ing. Also in line with the Cecrops myth, census taking reflects the mathematical and
scientific inclinations of Aquarius. While Aquarians are known for being open-mind-
ed, they are also unusually argumentative. They tend to avoid emotions by intellectu-
alizing them—symbolically choosing Athena (goddess of intellect) over Poseidon
(ruler of water, the symbol of emotion) until they are overwhelmed (flooded).The sign that the Sun was in at birth is usually the single most important influ-
ence on a native’s personality. Thus, when people say they are a certain sign, they are
almost always referring to their sun sign. There is a wealth of information available on
the characteristics of the zodiacal signs—so much that one book would not be able to
contain it all. Sun-sign astrology, which is the kind of astrology found in newspaper
columns and popular magazines, has the advantage of simplicity. But this simplicity is
purchased at the price of ignoring other astrological influences, such as one’s Moon
sign, rising sign, etc. These other influences can substantially modify a person’s basic
sun-sign traits. As a consequence, it is the rare individual who is completely typical of
her or his sign. The reader should bear this caveat in mind when perusing the follow-
ing series of sun-sign interpretations.One traditional way in which astrologers condense information is by summa-
rizing sign and planet traits in lists of words and short phrases called key words or key
phrases. The following Aquarius key words are drawn from Manly P. Hall’s Astrological
Keywords:Emotional key words:“The emotional nature is very active but in nega-
tive types not very profound; vivacious, excitable, kindly in disposi-
tion, well-liked, gentle, altruistic, domestic but changeable, unconven-
tional, temperamental, worrying.”Mental key words:“Inventive, intellectual, fond of literature and sci-
ence, diplomatic, tolerant, reasonable, independent, discreet, opti-
mistic, humanitarian, fixed in opinion.”At present, there are various astrology report programs that contain interpreta-
tions of each of the 12 sun signs. A selection of these for Sun in Aquarius has been
excerpted below:You get bored with the status quo and are generally open to whatever is
new. An individualist and a free spirit, you find that your friends are
important to you—as long as they do not try to tie you down by making
too many emotional demands. Remarkably fair-minded when dealing
with large groups or broad issues, you are at the same time not always
emotionally sensitive to the needs of individuals. Your thoughts are off-
beat, and though you’re a bit eccentric, you’re not very changeable. As
a matter of fact, you can be quite stubborn at times. Extremely objec-
tive, with good powers of observation, you would be qualified to study
complicated technical subjects such as science, computers or maybe
even astrology. (From “Professional Natal Report.” Courtesy of Astro-
labe [www.alabe.com].)Aquarius
[32] THEASTROLOGYBOOK