Curious About Aries & Aquarius Compatibility? Here's How They Fare In Love & Friendship

When you think about Aries and Aquarius, they probably don't seem like they make sense as a couple: One is hotheaded and fiery, while the other is aloof and calm. But as it so happens, there's more than meets the eye with this astrological duo.

In order to understand the dynamics at play in Aries and Aquarius compatibility, let's first take a look at what these two signs are all about. 

Aries, for instance, is a fire sign of cardinal modality. Its ruling planet is Mars, and it's represented by the Ram, which relates to this sign's headstrong, bold approach to life. (Aries is the very first sign of the astrological year, after all.)

Aquarius, meanwhile, is the 11th (and second-last) sign of the astrological year. It's an air sign of fixed modality and is ruled by Uranus, the planet of innovation, imagination, and dramatic change. Aquarius is symbolized by the water bearer, representing life-giving spiritual energy and the ability to hold space for, or contain, emotions.

With their different elements and modalities, it might be easy to think these two signs have nothing in common, but that couldn't be further from the truth. In fact, with only Pisces between them, these signs form a sextile (or a 60-degree angle), and signs that form a sextile make fast friends and lovers.

As the AstroTwins explain, it's easy to date a person who lives two zodiac signs away. Not only are fire and air compatible elements, for instance, but they're also both "yang" or "masculine" signs. "They'll often have similar values and attitudes about politics, raising a family, which movies to rent, and friendship and communication are the hallmarks of this aspect," the twins say.

When you put fire and air together, the flames tend to grow—or they can be blown out—and that's a good analogy for an Aries and Aquarius friendship. As the twins explain, these two can bring out the best in each other, so long as one doesn't overpower the other.

So with both of these signs, balancing out those power struggles is essential. Aquarius is easily the most headstrong and independent of the air signs, thanks to its fixed modality; meanwhile, Aries is the poster child for "my way or the highway," thanks to its aggressive ruling planet, Mars.

As the twins note, "Aquarians can be very free-spirited, but they also have a type-A side that comes from the fixity of their chart." And Aries? They're not ones to be bossed around by a type-A friend.

When they're on the same page, though, Aquarius can help give Aries the support they need to see a project through, which Aries can sometimes struggle with. Meanwhile, Aries offers Aquarius a certain warmth and excitement that this social air sign appreciates.

As aforementioned, thanks to their sextile aspect, it's not unlikely that these two will be instantly attracted to each other. Nailing down a commitment, however, might take more time.

While Aries tends to dive headfirst into love, Aquarius is a lot more reserved and careful when it comes to letting down their guard. Nevertheless, if Aries' charisma and affection can crack through Aquarius' aloof demeanor, they'll find Aquarius is actually endeared by their efforts.

In some cases, however, Aries can move on just as quickly as they became interested, so the Aquarius in question should be mindful not to keep them waiting too long.

Once these two do partner up, however, the relationship can easily be smooth sailing from there. As astrologer Kayse Budd, M.D., previously told mindbodygreen, because Aries and Aquarius are complementary and get along, this is ultimately considered a "favorable connection," with energies that work harmoniously.

"The signs and planets involved in sextiles usually reveal their positive energies or positive sides to each other and can be used synergistically," she says, meaning these two signs feed off each other in a brilliantly productive and powerful way.

There's a lot more than meets than eye when it comes to how similar these two signs are. They're both "yang" or "masculine" signs, favoring logic, action, and doing, as opposed to being and feeling. And when they partner up, they have no problem with that.

Aquarius has a reputation for being aloof, which doesn't particularly bother Aries. And Aries, while known for being emotional in a temperamental sense, doesn't get bogged down by emotions and can move on quickly.

According to astrology expert Imani Quinn, Aquarius is the water-bearer, so they're able to "hold emotions and emotional space" for Aries when need be, which is a supportive aspect to this partnership.

As aforementioned, couples that form a sextile aspect often have a harder time keeping that certain sexy spark alive, the longer they're together.

Aries and Aquarius are no exception, so the twins suggest structuring regular date nights, or even setting up scenarios that get you out of buddy mode, like trying something new together, experimenting in the bedroom, or even role-playing.

In addition to that, these are two extremely independent and self-assured signs. Learning to compromise might take time, but it's essential in this partnership if both people are to feel seen, understood, and cherished.