The sign of Aquarius is the 11th sign of the zodiac (January 22 through February 21). Developmentally from about sixty-eight to eighty, Aquarius, ruled by the transpersonal planet, Uranus is a sign interested in awakening the collective to concepts and ideas that revolutionize outdated ultra conservative systems and rules that keep society stuck. A broad-minded idealist, the Aquarian is an objective thinker and believes too much emotionality can cloud perceptions and distort long-term goals for truth and progress.
When it comes to relationships that require exclusive involvement, Aquarians are somewhat cerebral, aloof and detached which requires an open-minded friend in their partner who understands their drives and goals are not personal. Extremely independent, they will not allow anyone to possess them or limit their movement. Therefore, friendship and freedom for each individual to live their own unique path is exemplified by the tolerant Aquarian personality who values honesty and differentness. It’s hard from the outside looking in to know what they are feeling as unlike their opposite sign, romantic Leo, they can disguise their desires and intentions, become erratically unpredictable and coldly cut off anyone that tries to get too personal, too fast.
Aquarians also gravitate towards group involvement with others who are like-minded, humanitarians with vision for change and higher consciousness. This fulfills their desire to meet and converse with as many different people as possible.
Now what can be in the Shadow?
The opposite sign of the zodiac is Leo ruled by the Sun. Leo is the most ego-oriented and often narcissistic of the signs as Leos are driven to enjoy themselves by being the center of attention. A “Super Star,” Leo is not inclined to share center stage with anyone and is threatened by anyone stronger than they are. These actors and actresses of the Zodiac are always “on,” seeking praise, recognition, and adoration. Granted, they all have tremendous talents along with heroic ideals. It’s not hard to see that they stand out in any crowd when you are around them as they radiate like the Sun itself.
Having a larger than life vanity, they take everything that anyone does or says against their self-expression personally. Chances are they will put you in your place loudly and clearly for such offensive disrespect. If you continue to hurt their ego and pride, they will just cease to acknowledge your presence.
Again, focusing more on themselves as they steer your attention commanding your approval, Leos can become self-aggrandizing braggarts by telling you all about themselves and their many accomplishments. They handily embody the King and Queen royalty mentality; often bossy and demanding; requiring others to bend to their will to have their way. Like Aquarius, they too are idealists and will generously give of their time, but don’t you dare fail to recognize their generosity and contribution.
“Recognition of the Shadow, on the other hand, leads to the modesty we need in order to acknowledge imperfection. And it is just this conscious recognition and consideration that are needed whenever a human relationship is to be established. A human relationship is not based on differentiation and perfection, for these only emphasize the differences or call forth the exact opposite; it is based, rather on imperfection, on what is weak, helpless and in need of support — the very ground and motive for dependence. The perfect have no need of others, but weakness has, for it seeks support and does not confront its partner with anything that might force him into an inferior position and even humiliate him. This humiliation may happen only too easily when high idealism plays too prominent a role.”
— Carl Jung, Civilization in Transition: par 579
To conclude I want to quote from the Poet, Kahlil Gibran from The Prophet (Knopf, 1923).
On Marriage
Excerpt from The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran
Then Almitra spoke again and said, and what of Marriage, master?
And he answered saying:
You were born together, and together you shall be forevermore.
You shall be together when the white wings of death scatter your days.
Ay, you shall be together even in the silent memory of God.
But let there be spaces in your togetherness,
And let the winds of the heavens dance between you.
Love one another, but make not a bond of love:
Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls.
Fill each other’s cup but drink not from one cup.
Give one another of your bread but eat not from the same loaf.
Sing and dance together and be joyous, but let each one of you be alone,
Even as the strings of the lute are alone though they quiver with the same music.
Give your hearts, but not into each other’s keeping.
For only the hand of Life can contain your hearts.
And stand together yet not too near together:
For the pillars of the temple stand apart,
And the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each other’s shadow.
To be continued …
Rebeca Eigen
Rebeca Eigen, an astrologer for 25+ years and author of The Shadow Dance & the Astrological 7th House Workbook specializes in relationships. From every day decisions, to critical life-altering moments, Rebeca shares with you her practical wisdom and guidance for your life’s journey in becoming who you are meant to be.
https://www.shadowdance.com/
