written by for Venus Rising Magazine
Aquarius 08 Issue
Aquarius is the 11th sign of the zodiac, symbolized by Uranus, the god of the sky, and its natural element is air. Aquarians look down on the world from a macro perspective, and the energy of Aquarius is original, inventive, and unconventional. Aquarians are alternative, very individualistic, and can be quite unpredictable. They are objective and independent thinkers and tend to stand out in a crowd. Generally quite inventive, Albert Einstein symbolizes the quintessential Aquarian.
Mixed Media by Philip GaligaAquarians are very concerned about humanity, and they are always thinking of new and more useful ideas and ways of approaching situations. They can be so different and revolutionary in their thinking, that they are often seen as rebels, troublemakers, or just simply oddballs. Cool, unemotional, and eccentric, they may also been seen as hard to read and difficult to connect with.
However, Aquarians are fast thinkers and tend to “awaken” others with their mind-bending originality and electric energy. This lightening-bolt ingenuity can be seen in people like Robin Williams who can think, speak, and entertain in a way that few people can emulate.
Aquarius rules the science of astrology, and many Aquarians take an unconventional career path in some intellectual, alternative, or humanitarian field. Although they are fairly impersonal and removed, Aquarians really care about people and tend to have a good deal of friends.
When balanced, Aquarius inspires us to pursue social change and come up with new and alternative approaches to difficult situations. Aquarius helps us to see the big picture and work selflessly for the good of all.
When unbalanced, Aquarius can bee too removed and cold and have little empathy for others who have opposing views and ideas. Our Aquarius side then becomes the watcher, not involved in life, but always on the outer edge criticizing others. Aquarius then becomes a temperamental loner who never really participates in life.
When the sun is in Aquarius, expect to feel the need to do things differently, expand your horizons, and make major breakthroughs. Depending on where Aquarius is in your chart, you may either feel liberated and awakened or jolted by realizations that may take more time to integrate.
Uranus is the planetary ruler of Aquarius. The placement of Uranus in the birth chart tells us about our higher mind and our inventive side. The placement of Uranus can also reveal where we have had to withstand sudden changes in our lives. Like Pluto, Uranus moves very slowly and has a generational effect. My generation all has Uranus in Virgo, and therefore at the time of our maturity there was an awakening to environmental concerns, health, and nutrition.
To find out where Aquarius and Uranus reside in your natal chart, go to create your birth chart and enter your birth date, time of birth, and place of birth. 
© 2008 Venus Rising Magazine