Aquarius (astrology)
| Aquarius | |
|---|---|
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| Zodiac symbol | Water-bearer |
| Duration (tropical, western) | January 20 – February 19 (2024, UT1)[1] |
| Constellation | Aquarius |
| Zodiac element | Air |
| Zodiac quality | Fixed |
| Sign ruler | Saturn (ancient), Uranus (modern) |
| Detriment | Sun |
| Exaltation | Mercury (questionable) |
| Fall | Pluto |
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Aquarius (♒) (Greek: Ὑδροχόος Hydrokhoös, Latin: Aquārius) 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 (the water carrier is a daughter of Poseidon) 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
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.
{{citation}}: Invalid|ref=harv(help) 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.
