SAGITTARIUS ~ THE ARCHER 22nd. November ~ 21st. December

Sagittarius is the ninth sign of the zodiac and is symbolised by the Archer, with its glyph a stylised arrow. The ancient Greeks and Romans first brought in mention of the centaur - the mythological half-man and half-horse with which this sign is also, and perhaps more often, associated nowadays. Obviously you don't find many centaurs around now. Thus when analysing the Sagittarian nature it helps to consider two factors. First, this sign’s ruler is Jupiter, the largest planet. Second, Sagittarius rules the ninth house. So let’s think about Jupiter, that most fortunate planet of all - linked with abundance, good fortune, luck, expansion, success and growth. All the planets have their downside and in Jupiter’s case this mainly involves the word ‘over’! Over-optimism, overindulgence, overeating, overspending and overlooking details are some pitfalls. Now let’s translate this to Sagittarius, a fire sign. Sagittarians are optimistic, exuberant, outgoing, lively, enthusiastic, good-humoured, generous and jovial. They are curious, creative, idealistic, fun, positive, friendly and hospitable. Their faults are carelessness, clumsiness, extravagance, irresponsibility, impulsiveness, impatience, exaggeration, sloppiness and untidiness. They are gamblers in the broadest sense, fortunately they often win! Sagittarians like everything to be big and grand and despise meanness and pettiness. Jupiter is after all the largest planet. They take enormous risks and somehow get away with them - helped in no small measure by their supremely confident perspective and refusal to contemplate failure. Life sometimes gets them down, but they consider the broad picture and paint with large strokes on a giant canvas. Details are simply not their concern. At times accused of insensitivity, Sagittarians do occasionally need certain issues clarified. They also have a reputation for bluntness and tactlessness - spades are not termed gardening implements in Sagittarian circles and this can offend more sensitive signs. Nonetheless their honesty, sincerity and straightforwardness shines through. And what about this sign’s rulership of the ninth house - which governs long-distance travel, further and higher education, our religious and philosophical beliefs and has strong links with individual freedom? Well, Sagittarians usually love to travel. If they don’t actually do so in a physical sense, they will broaden their horizons through formal or informal education, particularly that of a further, higher or non-compulsory variety. Generally speaking they like to meet with those from other parts of the world, from different age groups, cultures and walks of life - displaying tolerance and understanding for their fellow humans. They are also fond of the great outdoors, often sports too and love metaphorically firing off their arrows and then galloping headlong after them. In addition, Sagittarians do have a deeper side. They can be philosophical and profound, possessing their own belief system by which they run their lives. As they get older they tend to identify increasingly with mainstream opinion and should guard against dogmatism. As sport becomes a visual activity, they might also gain weight. In all relationships Sagittarians require a lot of freedom. Homemaking is probably not their favourite activity, marriage often a temporary experience. As a mutable sign they are easily bored - they like journeys, arriving means the fun is over! Relationships viewed from this standpoint are more likely to endure. Finally at Christmas time, think of Santa Claus. Rushing around the world - delivering presents to so many people everywhere all in one night. A ruddy complexion, a fair amount of mulled wine, portly - yet active - bursting with good humour, generosity and good cheer. And a confirmed bachelor too. Sagittarius, my dear, Sagittarius… © Paul Wade 1999

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