Sagittarius [22 November – 21 December] | star sign, horoscope, astrology and zodiac facts

August 14, 2018

Sagittarius is the ninth astrological sign of the zodiac spanning 22 November – 21 December. It’s also a fire sign – the others being Leo and Aries. Sagittarius’ symbol is the centaur archer.

The colours associated with Sagittarius are blues. Its celestial body is Jupiter. Sagittarius is associated with the mutable quality; that of the future and optimism and change and the unexpected.

Dates: November 22 – December 21
Symbol: The centaur archer
Element: Fire
Colour: Blue
Day: Thursday
Celestial: Jupiter
Quality: Mutable
Most compatible: Gemini, Aries
Birthstones: Sapphire, amethyst, ruby, turquoise, Topaz
Scent: Cherry blossom, green tea and orchid

Traits of a Sagittarius

Strengths: Witty, humorous, generous, idealistic, ambitious, energetic, open-minded

Weaknesses: Impatient, will speak their mind regardless, can over aim

A Sagittarius is known for their energy, curiosity and open-mindedness. They are travelers, loving the sense of exploration and discovering new places, new things and new ideas. They are wanderers, motivated to search for the meaning behind things.

Those born under the Sagittarius zodiac are usually extroverts with an innate sense of freedom, embracing change with their optimism and enthusiasm and not stopping until they have achieved their goals. Being a fire sign, those under the Sagittarius constellation love to be in touch with the world, exploring the physical.

Saggitarians get their energy and enthusiasm from Jupiter, their ruling planet, as do they their curiosity. They’re often imbued with a good sense of humor too, which can make them fun to be around but sometimes hard to keep up with!

Because of their honesty and enthusiasm sometimes Sagittarians can be a little un-diplmoatic with their words, speaking their mind even if it may cause unrest. As a Sagittarius it’s important to try to express yourself considerately and remember, though your aim is focused and your bow strings taut with energy, not everyone else’s is all the time!

Sagittarius zodiac constellation in the night sky

The Sagittarius Constellation

Sagittarius lies with Scorpius to the west and Capricornus to the east. The constellation aims its arrow at the heart of Scorpius, as the two constellations chase each other around the sky.

In the northern hemisphere, Sagittarius’ brighter stars form an easily asterism known as 'the Teapot', the milky way passing by its westernmost part is said to look like the steam coming out of its spout.

The constellation has many bright stars including Gamma2 Sagittarii, also called ‘’Alnasl’’ -the Arabic word for "arrowhead" and Delta Sagittarii, or ‘’Kaus Media’’ - the "center of the bow’’.

As the Milky Way is densest near the Sagittarius the constellation contains a multitude of star clusters and nebulae including the Lagoon Nebula, Omega Nebula, Horseshoe Nebula and Trifid Nebula.

As Sagittarius is a summer constellation is can be seen above the southern horizon from June to August and early September.

Sagittarius in History and Mythology

In Ancient Greek mythology, Sagittarius is usually identified as a centaur: half human, half horse. However, the centaur’s identity isn’t completely agreed upon. Some believe it to be Chiron who is said to have polymorphed into a horse to escape his jealous wife Rhea. An alternative story says that Chiron made the Sagittarius and Centaurus constellations to help guide Jason and his Argonauts on their voyage to find the golden fleece (some identify Chiron as the centaur in the Centaurus constellation).

Another story recounts that Chiron was accidentall shot by Hercules by an arrow dipped in the poison of the Hydra. Being an immortal Chiron couldn’t end the suffering through death, so offered himself as a substitude for Prometheus who the gods had punished for giving fire to mankind by tying him to a rock where his liver was eaten each day by an eagle. In recognition of his kindness, Zeus places Chiron in the stars.

An alternate mythological tradition adopted by the Greek scholar Eratosthenes identifies the Archer as the satyr Crotus, son of Pan, the inventor of archery.Crotus hunted on horseback and lived among the Muses, who requested that Zeus place him in the sky, displaying his archery prowess.

The arrow in the Sagittarius constellation aims at the star Antares, the "heart of the scorpion", and Sagittarius stands poised to attack should Scorpius ever attack the nearby Hercules, or to avenge Orion who the scorpion is said to have killed.

The Ancient Babylonians saw Sagittarius as the god Nergal, another centaur-like creature firing an arrow from a bow. Nergal is generally depicted with wings, two heads ( a panther’s and a human’s), a scorpion's sting and a horse's tail.