AQUARIUS the Sign & its Symbols.

THE SIGN
The main ruling planets of Aquarius are Uranus, the planet of the unusual and the unexpected and Saturn the planet of wisdom. Aquarius is a fixed, masculine air sign whose positive traits indicate a friendly nature and a concern for others, they are also optimistic and independent, while more challenging traits mean they can be tactless, unemotional and very unpredictable.

THE SYMBOLS
The astrological symbol for Aquarius is represented by two zig-zag lines symbolising the flow of water. Certain herbs, spices, flowers, trees, shrubs, gemstones, metals and animals have long been associated with particular signs of the zodiac. Several plants, for example, have lucky connections with Aquarius and, it is said, they are most effective when picked on a day that is influenced by their ruling planet. These include aspen, whose leaf placed under the tongue would make the bearer more eloquent, traditionally a gift of the Faerie Queen. The aspen tree was said to tremble in shame for having supplied the wood from which the Crucifixion Cross was made (though both holly and oak have similarly been accused); olive, whose leaves can be used as an antiseptic and tranquillizer, the oil as an emollient and laxative and an infusion of the leaves has a tranquilizing effect helpful for relieving nervous tension. Gemstones linked to Aquarius include the topaz, derived from the Sanskrit word ‘tapas’ meaning ‘to glow’; aquamarine, the “gem of the sea”, legend says that it is the treasure of mermaids with the power to keep sailors safe at sea. To dream of aquamarine signifies the making of new friends; sapphire which was worn as protection from enchantment, danger, treachery and quarrels. Animal connections include the peacock, the original designation of this constellation, the key colours for Aquarius, electric blue and turquoise can be found in its tail. The eagle will be forever associated with Aquarius because of the story of Zeus and his cup-bearer Ganymede.

THE AQUARIUS NEEDLEPOINT DESIGN
Motifs have been selected from all the different astrological aspects of Aquarius and include: thefigure of Aquarius himself represented in mosaic form with water cascading down to a row of water drops each containing a symbol connected to the sign, the symbol for Uranus, an aspen leaf, a topaz, a peacock’s feather, the roman numeral XI (for the eleventh house) and the symbol for Saturn. The border contains the Aquarian symbol in blues and turquoise.

KEY WORDS
Thoughtful
Independent
Courteous
Dependable
Caring

CuriousTo further personalise your needlepoint cushion, add your chosen name and date of birth to the outer border, along with one or two of the Aquarius characteristics. On the chart, the borders have been left plain ready for you to draw in your own lettering, as preferred. Instructions and alphabets have been supplied or alternatively you can use lettering of your own choice.