doesn't happen, and consequently, they are often felt to be mysterious and enigmatic. Although Aquarians are independent people who need a lot of space for self-expression, they are not without passion. It's just that they find it easier to express this in politics than in one-to-one relationships.

Ruled by Uranus, the planet of sudden, major change, Aquarians are usually forward thinking in both speech and action. They are often highly intelligent, bordering upon genius (or madness), and gifted with unusual talent. They love to talk and offer their opinions, generally insisting that they are right - and in actual fact, they usually are. Aquarians are outwardly patient with those unable to think or react as swiftly as themselves, but inwardly they can sometimes be highly intolerant - another contradiction of the Aquarian character.

Aquarius is a mentally active sign, using their sharp intellect and knowledge to get what they want from life. They have a reputation for being difficult to understand and different from everyone else, and they cleverly play on this to gain power and attention. They are extremely friendly yet detached at a personal level, sociable in large gatherings, but unsociable at smaller meetings and parties which require greater intimacy.

Aquarius at Work

Aquarians need constant change in their lives and as long as they make sure that their chosen profession offers both variety and stability, they will be happy to stay put and work hard. However, it can sometimes take a long time for them to find the right job and they easily grow bored with what they are doing.

Aquarians feel a need to be appreciated for their intelligence and hard work, and can be rebellious if they feel they are being badly treated. They love all kinds of modern technology, and also have a powerful affinity with airplanes, the Universe, and the great beyond. They might take up work as a pilot, scientist, computer operative, psychiatrist, airport worker or astronomer.

Aquarius at Play

Often called the genius of the Zodiac, Aquarians are capable, gifted people who excel in many different activities, and as long as their minds are active, they are content. They possess a great deal of stamina and strength, although most prefer to indulge in cerebral leisure activities rather than tough physical sports. Their analytical natures draw them to all games that require tact and skill, such as chess and bridge. They are experts with computers, electrical gadgets, and modern technology. Unusual activities attract their attention and they are quite capable of carrying on more than one mental pursuit at the same time.

Aquarius is the last of the Air signs and is therefore at home in airplanes or any activity that takes place in the sky. Given the opportunity, space travel would suit them perfectly, as they are happy to sit still in one place for hours on end.

Aquarius and Health

Aquarians have strong constitutions and are usually fairly healthy throughout their lives. They are physically stronger than the other two Air signs and enjoy good powers of recovery. However, too much mental activity can cause damage to their nervous systems and lead to mental illness, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, brain tumours, and other problems originating in the brain. Their ankles can be weak, and falls are common in old age.