As we continue to feel the effects of yesterday’s rollicking Full Moon in Aquarius, it’s a good opportunity to take a closer look at this often misunderstood zodiac sign.

Known as the Water Bearer, Aquarius is sometimes mistaken for a Water sign — but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Aquarius is an Air sign — like Gemini and Libra — which is more about breezy ideas and intellect than watery feelings and emotions.

Aquarius is a quirky and independent sign — friendly and social and as humanitarian as they come, yet ultimately a bit detached and often unwilling to play by the rules. Quite a contradiction, right? Let’s just say Aquarius marches to the beat of their own offbeat drum.

My action planet, Mars, is in Aquarius in my birth chart, so I identify with this sign a lot. Not to mention I’m a fellow air sign, Gemini. I’ve always heard that Aquarians make many friends, but hold few people dear, in part due to their aloof nature. That certainly rings true for me. I don’t intend to be aloof, I just get caught up in my own head — just like your typical Aquarius.

I also identify with the part of Aquarius that is independent, freedom-loving  and willful. I had the nickname “Little Miss Contrary” while growing up, and I think my parents and teachers thought I liked to argue or that I was actively trying to be a brat. I was not — I simply wanted to strike up intellectual 7-year-old conversations that examined both sides of every point.

I guess I’ve always felt like a little bit of weirdo, and I attribute most of that to having the eccentric placement of Mars in Aquarius. But truly, I love it and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I mean, there’s no such thing as “normal,” right?

Astrologer Jeff Jawer just wrote a great blog about “The Aquarian Contradiction” that you should read if you’re curious about this complex sign and its many contradictions. Enjoy!

Read more about complicated Aquarius by Jeff Jawer at Tarot.com »