Forecasts for Aquarians 2012

AQUARIUS
The Water Bearer - January 21 to February 19 (Information courtesy of Moonslipper)


Traditional Aquarian Characteristics – plus and minus: Friendly, Humanitarian, Honest, Loyal, Original, Independent, Intellectual; Intractable, Contrary, Unpredictable, Unemotional, Detached, Witty, Clever, Inventive, Stubborn, Sarcastic, Rebellious, Aloof, Unique, Individualistic, Assertive, Independent, Eccentric, Opinionated, Idealistic, Cool, Friendly.

Aquarius has two planetary rulers; Uranus – Planet of Intuitive Impulse and Saturn – Planet of Material Form (Saturn is also associated with Capricorn.) It is the 11th sign of the Zodiac. Aquarians birthstone is Amethyst. Astrological influence over the ankles, shins and circulation and aligned to the colour, sky and electric blue, black and white; the metals Lead (ruled by Saturn) and Uranium (ruled by Uranus). Scents associated with Aquarius include Gardenia, frankincense and myrrh, and the flowers of the acacia.

Aquarius you are the fixed thinker of the Air signs, determined and clever. The Air element means you are a thinking type motivated by beliefs, strong opinions and interaction with other people.

As the ‘fixed’ Air sign you put a lot of energy into forming opinions and hold to them strongly. Driven by two planets, each representing opposite principles you frequently display a ‘wild’ side, linked to planet Uranus and prompting eccentric leanings, as well as a structured ambitious hard working Saturnian side. You are most happy when you are doing something different in a big ambitious way. You are the thinker of the zodiac, your key phrase: “I serve humanity”.

Sign of the weirdo – but in a good way! Maybe sign of the Individual is more accurate. They like to think and act outside the box. If you see someone wearing something unusual or with pink hair, chances are they are an Aquarian or have Aquarius Rising.

One of the standout characteristics of those born under the Sun Sign of Aquarius is their unwillingness to follow the beaten track. With advancement and progress on their minds, there can be irreverence to the old and outdated ways of thinking and doing things.

A strong desire to connect with groups of people, to express humanitarian principles and to explore social life, are what drive you forward. The ‘waters’ that the Water Bearer carries are the waters of humanity and Aquarius serves humanity. Ancient Arabic Astrology says Aquarius is: “of hot and humid nature (aerial). Its angel is generous, and is under the terror of the Majesty; he holds the keys of the spirits.” (Mystical Astrology According to Ibn ‘Arabi). Spirited and different are words frequently applied to Aquarius and this carries through to the powerful differences between your two ruling planets. Traditional ruler, Saturn endows structure and ambition and conservative values while your modern ruler, Uranus endows intuition and inventive, restless spurts of energy. As an Air sign you manifest these different sides of yourself in the way you think and communicate and in some of the quirky choices you make. It is often your job to keep people guessing! The aspects of the body ruled by Aquarius are the ankles, calves, tibia, fibula, shin bone and the breath. ‘Spiritus’ or breath is critical to your wellbeing and Aquarians benefit greatly from meditation techniques and deep slow breathing. It stills the restless mind.

The mythic figures that stand behind your two planetary rulers are Ouranos and Chronos/Saturn. Ouranos, Father Sky was the most ancient of the Greek gods and married to Gaea, Earth Mother. One of his sons was Saturn but he locked all of his children away in Tartaros, unwilling to pass on power to them. Gaea encouraged Saturn to overthrow Ouranos and free his siblings. Saturn became king of the gods, only to fall into the same trap. He swallowed each of his children, afraid of their displacing them. Again the Earth Mother – this time Rhea, conspired to free her children and help Jupiter to become the eventual ruler of Olympus. Jupiter knew how to share power and gave each of his siblings their own domains. Saturn remained a powerful figure in exile – Father Time.

There is a recurrent theme in your Aquarian mythology which is about patriarchal power, protecting that power and the earth matriarch rebelling against this divisive approach to community. You are the sign of community and you often find yourself in positions of power. The correct use of your power and the ability to build effective group enterprises is a special Aquarian challenge. This is one of your strongest character building lessons and your other big lesson has a similar theme. This is learning to strike the right balance between your restless, inquiring mind and your often neglected body. It is important to live in your body as well as your head!

