Is Aquarius a water sign?

Aquarius is an air sign, even though its symbol depicts a man pouring water into a river. Some astrologers identify the man as the god Hyas, while others believe it is Ganymede, a beautiful youth taken to Mount Olympus to serve as cup bearer to the gods.

According to mythology, Hyas was killed by a wild beast when he went to fetch water. His sisters were so grief-stricken that their tears brought on the rain. Both rain and Olympus are associated with the sky, and therefore Aquarius is an air sign. In western astrology, Aquarius rules from Jan. 20 to Feb. 18.