Aquarius (astrology)

Aquarius (♒︎) is the eleventh astrological sign in the Zodiac, originating from the constellation Aquarius. Under the tropical zodiac, the Sun is in the Aquarius sign between about January 21 and about February 20,[2][3] while under the sidereal Zodiac, the sun is in Aquarius from approximately February 15 to March 14, depending on the leap year.[4]

Aquarius
Zodiac symbolWater-Bearer
Duration (tropical, western)January 20 – February 19 (2020, UT1)[1]
ConstellationAquarius
Zodiac elementAir
Zodiac qualityFixed
Sign rulerSaturn and Uranus
DetrimentSun
ExaltationMercury
FallNeptune
Astrology
New millennium astrological chart
Background
  • History of astrology
  • Astrology and science
  • Astrology and astronomy
  • Traditions, types, and systems
Traditions
Branches

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 Southern Delta Aquariids 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 23, 2018.
  • "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.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link) Longitude of Sun, apparent geocentric ecliptic of date, interpolated to find time of crossing 0°, 30°....
  • "Pisces". Oxford Dictionaries. n.d. Retrieved December 23, 2018.


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