Challenge Day 6 - The Water Bearer

It should come as no surprise to most of you that I've never given much thought to astrology.  Come to think of it, do any of us know anyone that actually follows and/or believes in astrology?  Not that I'm shit-talking an entire belief system.  I just don't think many people actually think the stuff is real. 

But then, the horoscopes are in every newspaper in America, so it's got to have some kind of audience.

Anyway, I digress.

Today's task was to write about whether or not I think my zodiac sign fits my personality.  What little I know about Aquarians is that they are considered visionaries...dreamers...idealists.  Clearly, that's not good enough for me, so I went in search of a better picture of what it is to be an Aquarius.  I ended up here but the write-up was way too long and New Age-y for me, so I quickly moved on. 

I found this site, which seemed simpler to me, so I decided to go with it as the basis of this discussion.  What I discovered (and yes, this may be considered a cop-out) is that some of the description fits, and some of it is way off.

See for yourself:

"One of the standout characteristics of those born under the Sun Sign of Aquarius is their unwillingness to follow the beaten track. With advancement and progress on their minds, there can be an irreverence to old and outdated ways of thinking and doing things." 

The first part of this is quite inaccurate.  I have never been one to do things differently or go a different direction just because everyone else is going one way.  I DO value innovation though and if something is outdated, I'm definitely going to push for a new way, as long as it makes logical sense.

"Many Aquarians aim to free themselves of personal and social conditioning. Although open to change in theory, Aquarians can be surprisingly stubborn. Their idealism runs strong, but they can be very fixed in their opinions."
 

When I initially typed my response here, I wrote that this part is pretty wrong, but as I read it a few more times, I suppose I have to disagree.  My wife will tell you that I am stubborn (though I don't think I am), but I have no problem admitting that I am very "fixed in my opinions."  I just believe that the opinions that matter have been formed by a great deal of thought and education...and that I am open to changing those opinions if I have new information.  As for being an idealist, I'm pretty much the opposite of that.  I much prefer to deal with what is real rather than what should be.

"Often a bit aloof and even standoffish, Aquarians nonetheless are usually well-liked. They are curious and observant, and tolerant in a broad sense. Prejudice and bias is offensive to the typical Aquarius."
 

Right on the money here.  I don't know about aloof, but I have definitely been accused of minimizing issues rather than taking them for what they are.  And depending on who you ask, I can be standoffish to the point of being intimidating (again, I don't see it).  Curious and observant?  That's me.  Strong distaste for prejudice and bias?  Me again.  I am extremely concerned with accuracy (as you probably know if you've read any of my writing) and that distaste is probably why I got into journalism.

"Aquarians are generally very clever, witty, and intellectual. They value progress and frankness. It's difficult to throw Aquarians for a loop—they're generally on top of things."
 

I definitely value frankness.  I see much more value in being straightforward than in any other approach.  I also like to think I am on top of things to the point that I can adapt without being caught too off guard.  Clever, witty, and intellectual?  I suppose you who know me would be in a better position to answer that.

"There is a bit of reformer in Aquarius. They'll try to get you to see through superficiality, and encourage you to be open and forthright. 'Be true to yourself' and 'Don't follow the crowd' are mottos we easily associate with this sign."
 

Incorrect here in that I wouldn't call this tendency being a reformer.  I prefer to think of it as being a realist.  You cannot get to the truth or make the right decision if you're lying to youself or pretending you're something you're not.

"Aquarians need space and value personal freedom. Any attempt to box them in will likely fail. They'll happily return the favor; and they will treat people from all walks of life as equals. Equality and fairness are hallmarks of the sign. If you're quirky and "different", all the better."
 

Mostly correct, though I wouldn't say I am one that needs space.  I just happen to have had a lot of it in my life, so I am comfortable in it....though I would NEVER consider myself a loner or the restless type.  I also would never say that I seek out or am most comfortable with quirky or different people.  I enjoy people with whom I have some things in common and who are comfortable being themselves.  I try to treat everyone the same, and ask that others treat me as they would anyone else.  No rocket science there, right?


So, like I said, I think my sign fits in some aspects but is way off in others.  I'll leave the final decision on that to you though.

Until next time...