Uranus represents the aspiring and inspired mind that leads you ever onward, while Saturn represents the reality of the material world and the need to nurture your body. Their special message for Aquarius is follow your mental inspirations and humanitarian goals while honouring body and soul needs.

Many Aquarians aim to free themselves of personal and social conditioning. Although open to change in theory, Aquarians can be surprisingly stubborn. Their idealism runs strong, but they can be very fixed in their opinions.
Often a bit aloof and even standoffish, Aquarians nonetheless are usually well-liked. They are curious and observant, and tolerant in a broad sense. Prejudice and bias is offensive to the typical Aquarius.
Aquarians are generally very clever, witty, and intellectual. They value progress and frankness. It's difficult to throw Aquarians for a loop—they're generally on top of things.

There is a bit of reformer in Aquarius. They'll try to get you to see through superficiality, and encourage you to be open and forthright. "Be true to yourself" and "Don't follow the crowd" are mottos we easily associate with this sign.
Aquarians need space and value personal freedom. Any attempt to box them in will likely fail. They'll happily return the favour; and they will treat people from all walks of life as equals. Equality and fairness are hallmarks of the sign. If you're quirky and "different", all the better.

Aquarians are visionaries, progressive souls who love to spend time thinking about how things can be better. They are also quick to engage others in this process, which is why they have so many friends and acquaintances. Making the world a better place is a collaborative effort for Aquarians.

Aquarius is symbolized by the Water Bearer. In much the same way that the Water Bearer brings that precious liquid as a gift, Aquarians shower the world with their thoughts and new ideas. Luckily for Aquarians (and the rest of us), they are at a near-genius level, so their minds churn out some amazing things. Their thought process is also inventive and original. While Aquarians are happy to bestow these ideas as a gift with no strings attached, they are much happier when the rest of the world agrees with them. Naysayers will quickly find out that Aquarians can be impatient, even temperamental, with those who disagree. Yes, these folks can be quite fixed in their opinions, in keeping with the Fixed Quality assigned to this sign. Even though Aquarians are happy to give, and they do, it's often on their terms and within their comfort level. Generally, that means ample space, since these folks are freedom-loving and individualistic and need to roam (and yes, they do enjoy travel). While Aquarians are generally sympathetic and compassionate, they like it when things go their own quirky way. Some might call their behaviour eccentric (and they would be right), but when you consider that the Aquarian's heart is truly in the right place, a few oddities should be overlooked. In their own way, Aquarians treasure their many friends and acquaintances and want to give back as much as they can.

The element associated with Aquarius is Air, and that means the rarefied air of the intellectual. Aquarians will accomplish much with their broad and logical minds, entertaining complex and scientific ideas for the betterment of all. That said, they are also artistic and inventive. It's all in the spirit of creating a better world, hopefully one in keeping with their broad-minded beliefs. Aquarians believe that their offbeat, original approach will win the day, and that new thought is what is needed to change the world. Those born under this sign are altruistic, humane people who are determined to make a difference.

At play, Aquarians like to surround themselves with lots of people, preferably family and friends. That said, if they don't know the 'players,' they soon will! Baseball and tennis are fun for these folks (though they should watch for weak ankles), and a daily swim would also be nice. Aquarians favor watery colors, like shiny silver or aqua blue. When it comes to love, Aquarians will also be playful, even flirtatious. While they play for keeps, it won't necessarily feel that way, since these folks are the opposite of jealous.

The great strengths of the Aquarius-born are their vision, intellect and humanity. They are determined to make the world a better place and to help everyone they can along the way. They are truly the trailblazers of the zodiac.


FORECASTS for AQUARIANS 2012
This is the year to come out of recent hiding, Aquarius. Saturn, your traditional ruler, will be making its way to your sector of fame and recognition this year, so get ready! Your standing in the world takes on great importance, especially during the latter half of the year. The total solar eclipse in November in your career sector is another huge catalyst to boost your professional status. Being born under the sign of fame, this spotlight is in keeping with your destiny, darling. It's time to come out of humble seclusion, and let yourself shine!

