Sagittarius

Origin and etymology

The name Sagittarius is Latin and means "archer". Its symbol is the centaur archer, half-human and half-horse, with a bow pointing at the sky. It represents the wise centaur Chiron, master of heroes like Hercules, Achilles and Asclepius. Unlike the other centaurs (wild creatures), Chiron was wise and a healer, mentor of generations of Greek heroes.

Sagittarius coincides with the end of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere, just before the winter solstice: the moment when light prepares to be reborn. Its element is mutable Fire: fire that transforms, that travels, that seeks new horizons. The arrow pointing at the sky symbolises the search for something beyond the known horizon.

Sagittarian archetype

Sagittarius is the archetype of the explorer, philosopher and seeker of meaning. It contributes natural optimism, adventurous spirit, love for long journeys and higher studies, sense of humour, generosity, faith in life. It is the sign that needs to feel life has meaning and that it travels to find it. Its opposite sign is Gemini: if Gemini explores many bodies of knowledge superficially, Sagittarius seeks one in depth.

In shadow: Sagittarius can fall into dogmatism, excess, exaggeration, scattering, promising more than it delivers, escape through travel and philosophies. The Sagittarian trap is to preach about the meaning of life without having embodied anything concrete. Its karmic lesson is to lower the arrow to the ground: bring the great visions to everyday life.

Sagittarius in your chart

If your Sun is in Sagittarius, your conscious identity seeks freedom, expansion and philosophical truth. If your Moon is in Sagittarius, you need horizon and adventure to be well emotionally. If your ascendant is Sagittarius, you give a first impression of an expansive, jovial, optimistic person. Jupiter, ruler of Sagittarius, marks where your fortune and vocation for growth lie.