Monday, January 26, 2009

Willow's Weekly Word


Aquarius is the eleventh astrological sign in the Zodiac, 21 January
to 18 February, originating from the constellation Aquarius. The
corresponding month in the Babylonian calendar is Arax Šabaṭu,
the destroying month, also called arax arrat zunne, month of the
curse of rains, associated with the Great Flood and is dedicated to
Ramman, the storm god. The zodiacal sign of this month was called
GU or Assyrian qâ, the name of a dry-measure. This was associated
with Hebrew kad, pitcher jar, presumably in reference to the urn
of Aquarius. According to the Greek mythology, Aquarius was cup
bearer to the gods, Ganymede, son of Tros, king of Troy. While
tending his father's flocks on Mount Ida, Ganymede was spotted by
Zeus, who became so enamored of the boy, he disguised himself as
an eagle (represented by the constellation Aquila) and whisked
Ganymede off to Olympus, to be his personal cup-bearer to the
gods. So, this is why the sign is symbolized by the water carrier,
even though it is actually a fixed air sign.

People born under the sign Aquarius have a contradictory side to
their nature. They believe in the ideal of equality, but have a
strong will and an individualistic streak. They are driven to rebuild
and reform as well as disrupt, revolutionize and challenge. It is
sometimes considered an unpredictable sign. Aquarians are usually
friendly, though unemotional, independent and need to maintain
their own personal space. They like to keep in touch with current
thinking and the latest modern technology.

The gemstones associated with this sign are aquamarine and
turquoise. Their flower is the orchid. The body parts associated
with Aquarius are the ankles and shins. Countries associated with
this sign are Russia, Sweden, Poland, Israel and Iran.

So, there you have it. Happy Birthday, all you Aquarian bloggies
out there, wherever you are!

.
info from Wikipedia and Astrology by Darby Costello
photo: Aquarius statue, Val's restaurant, Alviso, CA by hayleybeee, Flickr

40 comments:

  1. For someone who once received an A in mythology, I'm sad to say I remember almost nothing...

    Thanks for the lesson. The description of Aquarians nails my mother's personality.

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  2. I am a huge fan of blue cheese and steak! I have a wonderful recipe for blue cheese spaghetti and strip steak that may have to show up on one of my Friday Night Flix and Food (FNFF) posts!!

    I am a Sagitarius... and a Snake. My element is fire, we're free-spirited, cheerful, independent, sympathetic,adventurous and restless among other things... Mostly this is me though I like to make my own destiny.

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  3. Very informative. I always asked myself why acquarius (from acqua) was not a water sign. Now I know is not about the water but about the "water bearer" (Ganymede).

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  4. Hi Miss Willow, I am a saggitarius and a chinese rabbit. Kookoo combo perhaps? I put some more paper art sculpture and paintings on my blog. Thought you might like to see them. Thanks

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  5. I love the picture, where does it come from?

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  6. Intriguing picture.

    I suppose I have no real excuse to forget my brother's birthday once again, have I?

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  7. My ex ~husband had six planets in Aquarius, in the house ruled by Aquarius. Stubborn?, Out There?

    Yep.

    Still love Aquarians, they are the trailblazers of the Zodiac, friendly, clever and FUN!

    Thanks Willow, for your info. It was something that I had wondered about for years, actually. Hmm... :D

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  8. my husband and daughter are both aquarians and this makes lots of sense....

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  9. Thanks for explaining the reason behind the water and air contradiction. I had always found that confusing.

    Many thanks for a most beautiful post.

    Greetings from London.

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  10. I must check up on that birthday calendar of mine. Soon I shall be able to analyse and understand all my friends. Even myself at a try!

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  11. This is going straight to my Mum the Aquarius!

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  12. Love Aquarian men. Mozart was Aquarius. (January 27) My grandpa was born on Mozart's birthday and we got along famously. I was his little angel.

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  13. Speaking of astrology, today is Lunar new year. It's the beginning of the year of the Ox.
    President Obama was born in the year of the ox.
    More on this will be posted on Auntie's blog later today.
    Happy New Year!

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  14. R. is an Aquarius
    says they have a strong will........yes!