Jupiter spends the first half of the year in your home and family sector, placing the focus squarely on family dynamics and other long-buried issues. You'll gain many philosophical insights during this period about not only your roots, but your role in your family. This is a chance to expand your viewpoint on past events that have shaped who you are today. You may also find yourself in a more introverted and introspective space during the first half of the year until Jupiter enters your romance and pleasure sector in June.

Perhaps the best news is that foggy Neptune is finally leaving your chart in February, allowing you to see clearly - especially in your relationship to yourself. After perhaps suffering some serious disappointments and disillusions over the past few years, you have started to doubt your ability to read people accurately. However, you'll no longer be under the influence of Neptune's illusory powers, so you'll be able to get back on track. But beware: Neptune will move into your money sector, potentially obscuring your ability to be spend within the bounds of your financial reality. The upside is that Neptune in your financial house could bring an inspiring and soulful means for you to earn money. The arts - film, dance, photography or painting, in particular - could play a bigger role in your income than in years past.

Social awareness, family changes and revised business goals will all be a strong theme throughout 2012. For many Aquarians this coming year will inspire action where before there was only contemplation. Areas most strongly affected are long-term relationships, home improvements and the acceptance of new workplace roles. After mid-February watch for key officials or older business partners to relinquish control of several vital projects. Offer your skills and expect a steady expansion of work duties to soon follow. This is a time of constructive work negotiations and newly emerging assignments in the business world. Remain open to all sudden changes. Some Aquarians will also experience rare or unusual romantic invitations throughout the months of May, June and August. All of this is an indication of positive emotional improvements soon to come in all vital relationships. Avoid unexpected triangles though and expect others to be highly possessive of your time, attention and loyalty. Later this summer powerful spiritual, social or emotional insights are available. Study all sudden impressions and follow your instincts: a new era of wisdom and emotional movement will arrive after mid-September.

You start the year with Venus in your sign, so it’s important from the offset that you don’t stifle your emotions – as you’re prone to do, especially when you are backed into a corner, or forced into a face-off.

Mars is going backwards until April too, so be prepared for some spokes in the wheel over projects that you desperately want to get off the ground.
Ambition will mean everything to you this year. Have you lost your way a bit? Lost sight of what your skills are? You know you are creative, and in astrology your sign rules the brain, so you are always an asset to any group, workplace or social situation as your ideas and way of looking at the world are so often brilliant and always so unique.

Uranus, your ruling planet, and the planet of revolution gathers a pace this year and brings you instant opportunity. The reliable and predictable routes that you have taken will present you with dead ends, and you’ll be forced to scratch your head at times and be a lot more creative in your thinking. Problem-solving is your forte, if only you’d believe it.

You also see far beyond what the rest of us are looking out on to this year, Aquarius. You understand why change has to happen this year and you can also see hope, healing – for others and yourself.

This will also be a time of new interest and getting to grips with new skills and expanding all your horizons. If you’re sick of the same old routine, week in, week out, then you are the one at the controls of your life and the cosmos is signposting the way for you. Join an evening class or group, expand your social circle and your mind. Do something for YOU.

You like to be organized so apply some of your discipline to those areas of your life that you have let slide and reawaken some wonder and excitement in your life, and don’t be put by it or fall at the first hurdle.

There’s also an amazing amount of creativity in the air and you should tap into it by always paying attention to your inner voice. From June onwards and the move of Jupiter, you’ll begin to feel a sense of relief wash over your life and creativity blossoms. Could a new job be on the cards? It could be that you begin to have more fun, or just feel that you’re no longer being hindered at every turn.
This is terrific for you, Aquarius. Ideas should rattle out of your brain too at this time with the influence of Uranus, your ruler, but watch out for bouts of fear from Pluto. Don’t let this put you off your stroke from becoming the miracle worker of the zodiac.

The move of Saturn in October will bring about a period of harvest out in your life and you’ll be paid back for all that you do, and about time too, I have to say.

