Greek & Roman Mythology
Aquarius is most commonly identified as Ganymede — a beautiful Trojan youth whom Zeus sent an eagle (Aquila) to carry off to Olympus to serve as cupbearer to the gods, pouring nectar and water. Alternatively Aquarius is Deucalion, the Greek Noah who survived the great flood, or Cecrops, the first king of Athens who offered water rather than wine to the gods.
Mesopotamian Tradition
One of the oldest recognised constellations. The Babylonians called it GU.LA — "the Great One" — and associated it with the god Ea/Enki, who poured the waters of knowledge and creation from a vase. The pouring of water was intimately connected with the rainy season and the flooding of the Tigris and Euphrates.
Egyptian Lore
Associated with Hapi, the god of the Nile flood. Aquarius rising in the east heralded the annual Nile inundation, the most important event in Egyptian agricultural life. The water-pourer pouring dual streams was a common depiction of Hapi in art and hieroglyphics.
Hindu & Vedic Tradition
Contains the nakshatras Dhanistha (the most famous), Shatabhisha (the hundred healers), and Purva Bhadrapada. Shatabhisha is associated with Varuna (god of cosmic waters) and is linked to healing, mysticism, and the waters of the universe.
Chinese Astronomy
The area around Aquarius contains several lunar mansions associated with the "Northern Palace" (the Black Tortoise of the North). The Encampment (危, Wēi) and the Rooftop (虛, Xū) lunar mansions fall here, linked to mourning, emptiness, and cosmic void.