Assertive, innovative and stubborn: The unique personality traits of every Aquarian.

Born between January 21 and February 20, people born under the Aquarius sign are known as the zodiac’s most independent free-thinkers.

Like their fellow celebrity Aquarians – Oprah, Ellen DeGeneres and Ed Sheeran – they’re said to be pioneers and innovators in their field and aren’t afraid to go against the flow. They’re also driven by facts, logic and data, and have a predisposition for justice, freedom and humanitarian pursuits.

As a fixed air sign, Aquarians can run stubborn and be unflinchingly set in their ways, but like their fellow air signs – here’s looking at you Geminis and Libras – they value intellectual stimulation, communication and can be idealistic in nature.

Ironically, when it comes to astrology and anything else in the realm of the woo-woo, Aquarius folk are the most likely sign to respond with an eye roll, but for the benefit of everyone else, we unpack the intricacies of the sign.

Why does every Aquarius I know base their entire personality off being quirky omfg

— Na’ama ???? (@iknowplacesmp6) June 24, 2019

aquarius key phrase: “i know” pic.twitter.com/8qyaOXbmQ8

— ☾ (@chunghadarling) June 24, 2019

#Aquarius are all about equality. Being humble is something they take pride in.

— AQUARIUS Astrology (@AquariusUnite) June 25, 2019

What are the best traits of an Aquarius?

• Assertive

Aquarians know what they want and they’re unlikely to be swayed by pack-mentality. They stand their ground and are unflinching in the face of adversity.

• Intellectual

People born under the Aquarius sign are driven by the desire for the truth, however they do this through tangible and substantiated facts, as opposed to anything too philosophical or theoretical. They're objective problem solvers and would therefore suit professions in law, academia and research.

• Innovative

An Aquarian is not the sign to jump on a trend or bandwagon just for the sake of it. They'd much prefer to go their own way. They're natural-born thought leaders, unabashedly quirky and they do this without the need for approval. Leos on the other hand...

• Idealistic

Aquarians want to understand the world at large and are known for their humanitarian spirit. They're less motivated by personal gain and want to use their innovative mindset to solve bigger-picture problems, and are more likely to delve into alternative lifestyles and politics.

In the office, an Aquarius would be your colleague who staunchly uses their Keep Cup, separates the recycling and evangelically forces others to do the same. They're also known to have an unwavering mindset for fairness, human rights and gender equality.

What are the worst traits of an Aquarius?

• They're difficult to get close to.

It's an Aquarian's curse (or gift) that they have a lot of acquaintances, but few close friends.

Speaking to Mamamia, Sydney-based astrologer Pia Lehmann of Soulscapesoz says Aquarians can come across as impersonal. Something which can become a detriment to their relationships.

"Aquarius can be cold, but it differs from the snobbery of a Capricorn. Instead they're impersonal," says Pia.

"They see emotional stuff as a waste of time.

"They're better off in a group because they don't want to connect with just one person. They can also come across as very theoretical. They put their head above their heart and this can rub 'emotional' people [read: Pisces people] the wrong way."

• They can come across as preachy...

The danger of their aggressively independent attitude is that it can lean towards being self-righteous and dogmatic. Aquarians think that just because they've taken time to research and form their opinions on a particular topic, this automatically makes them the expert. Alas, people around them might not see this in the same way.

• Stubborn.

The same steadfast nature which propels them to go against the mainstream also makes them quite set in their views and unwilling to compromise. Once an Aquarius mind is made up, they won't be changing it unless they choose to do so and good luck to any who get in the way of this.

Who are Aquarians most and least compatible with?

Most compatible: 

In astrology it's commonly believed people are most compatible with the other signs in their element. Therefore as an 'air sign', Aquarius types are best matched with Geminis and Libras.

• Geminis - You'll never run out of things to talk about with a Gemini and Aquarius pairing. Both signs are propelled by stimulating new ideas and big-picture ways of thinking and your time together will be exciting and vibrant. Both signs also value independence and enjoy a wide social circle.

• Libras - In the case of an Aquarius and Libra partnership, opposites do attract, however you're still both on the same wavelength in terms of your communication style and values. An Aquarian's justice-inclined nature is greatly compatible with a Libra's need for order and balance and both signs have a shared love for chatting and socialising.

Least compatible:

The detached nature of the Aquarius sign means they aren't the best match for emotional water signs who need to have their feelings validated.

• Pisces - Basically, you're mixing the zodiac's most emotionally codependent sign with the least. A Pisces' penchant for intuitive and spiritual practices works in stark contrast to an Aquarian erudite nature, and this can result in a complete communication breakdown, with neither sign being able to understand the other.

• Cancer - Family time and relationships are paramount for Cancers, who can be too loving (clingy) and emotional (needy) to a fault. Unfortunately this doesn't mesh well with an Aquarian occasionally detached personality, with neither partner able to give the other what they need or want.
• Taurus - If you want a sign to rival Aquarius' stubbornness, then a Taurus is your best bet. While this doesn't make for too much drama if both partners are ideologically compatible, this can quickly become a confronting problem if radically contrasting opinions are at play. Conversely, Tauruses can be quite traditional and conservative in nature, while Aquarians prefer newness and spontaneity.

Who are some other famous Aquarius folk?

• Ellen DeGeneres, January 26, 1958
• Jennifer Aniston, February 11, 1969
• Shakira, February 2, 1977
• Oprah Winfrey, January 29, 1954

• Tati Westbrook, February 14, 1982
• Stormi Webster, February 1, 2018
• Harry Styles, February 1, 1994
• Ed Sheeran, February 17, 1991

• Justin Timberlake, January 31, 1981
• Christiano Ronaldo, February 5, 1985
• Michael Jordan, February 17, 1963

Are you an Aquarius? What trait do you identify most with? Tell us in a comment below.