The Chinese astrological cycle begins with the year of the Rat; consequently those born within this category like to be first, pioneers, at the forefront of the action. Because of this, they tend to see themselves as a cut above the others. Restless and inquisitive, those born under the influence of the Rat are active, both physically and mentally, and tend to lead busy lives. Challenge is essential to them for they love the thrill of living dangerously. With clairvoyance, intuition, perspicacity and an eye for detail, Rats are formidable problem solvers, finding workable solutions to the knottiest problems. Travelling is one of their favorite pastimes.

Rat people usually have more acquaintances than real friends and they revere and cherish those close to them. Once you become their real friends, they will treat you as their family. Rats are self-contained and keep problems to themselves. And even though they can be talkative sometimes, they never confide in anyone.

Sometimes mean, narrow-minded and suburban in outlook, Rat people are nevertheless honest. They can always make a success of their lives as long as they manage to master their perpetual discontent and their insistence on living for the present moment. The Rat possesses attributes ranging from charming and humorous to honest and meticulous. The Chinese say those born in these years make good and wise advisors, yet they can never decide for themselves and change direction constantly.

The Rat is not romantic, but he is sensual and loving. Rat people could be hard to see through at first glance, because they are also very protective, but even though they are not easy but they are worth it - ask anyone who has a Rat for a lover, parent, child or friend. They are very loyal and devoting to their families.

The Astrological Symbol of Aquarius is the Water Bearer. Like the Bearer bringing water to his people, this Sign brings new ideas to the world. It represents consciousness and the flowing of ideas, but they can also be impatient and temperamental with people who don't share their visions. They can be opinionated, and they work hard to bring their ideas to fruition, stubbornly refusing to give up their causes. In this way, Aquarius exemplifies the fixed quality assigned to it. They are independent and individualistic, within the world but detached from it. While they are peace-loving and friendly, they can also be cruel and tormenting of people who disagree with them. Within the Zodiac, Aquarius is opposite Leo, the Sign of Pleasure. While Leo focuses on personal pleasure and comfort, Aquarius tends to be about philanthropy and other people. Groups of people are important to them, rather than single individuals.

Aquarius is ruled by the Planets Uranus and Saturn. In ancient Roman mythology, Saturn (and his Greek equivalent, Cronus) was the father of many Gods, including Zeus. Uranus was associated with the Earth, and he was the oldest god. In ancient times, Saturn ruled both Capricorn and Aquarius; Aquarius is the masculine, or day, aspect and Capricorn is the feminine, or night. Aquarius' ability to inflict torment on enemies comes from Saturn, while Capricorn is affected by Saturn's hardworking influence. When Uranus was discovered, astrologers assigned it as the modern ruler of Aquarius. It is from this Planet that Aquarians receive their visionary nature. Uranus is associated with progress and technology -- anything that is radical -- and it rules electricity and Astrology. Some Aquarians have genius that borders on insanity, and their progressive ideas and association with anything that is different makes them different to Capricorn. Aquarians are inventors, unpredictable and unconventional, but they may also be inconsistent and erratic.

The element associated with Aquarius is Air. Air Signs are intellectual: they tend to respond to the world through intellect, rather than physical action, practicality, or emotion. In Aquarians, intellect manifests itself in their fixed opinions and eagerness to share and discuss them. While people born under Aquarius are tolerant and broad-minded, they tend to stick to their beliefs. Their intellect makes them logical and self-confident, but it may also make them aloof from the people around them. They are original, offbeat, and even eccentric, but they are also rather bored by detail. Reformist and experimental, they may also seem cold toward people who don't share their intellectual orientation to life.

Aquarians tend to have talent in a number of areas, both scientific and creative. They are unique and rebellious people, driven to change the world. They can sometimes be show-offs, but it's usually to draw attention to their causes rather than to themselves. Their freedom is important to them, and they are often driven to help others become free as well.

Aquarians are people-oriented loners, sympathetic to all others and with a total lack of bias. They are seekers after the truth; and as such, they are excellent listeners. They have good memories; facts and friends are seldom forgotten, despite the fully occupied life Aquarians like to lead. Yet their life is a tranquil and gentle one; they will always have time to listen to someone else's problems and try to help out, if only with analytical advice. In love relationships, Aquarius is flirtatious, not possessive or jealous. They forget to take into consideration the emotional weakness and foibles that are so much a part of human nature, including their own.

Their dreams are far-reaching, visionary for the good of mankind or, at very least, its immediate progress. Their sensitivity makes them keenly aware of the needs of people. Their dreams indeed, can cause them unhappiness, since they can become too busy with them and too convinced of their inevitable achievement. A little more practical work and a little less dreaming might help things along considerably. They need the intellectual discipline that enables a person to face early discouragement and yet continue the quest.

Aquarius rules the ankles. People born under Aquarius may be more susceptible to sprains than people of other Signs. Aquarius's colors are the colors of the Water they carry: turquoise, aqua, and silver.

The great strength of the Aquarius-born is in their visionary nature. They are the people who take the world to the next level; they make people look at things in a different way than before. Their ability to break the rules and move beyond what others think is possible makes them one of the most innovative characters of the Zodiac.