Born between January 21 and February 20, people born under the Aquarius sign are known as the zodiac’s most independent free-thinkers.

Like their fellow celebrity Aquarians – Oprah, Ellen DeGeneres and Ed Sheeran – they’re said to be pioneers and innovators in their field and aren’t afraid to go against the flow. They’re also driven by facts, logic and data, and have a predisposition for justice, freedom and humanitarian pursuits.

As a fixed air sign, Aquarians can run stubborn and be unflinchingly set in their ways, but like their fellow air signs – here’s looking at you Geminis and Libras – they value intellectual stimulation, communication and can be idealistic in nature.

Ironically, when it comes to astrology and anything else in the realm of the woo-woo, Aquarius folk are the most likely sign to respond with an eye roll, but for the benefit of everyone else, we unpack the intricacies of the sign.

Why does every Aquarius I know base their entire personality off being quirky omfg

— Na’ama ???? (@iknowplacesmp6) June 24, 2019

aquarius key phrase: “i know” pic.twitter.com/8qyaOXbmQ8

— ☾ (@chunghadarling) June 24, 2019

#Aquarius are all about equality. Being humble is something they take pride in.

— AQUARIUS Astrology (@AquariusUnite) June 25, 2019

What are the best traits of an Aquarius?

Aquarians know what they want and they’re unlikely to be swayed by pack-mentality. They stand their ground and are unflinching in the face of adversity.

People born under the Aquarius sign are driven by the desire for the truth, however they do this through tangible and substantiated facts, as opposed to anything too philosophical or theoretical. They're objective problem solvers and would therefore suit professions in law, academia and research.

An Aquarian is not the sign to jump on a trend or bandwagon just for the sake of it. They'd much prefer to go their own way. They're natural-born thought leaders, unabashedly quirky and they do this without the need for approval. Leos on the other hand...

Aquarians want to understand the world at large and are known for their humanitarian spirit. They're less motivated by personal gain and want to use their innovative mindset to solve bigger-picture problems, and are more likely to delve into alternative lifestyles and politics.

In the office, an Aquarius would be your colleague who staunchly uses their Keep Cup, separates the recycling and evangelically forces others to do the same. They're also known to have an unwavering mindset for fairness, human rights and gender equality.

What are the worst traits of an Aquarius?

It's an Aquarian's curse (or gift) that they have a lot of acquaintances, but few close friends.

Speaking toMamamia, Sydney-based astrologer Pia Lehmann of Soulscapesoz says Aquarians can come across as impersonal. Something which can become a detriment to their relationships.

"Aquarius can be cold, but it differs from the snobbery of a Capricorn. Instead they're impersonal," says Pia.

"They see emotional stuff as a waste of time.

"They're better off in a group because they don't want to connect with just one person. They can also come across as very theoretical. They put their head above their heart and this can rub 'emotional' people [read: Pisces people] the wrong way."

The danger of their aggressively independent attitude is that it can lean towards being self-righteous and dogmatic. Aquarians think that just because they've taken time to research and form their opinions on a particular topic, this automatically makes them the expert. Alas, people around them might not see this in the same way.

The same steadfast nature which propels them to go against the mainstream also makes them quite set in their views and unwilling to compromise. Once an Aquarius mind is made up, they won't be changing it unlesstheychoose to do so and good luck to any who get in the way of this.

Who are Aquarians most and least compatible with?

Most compatible:

In astrology it's commonly believed people are most compatible with the other signs in their element. Therefore as an 'air sign', Aquarius types are best matched with Geminis and Libras.

Least compatible:

The detached nature of the Aquarius sign means they aren't the best match for emotional water signs who need to have their feelings validated.

Real footage of a Aquarius / Pisces relationship.

Who are some other famous Aquarius folk?

The talk show queen herself.

Are you an Aquarius? What trait do you identify most with? Tell us in a comment below.