The twelve signs of the Zodiac represent twelve different characters, sort of like roles in a play. They can be described as archetypes, models into which human personality traits tend to group. Plato had theories about mental ideas - or forms - that were imprinted in the human mind before birth.
The psychoanalyst C. G. Jung picked up the idea and developed his own meaning to the word. He stated that there are fixed numbers of models or types that we all share without necessarily having been taught them. They're part of what he called our collective unconscious and influence how we look at reality and what we expect from it. He also meant that we should see these archetypes as inner clues as to how we can grow into self-realization.
The twelve signs of the Zodiac can be seen as a system of archetypes, making a complete world of sorts. We will be looking at the twelve signs and using each archetype to help manifest that particular energy in our own lives. Notice also that the shifting of the seasons as the sun travels through the Zodiac tells us a lot about the characteristics and energy of each signs. On January 19th, as we move deeper into the winter months, we meet Aquarius the Reformer .
Aquarius is a fixed air signed ruled by Uranus, but prior to its discovery was ruled by Saturn. This give Aquarius the archetype of strong-willed (Saturn), radical individuality Uranus) embracing innovation and originality. It is the style of thinking in ways that are outside the box and perhaps, eccentric.
Planets found in Aquarius are instantly charged with electricity radiating a potent field of cosmic energy and humanitarian detachment. Aquarius strives for spiritual community on the planet. This is the archetype of the reformer who wants to bring a brighter vision of society into reality, one that supports and encourages the road less traveled and tolerance for human diversity.
This archetype aims for nothing short of total freedom to pursue enlightenment and to raise consciousness on the planet. It preaches liberty and the power of choice, but it also knows that true freedom without discipline and organization is an illusion.
Aquarius, Saturn and Uranus symbolize the quest to bridge the ancient mythic past with the hope of the future. Uranus governs freedom while Saturn governs responsibility. People who are infused with this archetype feel a strong need to be free and at the same time know they need to put their noses to the grindstone if the intuitive visions they are receiving are ever to manifest in the world of conventional reality.
The house with Aquarius on the cusp is where you need to get excited, express unconventional ideas, and live your originality to the fullest. Aquarius is a high energy, electromagnetic sign that stops nothing short of intuitive connection to the universal mind of eternal being. The same goes for the house that contains Saturn and Uranus, the mythic patriarchs of mythology.
When your Aquarian energy is misdirected you become weird and aloof, with no sensitivity to human connectivity or emotion. You lose your soul, lost in technological advances and strange ideas. Steeped in impractical concepts, the shadow of Aquarius emerges making us fanatic, detached, selfish and cold.