The Astrological Symbol of Sagittarius is the Archer. The Archer is a Centaur, half man and half horse, and it is the only Sign of the Zodiac that is half man and half beast. Centaurs were the great scholars and intellectuals of Greek and Roman myth, but they could also be hotheaded and aggressive. This tradition is maintained in Sagittarians. They are not fixed or opinionated, and they have no set plan or bias but seek to learn things as they come. In this way, Sagittarius exemplifies the Mutable Quality assigned to it. They desire the freedom to do what they want, when they want, and tend to be impulsive and independent. Within the Zodiac, Sagittarius is opposite Gemini, the Sign of Communication. While Gemini likes to learn a little bit about many subjects, Sagittarius tends to be about deeper and more focused learning. They are versatile and progressive, but at times they can be impatient and pushy if things aren't getting done in the way they want.

Sagittarius is ruled by the Planet Jupiter. In ancient Roman mythology, Jupiter (and his Greek equivalent, Zeus) was the King of the Gods. Jupiter represents expansion in all its forms, including the mental outreach so prominent in Sagittarians, but it also may invite excess. It is the Planet of Luck, and many people born under Sagittarius do experience good luck. Jupiter rules both Sagittarius and Pisces; Sagittarius is the masculine, or day, aspect of Jupiter and Pisces is the feminine, or night. Both Signs are about thought and outreach, but while Pisces focuses on the higher ideal of a perfect world Sagittarius is more interested in mental exploration as teachers and philosophers. At times they can procrastinate or seem self-indulgent, but they are trustworthy and charming, adaptable to all situations. While they can appear to be extravagant and flashy, they are generally good-humored and generous.

The Element associated with Sagittarius is Fire. Fire Signs are physical: they tend to respond to the world through action, rather than practicality, intellect, or emotion. While they are about action and getting things started, they are not in a hurry like Aries can be. They want to experience life, rather than read about it, and they are outgoing and friendly. Sagittarians are broad-minded and enthusiastic, but they may sometimes seem to have foot-in-mouth disease as they may talk too much or speak before thinking. They are eager and inspirational, experts at getting things started, but they can also seem irresponsible or tactless if they jump in too quickly. They are not pioneers in the sense that Aries is, but they are explorers and interested in mental outreach. Their innate optimism and belief in straightforward dealings with other people can sometimes make them careless or impulsive. Many Sagittarians enjoy travel and spiritual study, and they have daring and adventurous spirits.

Sagittarians love to have a good time, and they are outgoing and friendly. Many are natural comedians, sometimes exaggerating their adventures to entertain people. Their innate confidence in themselves may make them argumentative or blunt, but they want to learn, not offend. They are high-spirited and enthusiastic, often flirtatious, and tend to enjoy social life immensely.

In their leisure time, Sagittarius' athleticism comes to the forefront. Personal challenge is always appreciated, and they tend to prefer solitary or one-on-one sports that stretch them to the limit, such as skydiving and big game fishing. They tend to be lucky, and may enjoy gambling. Their philosophical side makes them enjoy drama and debate, as well as most other mentally challenging pursuits. In love relationships, Sagittarius is flirtatious and playful.

Sagittarius rules the hips and thighs. People born under Sagittarius may be more susceptible to hip troubles and leg pain than people of other Signs. Sagittarius's colors are the rich hues of maroon and navy.

The great strength of the Sagittarius-born is in their philosophical and exploratory nature. It is important to them that they live life to the fullest, experiencing everything they can. Their great love of knowledge and exploration makes them one of the most learned characters of the Zodiac.