Everything You've Ever Needed To Know About Aquarius Zodiac Signs

If your birthday falls between approximately January 20 to February 18, then congrats: that means your zodiac sign is Aquarius — but you probably already knew that! These unorthodox rebels are always challenging the status quo, and their sign's energy can help us all be more innovative and forward-thinking.

"Aquarius energy [challenges] us to remember our responsibility to ourselves; to shed conformity; to recognize marginality and the unseen; and to shine in our originality," Aquarius-born astrologer Alyssia Osorio tells Bustle. "Aquarians love to enact big-picture goals through their will — fueled only by belief and a dash of tenacity. Headstrong but also innovative, Aquarius can create the future they crave to be in."

Whether you're a Aquarius, your crush or partner is an Aquarius, or you just want to learn more about the 12 signs of the zodiac, here's the lowdown on everything you need to know about Aquarius zodiac traits — and what it means if Aquarius is a major influence in your astrological birth chart.

Aquarius Zodiac Sign Facts

• Aquarius Season Dates: January 20 to February 18
• Aquarius Element: Air
• Aquarius Modality: Fixed
• Aquarius Symbol: The water bearer ♒️
• Aquarius Ruling Planet: Saturn and Uranus
• Aquarius Ruling House: Eleventh sign of the zodiac, governing goals, objectives, social networks, and community.
• Aquarius Twelfth House Sign: Capricorn
• Aquarius Birthstone: Amethyst, a crystal associated with inner peace and spirituality.

Aquarius Personality Traits

Aquarius is represented by the symbol of the water bearer. And just like the water bearer, who delivers hydration to others, Aquarius is concerned with supporting their communities and focusing on the collective. Aquarius' modern ruling planet is unpredictable Uranus, which complements Aquarius' non-traditional way of thinking and their strong rebellious streak. However, they are also traditionally ruled by Saturn, which gives them a serious attitude, an ability to structure plans, and an innate sense of responsibility. As one of the fixed zodiac signs, commitment is no problem for an Aquarian — so long as they feel like they're making a positive impact on the world around them. And because Aquarius is an air sign, they're concept-driven deep thinkers who excel at coming up with avant-garde ideas.

Aquarius vibes are some of the most unconventional of the zodiac, so it's a great energy to call on if you're trying to embrace your eccentricities or find a fresh way of doing things. Among Aquarius’ strengths, they are always willing to open their minds to new ideas. They can be the breath of fresh air that others need due to their futuristic perspective. Out in the world, they are natural trend-setters when they channel their creativity into their appearance. However, they tend to struggle to express themselves emotionally and show their vulnerable side. It’s likely that an Aquarius will intellectualize their problems and examine their feelings from the outside before expressing them.

Nevertheless, Aquarians aren’t just about being quirky and creative. They’re humanitarians at heart and use their objectivity to make thoughtful decisions for the good of others. As visionary thinkers, Aquarians are focused on the future and aren’t interested in upholding old ways of doing things just for the sake of tradition — they’d rather find a fresh solution to a problem. Aquarians have a penchant for challenging the status quo and are willing to root for the underdog and rebel against systems that hold people back from expressing their freedom. Standing out from the crowd and embracing their individuality are a few ways that Aquarians speak about against the norms and encourage others to embrace their own uniqueness.

Aquarius Compatibility

As an air sign with a tendency to think objectively, Aquarians can sometimes get a reputation for being emotionally detached — which can be difficult for a partner who's more sensitive. Understanding Aquarius' need to march to the beat of their own drum is a must for anyone looking to get into a relationship with one.

Aquarius Compatible Signs In Friendship

Aquarius is the sign that rules friendship, so having solid platonic relationships are important to them. Aquarians are devoted to their friends and are thoughtful about how to motivate and elevate them as they make their own advancements. Fellow air signs Gemini, Libra and even other Aquarians are most compatible with Aquarius in friendship as they are social, hold similar visions, and aren’t demanding on platonic relationships, which are qualities that Aquarians appreciate.

Aquarius Compatible Signs In Love

Aquarius’ romantic traits make them somewhat non-traditional in relationships. They want to feel like their lover is their friend, too, so a sense of camaraderie and loyalty is important. Aquarius and Gemini’s platonic compatibility could form the grounds of a romantic relationship, as they both share complementary intellectual and creative qualities. Aquarians could encourage their Gemini partner to stick with their plans through to the finish line. Gemini’s free-spirited and mutable energy could influence Aquarians to lighten up or even shift their opinion on things that they are stubborn over.

Aquarius Compatible Signs In Bed

Fire signs Aries and Sagittarius are most compatible with Aquarians in bed because they share Aquarius’ experimental and spontaneous nature. Aquarians need someone who will listen to their wants and needs and keep an open mind towards exploring their fantasies. Aquarians appreciate people who dare to be different and who can encourage them to get out of their heads and embrace the heat of the moment. While others may misunderstand Aquarius’ independence, Aries and Sagittarius would be able to relate to Aquarius’ need for freedom and won’t feel put off by no-strings-attached situations.

Aquarius At Work

With Capricorn as the sign on their twelfth house, acting as the silent motivator behind their unconscious thoughts and behavior, Aquarians may over-think or worry about their work and whether they are aiming high enough and fulfilling their potential. In the workplace, Aquarians are reliable figures whom others look to for inspiration and encouragement. They are most drawn to working in organizations and groups where they can work towards bigger accomplishments with a wider network of people — filling roles such as a researcher, activist, project manager, or actor.

For Aquarius, an emotional connection to their work and the sense of purpose that it brings them is far more important than financial rewards or material goals. Contributing to beneficial change in their field motivates Aquarians to seek power and success and keep them feeling inspired.

Additional reporting by Alexandria Lettman.