  We present an analysis of high-dispersion spectroscopic observations of the
symbiotic system R Aquarii (R Aqr) obtained with the Manchester Echelle
Spectrograph (MES) at the 2.1 m telescope of the San Pedro M\'artir Observatory
(Mexico). An interpretation of these data is presented by means of the shape
software to disclose the morpho-kinematics of the nebulosities associated with
R Aqr. The best model that reproduces narrow-band images and position-velocity
diagrams is composed by three structures: an outer (large) hourglass structure
surrounding an inner bipolar with a spiral-like filament entwined around the
later. Different expansion velocity patterns are predefined for each structure,
which predict kinematic ages of $\tau_{1}$=450$\pm$25 yr (outer hourglass),
$\tau_{2}$=240$\pm$20 yr (inner bipolar) and $\tau_{3}$=215$\pm$20 yr
(spiral-like filament). We suggest that the spiral-like filament is tracing the
regions of interaction of the precessing jet with the circumstellar material,
which simultaneously carves the inner bipolar structure. If a similar process
created the large hourglass structure, it means that the action of the jet
ceased for about 230 yr. We discuss the implication for other unresolved
symbiotic systems detected in X-rays.
