There's something otherworldly about Aquarians. Born between January 20 and February 18, these are people that just know what’s up. Aquarius Sun signs are always ahead of the trend, doing their own thing... basically, they're the cool kids of the zodiac.
Narayana Montúfar, a senior astrologer at Astrology.com and author of Moon Signs: Unlock Your Inner Luminary Power, attributes this eccentric, almost alien-like (in the best way possible) quality to the sign’s planetary rulers: Saturn and Uranus. Aquarians stand in the middle of two pulls, she says, rebellious and progressive Uranus, and traditional, practical Saturn. Plus, because Aquarius is air sign, they have "one of the sharpest, most powerful intellects," says Montúfar.
"Natives from this sign are big thinkers and are often making themselves the most difficult questions to answer," she explains. "They tend to hang out with really smart peeps, who, like them, can push the boundaries of thinking."
Aquarians are also analytic and electric, and will therefore strive in STEM fields and anything and everything having to do with technology, adds Jessica Lanyadoo, humanistic astrologer and author of Astrology for Real Relationships: Understanding You, Me, and How We All Get Along. Megan Thee Stallion, for example, is an Aquarius who checks all those boxes. (I'm looking at that degree in health administration, Meg!)
Meet the experts:
Narayana Montúfar is a senior astrologer at Astrology.com and author of Moon Signs: Unlock Your Inner Luminary Power.
Valerie Mesa is an astrologer and soul coach based in Miami.
Jessica Lanyadoo is a humanistic astrologer and author of Astrology for Real Relationships: Understanding You, Me, And How We All Get Along.
Donna Page is a professional astrologer based in Atlanta.
Of course, there’s a lot more to Aquarius zodiac signs than just these traits. And, naturally, there are plenty of other astrological factors that make you who you are other than your Sun sign: There’s your natal and progressed charts, your Moon sign, and your Saturn return, among other happenings in the zodiac. Still, belonging to the Aquarius sisterhood says a lot about you (don't worry, it's all good stuff).
Ahead, learn all the most notable personality traits of Aquarius signs, as well as their compatibility, natural element, modality, and more, according to astrologers.
Aquarius Top Personality Traits
1. You’re a total trendsetter.
You’ve got your own ~thing~ going on, and you tend to jump on the Next Big Thing before it's, well, the Next Big Thing, says Donna Page, a certified astrologer based in Atlanta. That friend of yours who is into some esoteric poet from the 1700s that just totally speaks to the world today? Oh, she’s gotta be an Aquarius! And she also probably knows that the floating-above-the-eye eyeliner look du jour is, actually, so last year.
“Aquarians are bright and quick; they tend to have a quick way of processing information,” says Lanyadoo. “When we have a person who has so much going on in their head, they are likely to be independent, self-reliant, and innovative.”
2. But you don’t really care what other people think.
You’ve been doing you since the day you were born, and that's the way you're going to stay, thank you very much. Aquarians feel more free than other signs to do whatever they want, whether that’s getting a new tattoo on a whim or grabbing ice cream for breakfast, explains Page. Someone doesn't get it? That's their problem. These are high-minded visionaries, beating to their own drums, says Valerie Mesa, an astrologer and soul coach based in Miami. So get on board or GTFO of the way!
3. You’re fiercely independent.
In a relationship? That’s cool. But it’s crucial your partner understands that, while you love 'em and all, you still need to do your own thing—whether that means "me" time at home or going to a movie solo, says Page. Friends or significant others who don’t align with your bubble-bath-taking, face-masking, alone-time-loving self just won’t last.
One reason for this is that Aquarians have rich inner worlds, says Lanyadoo. If you're an Aquarius, "your inner life is very engaging," she explains. "Your thoughts are very interesting to you." It’s no wonder you’d want to capitalize on "you" time!
Oh, and btw, being an Aquarius can even put you on the path to stardom:
4. You'd do anything for your friends.
At your core, knowing you can rely on your buds come hell or high water—and vice versa—is essential. Lanyadoo notes that Aquarius is not known for being the most emotional or empathetic sign, but that doesn’t mean they’re not going to be a fierce, passionate friend. If you’re an Aquarius, chances are you’ve got several ride or dies and, if anyone tries to come between that squad... let's just say it won't be pretty.