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  15. Hello Willow,That was most interesting to be sure.i will keep this sign in mine .My grandson's birthday is Feb 15.He was born on a Mardi Gra day.Mardi Gra falls on a different date every year.This year I think it is the 29th.I may be wrong.When July comes around I hope you post Cancer.Hugs and kisses marie Antionette
    P.S. My grandson has most of these traits.

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  16. Is birthstone different from gemstone, because I always thought my birthstone was Amethyst?

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  17. No matter what the post theme is, you allways choose fantastic photos to go with! Great work, Willow!

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  18. It's the sign of the scientist I do believe - the sign of Mr Fancy and also my late mother, so a favourite one for me.

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  19. Boy that Zeus...sure was a handful wasn't he...

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  20. I just looked at your side bar thoroughly. Wonderful and chocked full of interesting tidbits, but what really dumbfounded me was your map! Wow. I don't think i've seen one with that many visitors from all over. There isn't a spot of land left there--just big red dots everywhere! Whoa.

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  21. I only know two Aquarians and I must say that they fit neatly into your description. Half of me says the whole thing is nonsense, the other half says - well there might be something in it after all.

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  22. This Wednesday is my step brother's birthday and I intend to read this to him, especially the part about Zeus being enamored of him and whisking him off to be his cup bearer.

    That should cheer him up.

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  23. Very interesting history to this sign. My bestfriend since childhhod is Aquarian and she has all those characteristics, so funny how accurate these are!

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  24. C'est Moi! But I had no idea my birthstone was NOT an amethyst ...

    Amethyst is the official birthstone for February as adopted by the American National Association of Jewelers in 1912

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  25. I am a Scorpio so I shouldn't be here today. Still it is interesting to read.

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  26. This must be mythology day! Love all the info..
    Aries, Aquarius rising, moon in Aquarius..no wonder I can't sit still.
    Thank you so much.

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  27. it's incredible how easily i connect with aquarians. we meet and instantly we're like water flowing along easily...

    life is never as peaceful as when i am with librans, and never more passionate than when i am with scorpios...

    very nice post!

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  28. It's the dawning of the age of Aquarians.

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  29. Love your astrology changeovers, Willow. My opposite sign is Aqaurius, so we get along fairly well.

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  30. I am a Sagittarius. Do you have any idea why these same gemstones are associated with my sign?

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  31. My husband is an Aquarian -- his birthday is tomorrow - and that description is his character in a nutshell!

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  32. I thought our birthstone was amethyst. Very cool.

    and this:

    The corresponding month in the Babylonian calendar is Arax Šabaṭu,
    the destroying month, also called arax arrat zunne, month of the curse of rains, associated with the Great Flood and is dedicated to Ramman, the storm god.


    explains a LOT about me and my personality. I was born on Friday the 13th, too. Go figure!

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  33. As an aquarian,thanks for the birthday greetings Willow, and yes I find it very accurate. My favourite flower is the little exquisite native orchid found hidden shyly in the Australian bush,hills and groves... illegal to pick because of its fragile and endangered nature.

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  34. "When the moon....is in the seventh power...and Jupiter aligns with Mars..." Lovely! Happy Birthday, Aquarians!

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  35. I'm a Sagitarius and am feeling pretty restless at the moment. I don't know what's wrong with me!

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  36. Thank you Willow,
    from another Aquarian.

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  37. Wow thanks! I've had it all wrong though. I thought my birthstone was amethyst!

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  38. Ah hah! That explains everything. My daughter's BD is today. Aquarius to the core.

    PS I've stopped by via Elizabeth's blog, but I've seen you on Bee's and others as well. Just wanted to say hello :-)

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  39. Very lovely writing. I have enjoyed the stories. I am an Aquarian and consider myself fairly typical. I must add that I am many of the things you described. As for emotions though I would like to add that I show them greatly. Like energy, emotions can move like the air element Aquarians are ruler under. Everyone is unique and perhaps I am an exception to their characteristics. I look forward to adding you to my reading list. thanks

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Inject a few raisins of conversation into the tasteless dough of existence.
― O. Henry (and me)