Aquarius Traits & Personality Explained

Their personality traits, what they’re into and which star signs they get on best with.
Published July 17, 2024
aquarius

Aquarius people have the star sign dates between 21st January and 19th February, and belong to the Air element of the zodiac (along with Gemini and Libra—who they have the most romantic compatibility with, FYI). Aquarians are ruled by Uranus, which is the planet of invention, innovation, space travel and aerodynamics. Aquarians not only want to save the world, but they’ve got the engineering and intellectual smarts to actually have a plan on how to do it too.

Aquarius’s symbol is the water bearer, which many believe represents the gifts of truth and pure intentions that they bring to the world. Aquarians are very upfront people, and they don’t do shenanigans or shady business. They’ll tell you how it is and feel no two ways about it if you don’t like it. Some people find them aloof or cold, but they just keep their emotions more buttoned down than most.

To get an idea of the classic Aquarius personality traits and types, we need only to look to some famous Aquarians: Harry Styles, Alicia Keys, Kerry Washington, Jennifer Aniston, Shakira and Oprah Winfrey to name a few.

This lot dance to their own beat, for sure.

Typical Aquarius Personality Traits

Assertive (read: obstinate)

Not one for “going with the flow”, Aquarians make their own mind up and then stick to it. You can not cajole or persuade them from their viewpoint, unless you’ve got *evidence* i.e. data, facts, peer-reviewed analysis.

Analytical (read: detached)

Aquarians live (quite happily thank you) largely in their own head. Dissecting knowledge, deconstructing conventions, dreaming up dreams, thinking about outer space (seriously). You could be telling them something really personal, and they are looking at you but their face is blank. Sorry.

Original (read: eccentric)

This sign is the like the “eccentric professor” of the zodiac. Thinking outside of the box? What box? They are innovative and unique, they can dream up schemes and ideas the rest of us simply cannot. They also often wear really out there clothes or have bizarre hair dos. In our society, this typically marks them out as the eccentric of the group.

Humanitarian

The world is their oyster. They care what happens on our planet (and beyond). There is a deep sense of justice, liberalness and fairness in all Aquarians. They just don’t “do” petty shit. This leads them, more often than not, into alternative lifestyles, campaigning, charity and green politics.

Independent (read: loner)

Though their natural intelligence, fair mindedness and (great) wit often wins them a wide circle of eclectic friends, ultimately Aquarius stands alone. They will not compromise their ideals, morals or need for freedom and independence for anyone.

Easy going

Maybe because of all this “big picture” brain activity and lofty idealism, Aquarius simply doesn’t sweat the small shit. This is cool, except when you need them present and correct in the now. This can be a challenge. Good luck.

What Are Aquarians Into?

  • Sci-fi. This could manifest in literal astronaut training/ambitions, or more everyday interests like astrology, aliens, binge-watching Netflix series about space travel and new worlds.
  • Technology. Oh, they love a phone upgrade! Give them techy toys, and leave them alone for days. They will not complain.
  • Writing. When there is so much going on in your head, you gotta’ get it out, right? And Aquarians usually have a lot to say, and the vocab/eloquence to say it beautifully.
  • Flying. They are an Air sign, after all, so the wide open space above us is their natural element. Any opportunity to fly, hang glide, sky dive or get up in the clouds is welcome and snapped up
  • Art. The latest poem consisting of only words beginning with ‘A’, or a new artwork featuring simply an upturned dustbin, may not appeal to us mere mortals… but Aquarius laps up the extreme, edgy and, well, frankly, weird shit in the arts world. They get it.

Attractive Aquarius Traits

Aquarians are smart, friendly, open and direct. Great company (if you can catch them, because they do like their ~space~) and always happy to help, advise or support you (as long as you ASK them, because they’re not great on picking up non-verbal signals, they live in their own head a lot). Aquarians are attractive because:

  • They’re ~one-offs~, and their eccentric and quirky ways are refreshing. Their brain simply runs on different tracks to everyone else’s.
  • They say what they think, and with great eloquence. You know where you are with them.
  • They have beautiful eyes, and an enchanting, faraway look. Aquarians make you feel like they’re thinking ~big thoughts~.

Who Gets On Best With Aquarius?

The Air sign trio (Aquarius, Gemini, Libra) all get on well with each other. They’re all clever, opinionated and analytical. There’s a lot of talking. Maybe even some disagreeing, but it’s all on a kind of cerebral level. They get off on each other’s intellect.

Doesn’t sound very sexy? Mmmm. The trick with Air signs is engaging their brain before their bits. They have to be mentally aroused, for their body to follow suit. But, do that, and they’re as red-hot and freaky as any of the signs.

The hot tip for hot sex for Aquarius is to find a Leo lover. This astrological combination is fiery. I mean, everyone could probably get on well with a Leo lover (they LOVE sex) but Aquarius challenges (*freaks them out*) in a way which brings out an even more creative, show-off side. Aquarius’s relentless Air-iness can alter the way the flames burn for Leo- longer, stronger, fiercer… you get the idea.

Some astrologers believe that, overall, Aquarians represents the best of humankind (humanitarian, fair, kind, inventive) and, you know what, I think I agree.

Aquarius Turn Ons

Aquarians’ nerves are extremely sensitive around their calves and ankles, so get those boots off them and run your fingers up, down and all around their lower legs. It’s bliss for them.

Aquarians also like adventure, travel and outdoors activity, so buddying on some high-octane expeditions and outdoorsy pursuits will get them to look at you as a physical partner. Taking an interest in global concerns, politics, social issues and justice will also make them see you as a potential partner in life—not just a romance. They need a sounding board.

Aquarius Turn Offs

  • Superficiality / vanity. The stereotypical ‘gram influencer bods are NOT for the typical Aquarian. They are looking for authenticity, deeper insights, and a genuine lust for life in all its guises – not just appearances.
  • Stick-in-the-muds. Those who like to live life on a schedule and have everything in its place will probably not find Aquarius to their liking, nor vice versa. Spontaneity is a key theme for this sign, and those that don’t live that way will soon rub them up the wrong way. They won’t ~get~ your need for organisation or even prior warning.

Aquarius' Ideal Career Choices

The zodiac’s natural inventor and innovator, Aquarius is the mad professor of the gang who can change the world with not only their imaginative ideas but their tenacity and persistence in pursuing them through to execution. Our planets needs plenty of Aquarians right now, that’s for sure!

Aquarians are clever, analytical, technical, truthful, assertive, confident, progressive and innovative. They like to solve problems, improve what’s already working well, and push boundaries. They are activists, campaigners and progressors of the causes they think will make a difference to the world.

Aquarians think big, they have global interests and scope, they believe in making the planet (not just their own back yard) a better place. Careers in engineering, technology, research, medicine, invention, climate change, politics, journalism and social justice draw them like moths to a flame.

The key thing for Aquarius is to feel like they’re being true to their ideals, values and priorities. They aren’t the type to sacrifice their ethics to make a buck. They care deeply about the plight of the world and the human race. They seek to make a positive difference.

For your own unique and personal tarot forecast, visit Kerry’s TarotBella page.

This article originally appeared on Cosmopolitan UK.

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