5. You’re a humanitarian at heart.
There’s a lot of sh*t happening in the world, and you’re definitely not okay with it. You know, deep down, that it’s possible to achieve lofty goals like creating world peace or reversing climate change—it just takes some effort, says Page.
“Aquarius is a sign that has to do with social justice movements–people coming together to create more humane conditions for all,” says Lanyadoo. You’re all about breaking with convention and, therefore, “helping society to outgrow conventions that are unjust.”
6. You always have something to say.
Being the last air sign of the zodiac means Aquarians are the most evolved, oldest, and sure, wisest of the bunch, says Mesa. You can definitely bet on the Aquarius in your life telling you what’s what and who is who. These witty water bearers can always come up with an interesting contribution to the conversation, which is part of the reason we love them!
Aquarius Modality Category
Aquarius is a fixed sign, meaning one of the four placements that fall smack dab in the middle of a season. Along with their Taurus, Leo, and Scorpio cohorts, fixed signs are generally believed to be stable and independent, and they can be creatures of habit to the point of stubbornness.
If you’re an Aquarius, this attitude might look a lot like “I’m gonna do the damn thing,” says Lanyadoo—and nobody will be able to tell you otherwise.
Aquarius Natural Element Sign
Like Gemini and Libra, Aquarius is an air sign. The keyword when it comes to air signs is communication. And while they are great communicators—especially with each other—air signs also do a lot of thinking, and not necessarily out loud. According to Lanyadoo, Aquarians have a tendency to retreat into their own heads. (Very unlike their chatterbox Gemini besties…)
Aquarius in the Workplace
Although Aquarians certainly excel in STEM fields, that doesn’t mean they won't have that same can-do attitude in other jobs, too. But no matter their industry, Aquarians need to be mentally stimulated at work.
“If an Aquarius is bored, they can be very difficult in the workplace—difficult to work with, or just have a really hard time sticking around,” says Lanyadoo. “They need to feel like what they're doing is interesting and engaging to them.”
Aquarians are, however, extremely adaptable, adds Lanyadoo. Their quickness and impulsivity, and inclination to take one of their many awesome ideas and run with it, can come in handy, but can also lead to some unpredictability.
Aquarius Compatibility
Compatibility is a lot more complex than just looking to how your Sun sign jives with another, stresses Lanyadoo. That said, “the opposite sign is always going to be a triggering sign—and that trigger can be your best friend, the person you date and stay with, or the person you try to avoid at all costs,” says Lanyadoo. And for Aquarians, that trigger is a Leo.
Tension, however, can often be a good thing. Lanyadoo notes that Tauruses and Scorpios might experience some friction with Aquarians, but this can lead to great sexual chemistry and passion, and ultimately, strong connections.
On the flip side, an Aquarius will likely find it easier to find common ground with their fellow air signs, Gemini and Libra. Communication in any relationship, whether it be romantic, platonic, or professional, is crucial—and these three signs have communication on lock.
Aquarians are the ones to watch, in more ways than one. They might not be telling you what's going on in those heads of theirs, but these big thinkers are going to lead us into the future. Despite some of their more… intimidating traits, once this air sign gets to know you, they'll have your back. Just give them the space to do their own thing, okay?
Jacqueline Tempera is an award-winning writer and reporter living in New Jersey with her many pets. She is a business owner and a double Scorpio who loves all things astrology and reality television. She is passionate about body diversity and representation, mental health, and the fight to end sexual assault and harassment. To learn more about Jackie, follow her on Instagram @jacktemp or visit her website at jackietempera.com.
Aliza Pelto (she/her) is a rurally raised, NYC-based writer, Gemini, and iced coffee enthusiast. Her work has appeared with The National Organization for Women, Alma, and both in print and online at BUST Magazine. When she’s not reading, recording her podcast (Little Sleep//Much Reading), or doing something witchy, you can find her dissociating via TikTok for hours on end.
