Aquarius (astrology)

Aquarius
Zodiac symbol Water-Bearer
Duration (tropical, western) January 20 – February 18 (2018, UT1)[1]
Constellation Aquarius
Zodiac element Air
Zodiac quality Fixed
Sign ruler Uranus (modern), Saturn (ancient)
Detriment Sun
Exaltation Neptune
Fall Pluto

Aquarius (♒) is the eleventh astrological sign in the Zodiac, originating from the constellation Aquarius. Under the tropical zodiac, the sun is in Aquarius typically between January 21 and February 18,[2][3] while under the sidereal Zodiac, the sun is in Aquarius from approximately February 15 to March 14, depending on leap year.[4]

Myth

The water carrier represented by the zodiacal constellation Aquarius is Ganymede, a beautiful Phrygian youth. Ganymede was the son of Tros, king of Troy (according to Lucian, he was also the son of Dardanus). While tending to his father's flocks on Mount Ida, Ganymede was spotted by Zeus. The king of gods fell in love with him and flew down to the mountain in the form of a large bird, whisking Ganymede away to the heavens. Ever since, the boy has served as cupbearer to the gods. Ovid has Orpheus sing the tale.

Constellation

Aquarius is a winter constellation in the northern hemisphere, found near Pisces and Cetus. It is especially notable as the radiant for four meteor showers, the largest of which is the Delta Aquarid meteor shower in late July and early August.

References

Notes

  1. ↑ Astronomical Applications Department 2011.
  2. ↑ Aquarius n.d.
  3. ↑ Pisces n.d.
  4. ↑ Aquarius Myth 2015.

Works cited

  • "Aquarius". Oxford Dictionaries. n.d. Retrieved December 16, 2017.
  • "The Aquarius Myth – The Story Behind the Constellation Aquarius". Gods-and-monsters.com. January 14, 2015. Retrieved February 6, 2015.
  • Astronomical Applications Department (2011). Multiyear Computer Interactive Almanac. 2.2.2. Washington DC: US Naval Observatory. Longitude of Sun, apparent geocentric ecliptic of date, interpolated to find time of crossing 0°, 30°....
  • "Pisces". Oxford Dictionaries. n.d. Retrieved December 16, 2017.


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