Aquarius zodiac sign: personality, love and compatibility

Aquarius is the zodiac's original, idealistic air sign: independent, inventive and friendly to everyone. Discover what the Water-Bearer is like in love, friendship and work.

DatesJanuary 20 – February 18
SymbolThe Water-Bearer ♒
ElementAir
QualityFixed
Ruling planetSaturn and Uranus
Best matchesGemini, Libra, Aries

Aquarius personality

Aquarius is the free thinker of the zodiac. Ruled by Saturn and, in modern astrology, Uranus, people born under the Water-Bearer like to do things their own way. They're curious about the future, passionate about causes and often a step ahead of the trends.

Despite the name, Aquarius is an air sign: a sign of ideas and community. They're friendly, open-minded and interested in people from all walks of life. They can be the quirkiest person in the room and proud of it.

Aquarius sometimes struggles with emotional closeness. They can seem detached or retreat into their heads when feelings get intense. With the right people, though, they're loyal, surprising and endlessly interesting.

Strengths

  • Original
  • Open-minded
  • Humanitarian
  • Independent
  • Inventive

Challenges

  • Can seem detached
  • Stubborn about ideas
  • Unpredictable
  • Avoids emotional intensity

Aquarius in love

In love, Aquarius wants a partner who's also a best friend and a fellow free spirit. They value honesty, intellectual connection and plenty of personal space.

They need independence and acceptance of their quirks. Possessiveness pushes them away, while a partner who shares their ideals and gives them room to be themselves earns lasting devotion.

Aquarius as a friend

As a friend, Aquarius is open to everyone and judges no one. They have friends in every corner, love deep conversations about big ideas and are often the first to stand up for someone left out.

Aquarius at work

Aquarius thrives in innovative and purpose-driven work: technology, science, activism, nonprofits, design, invention and anything future-facing. They're independent thinkers who dislike rigid hierarchies and love solving problems in new ways.

Aquarius compatibility with every sign

Questions people ask

What are the dates for Aquarius?

Aquarius covers birthdays from January 20 – February 18. The exact first and last day can shift by one day in some years.

What element is Aquarius?

Aquarius is a fixed air sign, ruled by Saturn and Uranus.

Who is Aquarius most compatible with?

Aquarius tends to click most easily with Gemini, Libra, Aries, but any pairing can work with understanding.