Aquarius (from the Latin, Aquarii, meaning water carrier) the eleventh sign of the zodiac, is a fixed air sign. It is a positive, masculine sign, ruled by the planet Uranus (before the outer planets were discovered, it was said to be ruled by Saturn). Its symbol is the Water Bearer, and its glyph is a pair of wavy lines representing water (resulting in a frequent confusion about Aquarius's element, which is air rather than water). Aquarius is associated with the shins, ankles, and the circulatory system, and individuals with an Aquarius sun sign are susceptible to sprained ankles, hardening of the arteries, and varicose veins. The key phrase for Aquarius is I know.
Like certain other zodiacal signs, Aquarius has been associated with more than one mythic figure. It is most often identified with Ganymede ("cup bearer of the gods"), a beautiful young man who, after being abducted by an eagle sent by Zeus, served as his cupbearer. Ganymede was also Zeus's lover, and was said to have been transformed into the constellation Aquarius.
Another mythical figure sometimes associated with Aquarius is Cecrops. Cecrops, half human and half serpent, was a culture hero who, as king of Attica, put an end to human sacrifice (by offering cakes instead of flesh to the gods) and founded a court. He also taught his people writing, the proper manner of burying the dead, and census taking. He is particularly remembered for deciding a contest between Athena and Poseidon in favor of Athena. In anger, Poseidon responded by flooding Attica.
Despite the myth of Ganymede, there is no special connection between Aquarius and homosexuality (Neptune ruler of Pisces, was the ancient patron of homosexuals). However, Aquarians tend to be eccentric individuals who enjoy working with other people. In line with the story of Cecrops, natives of this sign tend to be humanistic social reformers, with a special aptitude for intellectual pursuits like writing. Also in line with the Cecrops myth, census taking reflects the mathematical and scientific inclinations of Aquarius. While Aquarians are known for being open-minded, the are also unusually argumentative. The tend to avoid emotions by intellectualizing them — symbolically choosing Athena (goddess of intellect) over Poseidon (ruler of water, the symbol of emotion) until they are overwhelmed (flooded).