Romance
Your romantic sector can expect plenty of planetary action in 2012, bringing an abundant supply of love and pleasure. Venus will be visiting this corner of your chart for an extended stay between April and August. During Venus's retrograde period between May and June, you may enter a period of reflection and reconsideration over recent romantic developments; you may also encounter unexpected reunions with lovers from your past. In any case, you'll be revisiting sweet memories of love to remind you where you've come from - and help direct you where your love life is going!

The new Moon solar eclipse in mid May will make a strong imprint on the love sector of your horoscope for the duration of the year. The effects of the eclipse will be revealed as an unfolding of events during 2012's second half, all having to do with romantic matters. Current relationships could develop quite quickly, causing a bit of a whirlwind in your heart. When Jupiter joins your love house in June, this will only amplify the power-of-love theme.

Although you often pride yourself on being rather detached and objective, you could find yourself swept up in the drug of love before 2012 is finished with you. But with two of the most beneficial planets blessing the romantic house of your horoscope during the second half of 2012, how can you go wrong? Enjoy your fate as a hopeless romantic without having to suffer the tragedy of unrequited love. If anything, you'll be the one turning down offers!

Career
This promises to be a stellar career year for Aquarius - your star is clearly rising! You've been in a bit of a gestation period for the past few years, but now you're getting ready to unveil your genius. Though 2011 may have felt like a bit of a stalemate for you, you'll soon realize that you were simply collecting experiences, ideas and dreams that will all be put to good creative use this year. Saturn will be sitting strong at the zenith of your chart for the next few years beginning in October. Under Saturn's tutelage in your career house, you'll be applying the proper focus, discipline and follow-through necessary to make things happen. Your time has come!

While Mars is retrograde until April, you may still be holding your cards closer to your vest as the incubation period continues. But with Mars powering up your sector of resources and other people's money for such an extended period (the first six months of the year), you should have no trouble asking people for backing you might need to get your larger-than-life plans off the ground. You'll be highly resourceful during the first half of 2012, so take advantage of your innate networking skills - they will most definitely pay the bills!

Come springtime, your projects will go off the charts. November's total new Moon solar eclipse in Scorpio will further trigger amazing events in your career house over the latter part of 2012. Themes of death and rebirth - as well as a total transformation of how you approach your career - are certain to emerge, and you'll be required to possess much more power in your chosen field. Do you see yourself as a key player, a leader and a pioneer? Hopefully, because you are about to be called upon to step into the biggest shoes of your life. No playing small! This is your year to see and be seen, Aquarius.

This could be Your Year Aquarius!
Your biggest problem in 2012 is that you are spoilt for choice and that this is such a powerful and dynamic year, with opportunities on both the personal and professional fronts, that it’s almost as though several years have been crammed into just 12 months and you're left to work out how to balance this. This makes Jupiter, planet of luck and expansion’s position in your home and family sector until the 12th June so important, for it gives you a chance to get things running smoothly and authentically on the home front, making your life as love and user friendly as possible. With life about to diversify in a major way during the course of the year, if you can build your castle and get your home life running smoothly, then this can become the hub that everything else radiates out from. If you have your home life running well, then everything else will fall into place. What makes finding the right work/life balance so essential, is that 2012 is your luckiest and most expansive year for love and all things romantic and creative in over a decade and it will stay that way until mid 2013, but it’s also one of your most powerful professional years in decades, opening the door to a period of professional growth that won’t run its course until 2015. Yet as you move into 2012 you’re probably looking around asking where these opportunities are, for you can’t see them. That’s because things won’t start moving on the romantic front until the 4th April, but over the coming months are destined to escalate, culminating in Jupiter’s return to your romantic and creative sector on the 12th June. This opens the door to your luckiest year for love in over a decade, that won’t run its course until June 2013. Professional forces will take a while longer to kick in, with the 30th August the date things start to move, with a potentially game changing total solar eclipse on the 14th November catapulting you to the next level. It’s essential that you spend the early months of 2012 building your nest and cementing your home and family life, for this is the rock and the foundation that everything else will depend on.