Characteristics of Sagittarius

Characteristics of Sagittarius: The Archer

Seekers of wisdom and truth, and ready to party at a moment's notice; that's Sagittarius. People born to this sign tend to be the happy-go-lucky types that know how to have a good time, and they love to take their friends along with them!

Sags are definitely adventurous, so they love to try new things and travel to new places. Growth is life to an Archer, and nothing is so damning as stagnation to these free spirits. Members of this sign will seldom turn down an opportunity, even if they're not sure they'll be happy with the outcome. If things don't work out, Sags generally move on and chalk the venture up as yet another experience.

Challenges: Tact and Romance

Archers tend to be incredibly honest. While this straightforwardness can be refreshing when couched in careful words, Sagittarians are not renowned for being diplomatic. In fact, this sign can be downright blunt, much to the chagrin of anyone on the receiving end.

Being social animals, Sagittarians quickly make new friends and easily fall into romantic relationships. However, Sags can be a bit too idealistic, and they tend to look for greener pastures as soon as trouble looms on the horizon. It's in the romantic arena where Archers morph into feckless Centaurs, enjoying the good times while they roll, but trotting off when things get too serious. Sags love their freedom, so travel plays a big role in their make up.

Archers have the best chance at love with:

• Fire signs: Aries, Leo and other Sagittarians
• Air signs: Gemini, Libra and Aquarius

Ruling Planet: Jupiter

As ruling planet, Jupiter has a strong effect on the characteristics of Sagittarius. This planet's energy concentrates on expansion in all things. This drives Sagittarius' burning desire to learn and seek the truth in all matters, especially philosophical ones.

Jupiter also fuels the Archer's love of luxury and extravagance, and this can sometimes lead this buoyant sign to party too much and overspend. But never fear, Sags use all that stored up wisdom to quickly recover their assets.

Finally, Jupiter endows Sags with a penchant for being lucky. It's this innate good fortune that carries this sign through the lean times as well as good.

Element: Fire

Fires signs are well known for being energetic and idealistic, and Sagittarius is no exception. Archers are natural born leaders who love to take charge of projects and fill leadership positions. However, as bright as Sags may shine as initiators, they do tend to become bored before their goals are accomplished. You might say they burn out quickly, so seeing things through to a conclusion can be a challenge, and especially so when new ventures beckon.

Quality: Mutable

Being a mutable sign, Archers are creatures who not only welcome change, they yearn for it and thrive on it. This contributes to their easy come, easy go attitudes. Archers are not about sweating the details!

Careers

This sign's high intelligence, killer sense of humor and love of education translates into a wide range of career opportunities.

Archers might choose to work:

• In the travel industry
• As traveling sales representatives
• As teachers
• As photographers
• As comedians/entertainers
• Writers

Archers are also risk takers, so you might find them working:

• As stock brokers
• Test pilots

Their philosophical bent sometimes leads them to become:

• Clergy
• College professors
• Motivational speakers

In fact, due to their mutable nature, Sags may enjoy multiple careers throughout their lives.

Health Issues

Sags take overindulgence to new highs, so they do need to be a bit vigilant about their health. Sugar and fats are definite no-no's, not that an Archer is going to ignore these goodies. Alcohol can also be problematic for Sagittarians, as they are prone to developing liver conditions.

Other Interesting Facts

• Sagittarius' true gemstone is turquoise, although topaz and blue zircon are also associated with this sign.
• The Archer's best color is purple. Oddly enough, purple is the color of royalty, and, as legend has it, Jupiter was the king of the Roman gods. Quite fitting for a sign so fond of luxury, don't you think?

Famous Sagittarians

If you happen to be a Sag yourself, you're in some rather good company.

Famous Archers include:

• Ben Stiller
• Brad Pitt
• Britney Spears
• Bette Midler
• Stephen Spielberg
• Tina Turner
• Keith Richards

Infamous Sags include:

• Gangster Lucky Luciano
• Convicted mass murderer Richard Speck
• Dictator Francisco Franco
• Manson family killer Charlie "Tex" Watson.