class=”alignleft size-medium wp-image-205″ src=”https://westernastrology.net/wp-content/uploads/Aquarius-3-252×300.png” alt=”The Water Bearer” width=”252″ height=”300″ />It is understandable that those new to astrology would think Aquarius is a water sign. After all Aquarius is symbolised by the water bearer!
However an important detail often not depicted in images of the water bearer is that the urn is held high, equal or above shoulder height, symbolising the use of reasoning and the mind.
And of course it’s not really water that is in the jug, it’s ambrosia, the elixir of life.
And lest we forget the rulership of Aquarius, the figure holding the urn is none other than Saturn himself, relegating and dispensing the life enhancing rivers of scientific knowledge.
As we move into the age of Aquarius the spread of scientific knowledge and its application to the world’s many problems is a source of hope. And if we are to avoid the calamities associated with the chaos into which the world appears to be tumbling, who better than Saturn to provide some order and structure to the many challenges facing us? And although he has his faults, it is also worth remembering that Saturn is exalted in Libra, showing a capacity for fairness, justice and good judgement; qualities which we seem to be a little short on at the moment.
On the subject of glyphs and symbols, Saturn is a he, not a she. Of course I appreciate that in the spirit of addressing and re-balancing the wrongs of gender inequalities there is an urge to represent authority figures in female form. But Saturn is nevertheless a man.
As an air sign Aquarius is warm and moist. Often overlooked in the discussion of the elements is the primary qualities of which they are composed. These are explained (or should be) when we first learn astrology. The warmth shows the outgoing energy of Aquarius and the moisture component shows its connective qualities. Warmth radiates outwards and moisture is the quality which links people together.
A very good way to appreciate the zodiac signs is to consider the primary qualities of their element and combine this with the mode of expression. The elements can be expressed in three ways: cardinal, fixed or mutable. Aquarius is fixed, like Leo (fire) Scorpio (water) and Taurus (earth).
Add the outgoing connective qualities of the air signs to the fixed mode of expression and you have the Aquarian personality, ever eager and persistent to get ideas out there on how to have a better society. The fixed nature of Aquarius means that concepts are considered from every angle , which explains why Aquarians often come up with alternative perspectives.
When the ruling planet is added to this combination of primary qualities and mode of expression a deeper understanding of the sign is possible. Saturn makes perfect sense for Aquarius as the ruling planet as it is able to contain organise and direct these outgoing connective and persistent energies into projects which deliver positive outcomes for society.