Sagittarius is the mutable fire sign. The symbol for Sagittarius is the centaur plus the archer. Its horoscope glyph is the skyward pointing arrow.
This dual symbolism or archer and centaur makes for an interesting contrast in Sagittarius.
The archer symbolism suggests the Sagittarius trait of shooting for the stars, as in aiming for higher levels of thought and understanding. There is a quest for knowledge that goes well beyond basic or even college education.
Whether this knowledge is gained by formal higher learning, or through experience, Sagittarius seeks to gain insight and make connections between disparate things that gets them closer to seeing the big picture. Accordingly, Sagittarians have a marked philosophical streak. Their leaning toward acquiring and disseminating higher knowledge draws them to academia, where they find their calling as professors and deans.
Sagittarius tends to be guided by a strong belief system, whether it is acquired through organized religion, or developed independently. It may tend to go overboard with communicating this belief in words and action, and can come across as extremely opinionated in matters big and small.
In contrast to the rational, mental symbol of the archer is the animal symbolism of the centaur. The horse held of the centaur suggests a very physical or elemental manifestation that shows up in Sagittarius as tendency to be somewhat wild, and hard to tame. Sagittarius values independence, and has a great desire to be be free of restraints. It loathes being fettered or held down.
This combination of freedom and wildness might result in a tendency to play fast and loose with rules and facts. Sagittarians don’t take kindly to excessive protocol, and overly prescribed behavior. They tend to overstep the boundaries of propriety, and take social liberties that would be frowned upon by the more conservative types like Libra and Capricorn.
Sagittarius will often shoot from the hip, relying on instinct and intuition to move forward, rather than be bogged down by process and procedure.
Sagittarians don’t take themselves too seriously. Often, this results in clownish or goofy behavior, which can be very disarming. And there’s a certain aw shucks attitude combined with a hail fellow well met bonhomie that is very endearing.
On the other hand, what’s on their mind will make its way to their lips without filter – they are known for saying it like they see it. They are purveyors of the unvarnished truth, adept at calling out the elephant in the room, clearing the air so everyone can move on.
Like the horse half of the centaur, Sagittarians are very restless, and love to keep moving. They are the ultimate travelers, and gypsy-like in their constant movement, manifesting as wanderlust, or as a passion to mentally explore the world of disparate ideas and concepts, and connect all the dots.
Go big or go home is very much a Sagittarian life philosophy.
Sagittarians are gregarious and love to hang with the crowd. Being extremely warm and sociable, and being able to get down and dirty with practically anyone, they are great at making friends. Hope, optimism, and faith are central to a Sagittarian’s way of life.
Keywords for Sagittarius: Aiming High, Big Picture, Wanderer, Philosopher, Traveler, Untamed, Independent, Needs Freedom, Gregarious, Hopeful, Optimist, Lifelong Student, Truth-teller
Find out if any of the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, or Mars in your horoscope are in Sagittarius. If the Sun or Moon are in Sagittarius, understand which of the Sagittarius qualities described in this post most resonate with you–the Sun and Moon color the entire personality. If Mercury, Venus, or Mars are in Sagittarius, then you need to understand how certain Sagittarius qualities might find expression in the way you communicate (Mercury), relate (Venus), or assert yourself (Mars). The post on Fire Signs spells out more specifics for Mercury, Venus, and Mars expressions in the fire signs.
Following are the personality sketches of a few public figures who have the Sun in Sagittarius. See how Sagittarius qualities permeate their lives.
Sarah Silverman. Stand-up Comedian.
Performs satirical comedy addressing social taboos and controversial topics. Has said she is agnostic, “I have no religion”.. “I’m not afraid to say something if I thinks it’s funny, even if it’s harsh or racist”
Margaret Mead. Cultural Anthropologist.
Ph.D. Professor in a long academic career. Traveled and spent time with the people of Samoa and Papua New Guinea for her work. “intrepid, independent, plain spoken, fearless, she remains a model for the young and a teacher from whom all may learn.”
Annie Murphy. Actor.
Break out role in the TV comedy show Schitt’s Creek, in the character of the ditzy Alexis Rose which she wore like a second skin. She is said to be happy to play the butt of the joke, but is also capable of mixing it up with surprising depth. She spent much of her 20s on the road, going to China and Brazil. It was her first experience of travel, and it blew her mind. At one point it was suggested that she might be in a clinical depression. She denied it. “I so desperately didn’t want to be that person. I wanted to be the happy person I know I am and can be.”